Legend (Legend #1)
Chapter 37: Part Two: Day 8
by Marie, Lu,The chapter opens with the protagonist awaiting execution in a stark, heavily guarded cell, reflecting on the Republic’s brutal tradition of broadcasting prisoners’ final moments to a public square. The crowd revels in the spectacle of criminals breaking down or attempting futile escapes. Despite the opportunity to “entertain,” the protagonist remains still, consumed by dread and thoughts of his brother John, whom he hopes June—a privileged ally—might save. His emotions oscillate between fear and determination, as he resolves to fight until the end, even if June’s plans fail.
As time drags on, the protagonist observes the soldiers’ heightened vigilance, mocking their fear of him. He imagines the crowd outside, torn between pity, hatred, and morbid curiosity. The monotony of waiting becomes unbearable, and he begins to crave the execution as a reprieve from his grim surroundings. His thoughts linger on loved ones, especially Tess and John, whose fates haunt him. The tension escalates when June arrives in full military regalia, signaling the approaching execution time.
June’s arrival marks a pivotal moment. She formally offers the protagonist a final request, subtly mouthing “John” to prompt him. When he asks to see his brother, Commander Jameson reluctantly agrees. The reunion with John is brief and heart-wrenching; John, visibly weakened, urges the protagonist to face death with defiance. Their exchange underscores the injustice of their situation—John, innocent and kind, trapped in the same brutal system as his rebellious brother. The protagonist is left grappling with guilt and sorrow.
The chapter closes with the protagonist steeling himself for what comes next. June’s cryptic actions hint at a possible escape plan, but the stakes are perilously high. The protagonist’s resolve hardens as he prepares to confront his fate, whether through June’s intervention or his own defiance. The emotional weight of John’s words—“scare them all the way until the end”—echoes in his mind, reinforcing his determination to resist the Republic’s cruelty until his last breath.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Republic’s tradition of unchaining prisoners before execution, and how does Day react to this practice?
Answer:
The Republic unchains prisoners before execution to broadcast footage of them for public entertainment, hoping they’ll break down or attempt escape—actions that reinforce the state’s power through spectacle. Day, however, subverts expectations by refusing to perform; he remains seated, mentally preparing for his fate while mocking the soldiers’ wasted time. His reaction highlights his defiance and the psychological toll of the Republic’s dehumanizing rituals, as seen when he thinks, “I don’t feel like entertaining anyone” and sarcastically remarks, “Wasting a day of your life watching me sit in a cell.”2. Analyze June’s appearance and demeanor when she enters Day’s cell. What might her uniform and actions symbolize in this context?
Answer:
June’s formal uniform—luxurious epaulettes, a velvet cape, and polished boots—symbolizes her authority and the Republic’s opulent militarism. Her detached delivery of Day’s “final request” (asking about John) maintains her cover, but subtle cues like “burning” eyes and a mouthed name reveal her clandestine agenda. The contrast between her performative coldness (“Four forty-five P.M.”) and secret signals underscores the duality of her role: a loyal agent outwardly, a rebel inwardly. This mirrors the chapter’s tension between appearance and reality, as Day notes her “flawless” ponytail while searching for hidden meaning.3. How does the interaction between Day and John reveal their relationship dynamics and shared resilience?
Answer:
Their brief exchange showcases John’s protective older-brother role and Day’s vulnerability. John prioritizes Eden’s safety (“Is he alive?”) and urges Day to die defiantly (“Make them work for it”), emphasizing familial loyalty over fear. Day, meanwhile, feels guilt for John’s suffering (“Things shouldn’t be like this for John”) but draws strength from his brother’s advice, whispering, “Okay” like a “little brother.” Their dialogue, though sparse, reflects a bond forged in adversity, with John’s “crooked smile” and Day’s suppressed tears illustrating shared stoicism in the face of oppression.4. Evaluate the chapter’s portrayal of public spectacle as a tool of control. How does the crowd’s anticipated reaction reinforce the Republic’s power?
Answer:
The chapter critiques the Republic’s use of execution as propaganda: crowds gather for “morbid curiosity,” cheering or gasping at the violence, while reruns extend the spectacle’s reach. Day’s musings—imagining protesters, haters, and the “delight” of onlookers—reveal how the state manipulates public sentiment to legitimize violence. The soldiers’ gas masks and vests heighten the theatrics, framing Day as a dangerous outlier. This echoes real-world authoritarian tactics, where public executions serve as both entertainment and warning, as seen in the line, “The Republic will be happy that they’ve made an example out of another criminal.”5. What internal conflicts does Day grapple with while awaiting execution, and how do they shape his resolve?
Answer:
Day oscillates between hope (trusting June’s plan), dread (fearing for John), and existential fatigue (“I find myself looking forward to the execution”). His “shuddering breath” and self-doubt (“am I ready to follow through?”) humanize him, but he ultimately chooses defiance: “They’re going to have to fill me with bullets to get me to stay still.” This resolve is fueled by love (for John, Tess, Eden) and anger at the Republic’s cruelty. His emotional turmoil—balancing vulnerability (“I feel like a little brother”) with hardened determination—illustrates the psychological warfare inherent in state-sanctioned violence.
Quotes
1. “Before a publicized criminal goes off to face the firing squad, Batalla Hall broadcasts footage of them to all the JumboTrons in the square. They unchain you so you have the chance to do something entertaining.”
This quote highlights the Republic’s brutal spectacle of executions, where prisoners are paraded for public entertainment before their deaths. It underscores the dehumanizing nature of the regime and sets the tone for the protagonist’s impending execution.
2. “Even if June’s plans fail, even if I’m going to be isolated and friendless when I head out to the firing squad… I’m going to fight. They’re going to have to fill me with bullets to get me to stay still.”
This moment captures the protagonist’s defiant resolve in the face of death, showcasing his determination to resist the Republic’s oppression until the very end. It reflects his internal struggle between fear and courage.
3. “‘Make them work for it. Punch someone if you have to.’ John gives me a sad, crooked smile. ‘You’re a scary kid. So scare them. Okay? All the way until the end.’”
John’s words to his brother are both heartbreaking and empowering, emphasizing the theme of resistance and familial loyalty. This exchange humanizes the characters amid the brutality of their circumstances.
4. “For the first time in a long time, I feel like a little brother.”
This simple yet poignant line reveals the protagonist’s vulnerability and the emotional weight of his final moments with John. It underscores the personal stakes behind his political struggle.
5. “June stops some distance away from me and, as I struggle to my feet, she looks down at her watch. ‘Four forty-five P.M.,’ she says. She looks back up at me. I try to read her eyes, to see if I can guess what her plans are.”
This tense interaction encapsulates the uncertainty and high stakes of June’s potential betrayal or rescue. The protagonist’s attempt to decipher her intentions reflects the chapter’s central tension.