Legend (Legend #1)
Chapter 4: Part One: June 2
by Marie, Lu,The chapter opens with a nostalgic flashback where June, the narrator, recalls a childhood memory of her brother Metias missing his military induction ceremony to care for her while she was sick. Despite her protests, Metias stays by her side, showcasing their close bond. The scene highlights the oppressive atmosphere of the Republic, with loudspeakers blaring propaganda and Metias’s unwavering loyalty to the regime. Their tender sibling dynamic is underscored by playful banter and June’s admiration for her brother, who reassures her he will never leave her.
Years later, the narrative shifts to the present, where June, now a disciplined trainee, is abruptly informed by Thomas, a fellow soldier, that Metias has been killed. The news leaves June numb, her world collapsing into silence as she mechanically follows Thomas to a waiting jeep. Her internal monologue repeats the thought that Metias should have taken her with him, reflecting her grief and disbelief. The description of the dystopian city—power outages, propaganda screens, and militarized streets—paints a grim backdrop to her personal tragedy.
As they drive through the darkened city, June observes the stark contrasts of their society: impoverished workers, vigilant soldiers, and the ever-present threat of rebel attacks. The journey to the hospital tower, where Metias’s body lies, is marked by tension and unease. June’s sharp analytical skills surface when she deduces that the killer escaped, noting details like the broken window and lack of ambulances. Her detachment contrasts with Thomas’s hesitant concern, emphasizing her struggle to process the loss.
The chapter closes with June’s arrival at the hospital, surrounded by military personnel and chaos. Her focus on the crime scene details—such as the height of the jump and the failed pursuit—hints at her determination to uncover the truth. The emotional weight of Metias’s death lingers, setting the stage for June’s impending quest for justice in a world where loyalty and survival are constantly at odds.
FAQs
1. How does the opening flashback scene establish the relationship between June and Metias?
Answer:
The flashback reveals a deeply caring and protective sibling dynamic. Despite his military induction ceremony, Metias prioritizes caring for his sick 7-year-old sister June, demonstrating his devotion through small acts like feeding her oranges and cooling her fever. Their playful banter about girlfriends and June’s anxious question (“You’re not going to leave me too?”) foreshadow later events while highlighting their emotional bond. Metias’s promise to stay “forever and ever” contrasts tragically with his eventual death, making the opening a poignant setup for their relationship’s significance (e.g., “Metias kissed me on my forehead” shows physical affection rare in their militarized world).2. Analyze how the author uses sensory details to create atmosphere during Thomas’s arrival. What mood does this evoke?
Answer:
The scene employs stark sensory contrasts to build tension: the “oil lamps” against building darkness, Ollie’s frantic barking versus the “silent” shock June later experiences, and the damp jeep smell of “rubber and metal and fresh sweat” that grounds the surreal moment in physicality. The distorted stairwell reflections (“I can’t make out my expression”) mirror June’s emotional dissociation. These details create a jarring, ominous mood, emphasizing the disconnect between routine (Thomas’s polished rifle grease) and life-altering news. The overcast sky and JumboTron warnings about bombings further amplify the dystopian unease surrounding Metias’s death.3. What does June’s immediate deduction about the crime scene reveal about her character and training?
Answer:
June instantly analyzes the hospital scene like a soldier: noting the broken window, absent ambulances, and active search parties to conclude the killer escaped after a high fall. This showcases her razor-sharp observational skills and tactical mindset, likely honed through military training (“dressed in my training uniform”). Her coldly logical response—contrasted with Thomas’s hesitancy—hints at her ability to compartmentalize trauma, though her repeated thought “Metias should have taken me with him” reveals survivor’s guilt. The detail about Batalla’s lights staying on despite citywide outages also reflects her ingrained awareness of military privilege.4. How does the chapter juxtapose the Republic’s authoritarianism with intimate human moments?
Answer:
The national pledge broadcast and Metias’s automatic salute to the Elector’s 11th term underscore the Republic’s oppressive control, yet the siblings’ private interactions subvert this. Metias jokes about hacking databases (defying surveillance) and prioritizes June over Commander Jameson’s ceremony. Later, Thomas’s awkward formality (“Ms. Iparis”) clashes with his compassionate hug, showing how institutional roles strain personal connections. Even small rebellions—June sneaking to the track, Ollie’s unrestrained barking—contrast with the silent, goggled soldiers, suggesting humanity persists despite the regime’s dehumanizing structures.5. Why might the author have chosen to reveal Metias’s death through Thomas’s perspective rather than showing it directly?
Answer:
Using Thomas as the messenger intensifies the emotional impact through June’s dissociation (“the world around me goes silent”), forcing readers to experience her shock subjectively. His nervous demeanor (grease streak, hesitant glances) makes the news feel more visceral than a detached action scene. This also preserves mystery around the killer’s identity and motives, building suspense. Additionally, Thomas’s role as a fellow soldier—not a family member—highlights how the Republic’s bureaucracy mediates even personal tragedies, as seen when Commander Jameson orders June’s escort rather than calling directly.
Quotes
1. “‘Forever and ever, kid, until you’re sick and tired of seeing me.’”
This tender moment between June and her brother Metias captures their deep bond and his promise to always be there for her—a promise tragically cut short by his death. It underscores the theme of familial love and loss that permeates the chapter.
2. “‘Metias has been killed.’ That’s when the world around me goes silent.”
This pivotal line marks the emotional climax of the chapter, where June’s world shatters upon learning of her brother’s death. The stark simplicity of the announcement contrasts with its devastating impact, emphasizing the abruptness of grief.
3. “Metias should have taken me with him. […] I run this thought over and over again in my head.”
June’s recurring thought reveals her guilt and helplessness after Metias’s death, showcasing her struggle to process the loss. The repetition mirrors her trauma and foreshadows her future actions driven by this unresolved pain.
4. “‘Whoever it was survived a two-and-a-half-story jump and still had enough strength to escape.’”
June’s sharp observational skills shine here, hinting at her military-trained mind even in grief. This quote also introduces the mystery of her brother’s killer, setting up the central conflict of the story.