Legend (Legend #1)
Chapter 40: Part Two: June 9
by Marie, Lu,The chapter opens in Barstow, California, during the aftermath of Hurricane Evonia, where the Republic’s propaganda broadcasts dominate the news. Despite official reports of Day’s execution, whispers among the populace suggest he survived with the help of a Republic soldier. The protagonists, Day and June, navigate the storm-soaked streets, disguised and cautious, seeking refuge in a secluded rail yard. The oppressive atmosphere underscores the constant threat of capture, while June’s grief for her lost dog, Ollie, and memories of her brother, Metias, add emotional weight to their flight.
Day and June take shelter in an abandoned railway car, exhausted and soaked but relieved to find a dry space. Their banter reveals their strained yet intimate connection, with June admiring Day’s resilience despite his injuries. The conversation shifts to their next steps: Day insists on finding Tess, a young girl he cares for, before heading to the warfront to rescue his brother, Eden. June, though wary of the risks, refuses to let him go alone, emphasizing their need to stick together for safety and mutual support.
Their bond deepens as they share a tender moment, kissing and reflecting on their intertwined fates. Day questions why June would risk her life for him, but she dismisses his doubts, affirming their shared foolishness. The emotional intensity peaks as they discuss their contrasting backgrounds, imagining how their lives might have been different if their roles were reversed. Day explains the symbolism behind his name, representing hope and living one day at a time, which resonates with June’s own need for closure with her past.
As the storm rages outside, June and Day curl up together, finding solace in each other’s presence. June privately bids farewell to her brother, Metias, drawing strength from his memory while Day watches her with understanding. The chapter closes with them awaiting dawn, their future uncertain but their resolve strengthened by their connection. The rain and thunder mirror their turbulent journey, blending danger with fleeting moments of peace and intimacy.
FAQs
1. How does the setting of Barstow, California, contrast with inner Los Angeles, and why is this significant for Day and June?
Answer:
Barstow is depicted as a quieter, less policed railroad city with ramshackle buildings, which contrasts sharply with the heavily monitored metropolis of Los Angeles. This environment provides Day and June with a safer haven to hide from Republic forces, as the local police are less vigilant than those in the city. The chapter notes that Barstow is “overcrowded but not scrutinized,” making it easier for them to blend in. This setting is crucial because it allows them temporary respite to plan their next moves—finding Tess and Eden—without immediate threat of capture.2. Analyze the significance of the JumboTron announcements in this chapter. What do they reveal about the Republic’s priorities and the broader societal context?
Answer:
The JumboTron broadcasts highlight the Republic’s focus on control and propaganda. Key announcements include evacuation mandates, quarantine lifts, military victories, and the execution of Daniel Altan Wing (Day). These messages serve to assert authority, manipulate public perception, and suppress dissent. For instance, the false announcement of Day’s execution aims to quash rumors of his survival, while the hunt for Patriot rebels reinforces the Republic’s crackdown on opposition. The juxtaposition of these updates with the hurricane’s devastation underscores the government’s prioritization of power over civilian welfare.3. How does June’s decision to accompany Day to Vegas reflect her character development and relationship with him?
Answer:
June’s insistence on joining Day to find Tess demonstrates her loyalty and emotional growth. Initially a disciplined Republic soldier, she now prioritizes Day’s well-being over practicality, acknowledging his need for closure with Tess. Her willingness to risk capture in a military city like Vegas shows her commitment to their partnership. The chapter reveals her internal conflict—balancing logic with empathy—as she reassures Day, “You don’t have to talk me into it.” This decision marks a shift from her earlier rigid adherence to duty, emphasizing her deepening bond with Day and her rejection of the Republic’s values.4. Interpret the symbolism behind Day’s explanation of his street name. How does it connect to the novel’s themes of hope and resilience?
Answer:
Day’s name represents his philosophy of living “one day at a time,” embracing each 24-hour period as a chance for renewal. This reflects the novel’s themes of hope and resilience in oppressive circumstances. His statement—”You try to walk in the light”—symbolizes perseverance despite darkness, mirroring his defiance against the Republic. The name also contrasts with the dystopian setting, where survival is uncertain. By framing life in daily increments, Day rejects despair, embodying the idea that small, persistent acts of resistance can challenge systemic oppression.5. Evaluate the chapter’s portrayal of intimacy between Day and June. How does their physical and emotional connection serve as a counterpoint to the external chaos?
Answer:
Amid the hurricane and political turmoil, Day and June’s intimacy provides a sanctuary. Their kiss and shared vulnerability—discussing alternate lives, grieving lost loved ones—create a microcosm of safety. June’s observation that they feel like “the same person born into two different worlds” underscores their emotional alignment despite divergent backgrounds. This closeness contrasts with the external chaos, emphasizing human connection as a form of resistance. Their bond also humanizes them beyond their roles as fugitive and soldier, reinforcing the novel’s exploration of love as a transformative force in dystopia.
Quotes
1. “Already the whispers have started in the streets and dark alleys, rumors that Day has cheated death once again. And that a young Republic soldier helped him do it.”
This quote captures the mythic status of Day and June in the public consciousness, illustrating how their defiance against the Republic has become a symbol of hope—even as people fear openly acknowledging it. It sets the tone for their fugitive journey and the tension between truth and propaganda.
2. “He looks like an angel, if a broken one.”
June’s observation of Day reflects both his physical beauty and the emotional scars he carries. This moment underscores their deepening connection and the contrast between his outward appearance and inner turmoil, a recurring theme in their relationship.
3. “You’re brilliant… But you’re a fool to stay with someone like me.” / “Then we’re both fools.”
This exchange represents a pivotal emotional moment where Day and June acknowledge their dangerous bond. The dialogue captures their mutual self-sacrifice and the tension between logic and emotion that defines their partnership.
4. “Sometimes it feels like we’re the same person born into two different worlds.”
June’s reflection encapsulates the central theme of duality in the novel—how she and Day, despite coming from opposite social strata, share fundamental similarities. This quote marks a key realization about their interconnected fates.
5. “Each day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means everything’s possible again… You try to walk in the light.”
Day’s explanation of his name reveals his philosophy of survival and hope, which becomes a guiding principle for both characters. This quote represents the novel’s thematic emphasis on resilience and the possibility of redemption.