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Study Guide
Legend Power
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Power
"Come on, Captain," he says. "June—ah—Ms. Iparis won't learn a thing if you keep praising her for breaking the rules." (1.2.48)
Instead of encouraging critical thinking and a healthy questioning of authority, Thomas is afraid of any kind of dissent. He does not approve of June breaking the rules of the Republic.
"Commander Jameson has requested that you come with me to the hospital as soon as possible." Thomas hesitates for a second. "It's more of an order than a request." (1.4.21)
Even when her brother has died, June is not spared a moment to herself. She doesn't get to grieve in peace or say that she wants to stay home—nope, she has to follow the directions from her superiors.
When I look closer, I realize that he's drawing soldiers breaking into our home. He's drawing them with a bloodred crayon. (1.5.5)
Kids like Eden grow up knowing that soldiers—and other people who work for the Republic—hold all the power. They can come in and take your family and your possessions at any time, so you're never safe.
She looks at me. Her eyes are ice-cold. "I told him that our airships will target his hometown next." (1.10.11)
Commander Jameson uses her power to intimidate and bully people into complying. She doesn't care about people's families or their lives—she just wants to get an end result.
You just murdered someone. I can't bring myself to look at Thomas. Can't bring myself to ask him how he can bear to follow orders so blindly. (1.22.10)
Thomas seems to revel in his power—he's more energized than anything after he kills someone for the Republic. What do you think he likes most about power?
Commander Jameson had simply waved a dismissive hand when I asked her. "For once, Iparis," she'd said, "do what you're told and don't question it." Then she added something about a surprise, the unexpected appearance of someone I care very much about. (2.2.6)
June is not encouraged to use her brilliant mind to make suggestions or speak her own ideas. Instead Commander Jameson wants her to stay quiet and follow directions.
No way will the military let this slide. They'll seal off the poor sectors entirely and arrest every last rioter in the square.
Or they'll kill them. (2.5.23-24)
The worst thing about riots is that both Day and June know what is coming to the people who dissent. The government won't allow them to do so peacefully, and instead it will shut them down with violence and force.
The plague has gotten its claws around all of us, in one way or another. The plague murdered my parents. The plague infected Day's brother. It killed Metias for uncovering the truth of it all. It took from me the people I love. And behind the plague is the Republic itself. (2.10.100)
The Republic has such an overreaching hold on everyone who lives there—in a bad way. It's been the driving force behind all of the pain that June and Day have experienced, and is the reason why they didn't grow up in happy families.
"Day might be a popular figure out here on the streets, but he's still one guy. What's in it for us? Just the joy of getting him on board? The Patriots aren't going to risk a dozen lives just to free a single criminal. It's inefficient." (2.12.53)
The Patriots may be willing to help June out, but only if she can prove what value they can bring to the table. After all, the Patriots need some degree of power in order to combat the behemoth that is the Republic.
The policeman pauses to consider John's offer. Then he looks up at my mother. "You, there," he calls out. "Fetch me what you have. And see if you can raise a better brat." (2.13.17)
Corruption is rife in the Republic, and police and soldiers are allowed to do whatever they want. Instead of acting as an enforcer of the law, the policeman here steals from the poor and takes what little they have.