Among The Hidden: Themes of Government Control, Rebellion, and Family

"The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion."-Albert Camus

Introduction:

In the future society depicted in Margaret Peterson Haddix's book "Among the Hidden," bearing more than two children is forbidden due to population control measures. The protagonist, Luke, is a "third child" who has been hidden his entire life and is not allowed to attend school or leave his house. The novel deals with the themes of government control, rebellion, and family. The story follows Luke as he starts to question the laws that have been put in place and starts to fight against them, and as he begins to form a resistance movement with other "shadow children" like himself. He also struggles with the isolation of being hidden and the longing for connection with others.

Main Themes:

The theme of government control is present throughout the novel as Luke begins to question the laws that have been put in place. He starts to realize that the government's actions are unjust and that he has been denied basic rights and freedoms. The government's control over citizens is also demonstrated through the way they monitor people's lives and punish those who break the rules. The government's complete control over the population is a constant reminder of the lack of personal freedom and the dangers of an overbearing government. Luke expresses that "It wasn't fair that he had to hide all the time. It wasn't fair that he couldn't go to school or have friends or be like normal people."

The theme of rebellion is an important aspect of the story, as it highlights the dangers of an overbearing government and the importance of standing up for what is right. The novel encourages the reader to question the role of government in society, and the consequences of giving too much power to those in authority. It also emphasizes the importance of community, and how working together can bring about change. Luke believes that "But there had to be a way to change things. There had to be a way to make people understand."

The theme of family is an important aspect of the story, as it highlights the importance of family and connection to others, even in difficult and oppressive circumstances. The novel explores the different forms of family, such as blood-related family, and chosen family and how they can provide support and a sense of belonging. It also shows the sacrifices and the emotional toll that comes with trying to protect and provide for a family in an unjust society. Luke expresses that "He wanted to be part of a family again. He wanted to be part of something bigger than himself."

Conclusion:

In "Among the Hidden" Margaret Peterson Haddix explores several themes, including government control, rebellion, and family. The story provides a thought-provoking look at the dangers of an overbearing government and the importance of personal freedom, the power of community and resistance and the importance of family and connection. It encourages readers to question their own beliefs and the role of government in society, and the impact that it has on individuals and families. The novel uses powerful quotes to emphasize the importance of these themes and to drive the story forward. The thoughts and feelings of the protagonist, Luke, are used to illustrate these themes throughout the book.