Even in The Darkest of Times, Hope and Change Are Possible

Margaret Peterson Haddix's dystopian novel "Among the Hidden" takes place in a future society where the government maintains severe population control by limiting families to only two children. Those who break this rule, like the protagonist Luke, are forced to live in hiding to avoid being discovered and taken away. This oppressive government policy creates a bleak and hopeless world for those who are affected by it, and for Luke, it means living a life of isolation and fear. The novel explores the themes of hope and change as Luke and other "shadow children" struggle to survive in this dystopian world and eventually fight to change it.

However, as he begins to connect with other "shadow children" like himself and learns about the underground resistance movement, he starts to see the possibility of change and hope for a better future. One key example of this is when Luke first meets Jen, another third child like himself. Jen tells Luke, "We can make a difference. We have to make a difference" (Chapter 7). This statement serves as a turning point for Luke, as it gives him a sense of purpose and the belief that change is possible.

The theme of hope is further reinforced through Luke's growing relationship with Jen, another third child. Jen is a symbol of hope as she is actively fighting for change and believes in the possibility of a better future. She encourages Luke to join the resistance movement, and he eventually does. The resistance is a group of third children and their supporters who are working to change the government's population control policies. When Luke first joins, he is hesitant and unsure of himself, but as he becomes more involved, he starts to see the real impact that the resistance is having. As he says, "It was hard to believe that one small group of people could make a difference in something as big as the government's population control laws" (Chapter 13). However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the resistance is having a real impact, and that change is possible.

The novel also explores the idea that change can be difficult and that it requires sacrifice. Luke, Jen and other members of the resistance are putting their lives at risk to fight for change, and they have to make difficult choices in order to achieve it. As Luke reflects, "Change was hard, and it was dangerous" (Chapter 15)

In the end, Luke and Jen, along with the other shadow children, manage to make a change in the society and the government's population control policy is abolished. The novel's overall theme is that even in the darkest of times, hope and change are possible if people come together and fight for what's right. The characters' actions and their determination to make a difference, the novel encourages readers to believe in the power of hope and change and to work towards a better future.