Nature of The Government: Literary Devices in Among The Hidden

Introduction:

Margaret Peterson Haddix's "Among the Hidden" is a narrative about a society that limits families to only two children, and the trials of a "third child" named Luke, who must live in secret to prevent being discovered and executed by the government. The story uses various literary devices, including foreshadowing, symbolism, irony, suspense, personification, and imagery, to create a sense of tension, anticipation and to convey the oppressive nature of the government and the sacrifices individuals make for freedom.

Foreshadowing:

Hints are dropped throughout the story about events that will happen later on, creating a sense of anticipation and tension. One example of foreshadowing is when Luke first sees Jen, the daughter of the family who lives on the farm next to his. Jen is revealed to be the first "third child" that Luke has ever seen, and she is also the first person with whom he can relate to. This foreshadows the importance of Jen's character to the story, and the eventual friendship and alliance that will form between them.

Another example of foreshadowing is when Luke starts to notice the government's increased surveillance and control measures. This foreshadows the government's true intentions, and the eventual reveal that they are hunting for third children.

The use of foreshadowing builds suspense and keeps the reader engaged, as they are constantly trying to predict what will happen next. It also adds depth to the story by providing hints about the characters and their motivations, which ultimately adds to the reader's understanding and appreciation of the story.

Symbolism:

The protagonist's hidden life and the fact that he must remain hidden symbolizes the oppressive nature of the government in the story. The government's population control measures also symbolize the government's lack of concern for individual rights and their willingness to sacrifice the well-being of individuals for the supposed greater good of society.

The use of symbolism adds depth and meaning to the story. It allows the reader to see the story on a deeper level and understand the underlying themes of oppression and the sacrifices individuals make for freedom.

Irony:

The government's population control measures, which are meant to ensure the well-being of society, actually lead to the oppression and suffering of individuals like Luke. The government's justification for its population control measures, which is that there are too many people and not enough resources to go around, is also ironic, as it is revealed that the government is actually hoarding resources for themselves and their elite, while the rest of the population struggles to survive.

The use of irony a layer of complexity to the story, highlighting the gap between the government's rhetoric and the reality of its actions. The irony also serves to create a sense of injustice and moral outrage in the reader, adding to the story's overall impact.

Suspense:

The story is filled with moments of uncertainty and danger, which keeps the reader engaged and guessing what will happen next. One example is when Luke first meets Jen, the other "third child" living in hiding, Luke's fear of discovery is heightened as he is unsure of Jen's intentions, and whether she will turn him in to the government.

Another example of suspense is when Luke and Jen start to uncover the truth about the government's population control measures and the fate of "third children." This creates a sense of uncertainty as the reader is unsure of how the story will end and if Luke and Jen will be able to survive and make a change.

The use of suspense keeps the reader engaged and invested in the story. It also serves to heighten the emotional impact of the story as the reader is on edge waiting for the outcome of the characters' actions and decisions.

Personification:

One example of personification in the book is when the government is portrayed as a "monster" that is hunting for "third children." This gives the government a sense of agency, making it appear as if it is actively seeking out and targeting individuals like Luke. This also creates a sense of fear and danger, as the government is personified as a powerful and dangerous entity.

Another example of personification is when the government is described as having "eyes and ears everywhere" This implies that the government is aware of everything that is happening, and that it is constantly watching and monitoring the population. This creates a sense of paranoia and mistrust, as the government is personified as an all-seeing and all-knowing entity.

The use of personification in "Among the Hidden" serves to make the government more relatable to readers and also to create a sense of danger and mistrust towards it. It also highlights the oppressive nature of the government, as it is portrayed as an entity that is actively seeking to control and harm individuals.

Imagery:

The author uses vivid descriptions of the setting and characters to help the reader visualize the story. One example of imagery in the book is when the author describes Luke's small room where he spends most of his time, "Luke had always hated the tiny room under the eaves. It was cramped and stuffy, with slanting walls that made it hard to move around." This description creates a sense of confinement and discomfort, which reflects Luke's feelings of being trapped and claustrophobic.

Another example of imagery is when the author describes the farm where Jen lives, "Jen led him through the fields, where the tall corn rustled against their legs and the hot sun beat down on their heads." This description creates a sense of warmth and openness, which contrasts with Luke's cramped and stuffy room. This imagery also serves to create a sense of contrast between Luke's and Jen's life and also it helps to establish the setting of the story.

The use of imagery serves to create a vivid and detailed picture of the setting and characters, which helps to immerse the reader in the story. It also serves to create a sense of atmosphere and emotions, which helps to enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of the story.

Conclusion:

"Among the Hidden" by Margaret Peterson Haddix is a story that uses various literary devices to create a sense of tension, anticipation and to convey the oppressive nature of the government and the sacrifices individuals make for freedom. Through the use of foreshadowing, symbolism, irony, suspense, personification, and imagery, the story paints a vivid picture of the setting and characters, immersing the reader in the story and helping them understand and appreciate the underlying themes of oppression and freedom. The government's actions and intentions are portrayed in a powerful and nuanced way, leaving the reader with a sense of injustice and moral outrage towards it. Overall, the literary devices used in "Among the Hidden" help to make the story more impactful and memorable.