Theme of Rebellion and Resistance in "Among The Hidden"

A dystopian society with draconian population control regulations that only permit two children per family is the setting of Margaret Peterson Haddix's book "Among the Hidden" in 1998. The theme of rebellion and resistance is central to the story as the protagonist, Luke, struggles to find a sense of identity and purpose in a world where his very existence is illegal. The concept of a "shadow child" refers to a third or subsequent child born in a family, which is illegal under the population control policy implemented by the government. These children must live their entire lives in hiding, never attending school or leaving their homes, in order to avoid detection by the government. They are not registered at birth and do not have official identities, making them essentially invisible to society.

The existence of shadow children highlights the oppressive nature of the government's population control policy and the harsh realities of living in a society where one's very existence is considered a crime. It also serves to highlight the human cost of such policies and the devastating impact they can have on individuals and families.

Luke's struggle to come to terms with his identity as a "shadow child" is the first example of rebellion and resistance in the novel. He is forced to live a life of isolation and secrecy, constantly in fear of being discovered and punished. This sense of isolation and oppression leads Luke to question the government's authority and to begin to resist the restrictions placed on him.

As Luke begins to learn more about the world outside of his hidden life, he discovers a group of other "shadow children" who are also living in hiding. This group, led by a charismatic figure named Jen, serves as a symbol of resistance and rebellion against the oppressive government. They meet in secret, sharing information and resources, and even plot to overthrow the government. In the novel, Luke says "I'm not just Luke anymore. I'm Luke, third child. I'm one of the hidden. And that means something" This quote illustrates his realization and acceptance of being a shadow child and also his desire to be more than just a hidden child.

The shadow children in the novel also serve as a symbol of resistance and rebellion against the government's control. They are forced to live in secrecy and isolation, but they are also able to come together and form a community. They share information and resources, and even plot to overthrow the government.

Throughout the novel, Luke becomes increasingly involved in this resistance movement and begins to take more active steps to fight against the government's control. He starts to question the morality of the population control policy and becomes more vocal in his opposition. He also starts to take risks, such as moving around in the public and even joining the underground movement. In the end, Luke and his friends are successful in their efforts to overthrow the government and the population control policy is abolished. This victory serves as a triumph of the human spirit and a reminder of the power of resistance and rebellion in the face of oppression.

In addition to Luke's personal journey, the novel also explores the broader theme of rebellion and resistance through the portrayal of the government's response to the shadow children. The government employs a variety of tactics to maintain control and suppress resistance, such as propaganda and surveillance. This serves to highlight the lengths that those in power will go to maintain control and the importance of standing up against such oppression. The shadow children in the novel are depicted as resilient and resourceful individuals who are determined to survive and make a difference in the world. They are a reminder that even in the face of oppression, people can find ways to resist and fight for their rights and freedom. This is depicted in the novel as Jen says "We're not just surviving, we're fighting back. We're going to win, Luke. I know it." This quote illustrates the determination and spirit of resistance of the shadow children.