Among the Hidden Themes

Totalitarianism A political concept in which one party controls the government and every aspect of people’s lives. Often, in times of crisis, when a nation’s people are frightened, a government calls for totalitarianism.

“Everybody ought to be safe. And nobody should have to use bribes just to walk down the street or go to a mall or take a ride in a car…” (Haddix 87)

“‘Hundreds of children are hidden, mistreated, starved, neglected, abused, even murdered—for no reason. Forcing children into the shadows can be counted as genocide.’”(Haddix 93)

“In Luke’s country the Government began rationing food, only allowing people to eat 1,500 calories a day.” (Haddix 92)

Examples: The Population Law has outlawed third children. The government has outlawed guns, junk food, and pets. The government tells Mr. Garner that he cannot grow plants inside. He must surrender all of his materials to the government without being repaid. Population Police shot 40 children on the steps of the president’s house and covered it up. The government keeps poor people working on the edge of survival, while rich Barons are able to enjoy special privileges. General Sherwood (dictator) said, ‘See how much control I have over my people’s lives’ when he created the Pop. Law.

Loneliness The state of being without company or being cut off from others.

“He’d be like that skeleton, and now that he wasn’t allowed in rooms with uncovered windows, he’d be a skeleton in the dark.” (Haddix 15)

“He wanted to say, ‘Who would take care of me? Who will I talk to all day when everyone else is outside?’” (Haddix 29)

“I deserve to be locked away in the attic forever.” (Haddix 37)

“Why didn’t they just lock him in one of the trunks in the attic and be done with it?” (Haddix 43)

“I would die without someone to talk to.” (Haddix 86)

Examples: Luke is forced to hide inside by himself when the woods come down. Because of suspicious construction workers, Luke is forced to eat all of his meals on the bottom step. When Luke’s mom is forced to go to work, he has no one to communicate with. After Jen is killed, Luke feels alone, as his only friend is dead.

Freedom/Free Will Liberation from the control of another

“He laid down his hoe gently and savored his one last moment of feeling warm soil beneath his feet.” (Haddix 1)

“‘Are the shades closed?’” (Haddix 21) Luke has the freedom to walk around when the shades are closed.

“For the first time in six months, he could step out into the kitchen and not worry about being seen.” (Haddix 36)

“If there was a third child in the Sports Family, would he understand? Did he feel the way Luke did?” (Haddix 44) It is freeing for Luke to think that someone is like him.

“No more hiding, no more pretending—just being free.” (Haddix 84)

“ ‘Don’t you ever feel like saying, ‘I can’t take this anymore’?’” she asked… “‘Don’t you ever want to just walk out into the sunshine and say, ‘Forget hiding! I don’t care!’?” (Haddix 98)

Examples: Luke’s two brothers have the freedom to go outside because they are not third children. When Luke musters up the courage to leave the attic, is free to make bread and clean the house. Luke leaves his house for the first time to run over to Jen’s house. Jen holds a rally to fight for 3 rd children’s freedom. Luke becomes Lee Grant and starts a new life.

Conformity Action that follows along with some specified standard or authority

“But they can trace you through the computer, and then they’d find me, too.” (Haddix 87)

“Luke felt pangs of guilt now. Perhaps someone was starving someplace because of him.” (Haddix 93)

Examples: Luke’s dad says, “You can’t tell the government no.” When the government tells the Garners that they have to give up their hogs, they do, without thinking. Luke’s parents tell him not to touch the computer or go near the TV because the government can track him. After reading government propaganda, Luke believes that he shouldn’t exist.

Rebellion Defiance of or resistance to an authority figure or established government

“They had defied the government once, with Luke.” (Haddix 2)

“Luke watched through the vent of the house as dad drove by…” (Haddix 27)

“He knew not to look out as far as the window, but he did anyway.” (Haddix 36)

After looking out the vent, “…he lost balance and almost fell backwards off the trunk.” (Haddix 42)

“Sean’s even got a brother, Pat, who’s a fourth child.” (Haddix 86)

“‘WE AREN’T FAKES! WE SHOULDN’T HAVE TO HIDE!’” (Haddix 97)

Examples: Luke’s parents have a third child, even though they know it may be illegal. Luke looks out the vent, even though he knows that he isn’t supposed to. Luke runs out of his house, and breaks into Jen’s. Jen’s family takes her shopping with a forged shopping pass. Barons have third children and pets on purpose. Jen organizes a rally to rebel against the government. Luke accepts a fake ID from Mr. Talbot.