Metaphor for the Destruction of War
Day’s memory loss acts as a metaphor for the destruction of war. Although the new Republic regime wins the war and both Day and June escape with their lives, they escape permanently damaged: Day cannot remember important details about his past, specifically his relationship with June. Even when war ends, even when a side is victorious, they are still left damaged.
Metaphor for the Loss of Innocence
Tess was Day’s best friend when they were growing up in the slums together, and represents one of the final ties he has to his old, street lord life. When she becomes sick, her illness symbolizes the final loss of Day’s innocence, as he grows farther away from the person he was and changes into someone completely different, who no longer makes his living on the streets and instead pledges his loyalty to the Republic.
Metaphor for Nature vs. Nurture
Anden’s father, the previous leader of the Republic, was a tyrant who caused the deaths of thousands of innocent people, and perpetuated inequalities that lead to extreme poverty and starvation. Anden, on the other hand, is a fair leader who wants to bring prosperity and equality to the Republic, and does so by surrounding himself with fair, knowledgeable people. His character is a metaphor for how nature and genealogy does not necessarily dictate how a person turns out, because, if judging by nature, Anden would be expected to be as ruthless as his father, when in reality, other factors influence his development.
Metaphor for the Inescapability of the Past
June and Anden begin a relationship after the events of Champion that lasts for several years, but eventually, they separate because they cannot make their relationship work. They get along well, but the events of the past, specifically how June can’t shake her old feelings for Day, haunt them until their relationship falls apart. It represents how even when war and violence end, their legacy continues to haunt those affected.
Metaphor for Sacrifice
Thomas’s relationship with Metias is a metaphor for how war forces people to make horrible choices and sacrifice their personal relationships for the sake of the war. Thomas had genuine feelings for Metias, but felt compelled to follow the Republic’s orders, so he killed him anyway, betraying him and leading Metias to believe that their relationship was a lie.
