Essay Questions

What happens to individuals who fail the testing process? How is it different from the treatment that those who pass undergo?

After a series of brutal testing procedures, Cia Vale as well as a few of her friends manage to scoop positions at the university. After passing the testing process, the individuals who pass have their memories erased as part of a way of enhancing their likelihood of living normal lives without memories of the brutal tests they underwent as part of the requirements to gain admission into the school. On the other hand, individuals who fail to pass the tests undergo ‘redirection’ which as Cia learns later in the novel is a scheme by the government in which these individuals are murdered. Cia learns this after seeing the body of one of her friends being wheeled out.

How does Cia attempt to expose the series of weird events happening within the university?

Cia attempts to escape from the university after learning of the government's intentions as well as the true meaning behind redirections of the individuals who fail the tests. However, she is found out by Michael Gallen, a man who turns out to be a part of the resistance. Following his advice, Cia Vale attempts to expose the truth behind the government by competing for an internship at the United Commonwealth. She steals intelligence which she transmits to Michael Gallen. However, before she delivers the intel, she witnesses Michael being murdered, and the person behind it all is none other than Dr. Barnes, the director of the redirections.

What fate does Michael Gallen suffer in this novel?

Michael Gallen joins the resistance group designed as a scheme to expose and do away with all the disloyal members of the general public. As part of this group, Gallen recruits Cia Vale as part of the resistance—as a spy. Because the resistance is a fake scheme which has in fact been organized by Dr. Barnes and spearheaded by Symon as part of testing and evaluating the allegiance of the people, Michael ends up on the wrong side of events when he is discovered and executed for being disloyal. Cia witnesses this event as it happens in front of her eyes during her intel delivery. In this way, death becomes the fate suffered by Michael for being a disloyal citizen.