Ender's Game Blog #2

In the second portion that I read for Ender’s Game, I found a lot more depth to the story than the first. In chapters 6-9, I (as the reader) not only saw symbolism in Ender’s lifestyle and in his mental processes, but I also saw a dramatic change in every character that is in the story during the massive time lapse that occurs in especially chapter 9, Locke and Demosthenes. During this section of the book, not only does Ender change as far as curiosity goes, but also as far as attitude toward life goes.

In chapter 6, The Giants Drink, Ender is introduced to the null gravity, the suits, and the weapons. Because of everything that happens in this section, it feels funny going back and writing about this because it feels so long ago; by the end of this section, Ender is the master of the Gameroom. In the beginning however, we see that Ender is clumsy at it, but he is the first to try out the different positions and the feel of the disorientation. He adjusts quickly and with his new friend, Alai, they become the best of launchies, and friends. I believe that this is the start of his career as a military worker because it boosts his confidence as an individual, and as a soldier for the next chapter, Salamander. In chapter 7, he learns much, and becomes independent when he goes against his commander. Ender then goes into the next army, Rats, in chapter 8, and becomes one of the best fighters in the school. He meets his toon leader, Dink, and he grows into the leader because Dink will let him fight. Personally, I like Dink because of the excellent leadership qualities that he has that as a reader, I haven’t seen yet. He sees the corruptness behind the military school, and as far as I can tell, I believe that he is right. Dink also sees the strategies that Ender uses, and rather than viewing them as unusual, sees them as useful because they are unique.

In the New American Dictionary, a genius is defined as “an exceptional natural capacity of intellect, especially as shown in creative and original work”. I believe that Ender is what they have been saying, a military genius. Does that make him a monster? Ender wonders this very thing when he is nine years old in chapter 9. The thing about this chapter is the way the author went back to Earth, and the change happening within Ender’s family. Peter is more controlling than ever, he is smart, and he craves power. In addition to that, Valentine begins to help him with his bloody endeavors, and gets sucked into the trap that Peter has made among much of humanity through the net. On the other side of time and space, Ender is trapped in this game, and in his feelings of despair. He feels that he cannot escape his own mind, and I think that frightens him. Then, Valentine begins to question herself, and she realizes that she has abandoned his memory by getting sucked into the trap that Peter has set. In the end, Valentine goes back to her old self, and I think that Ender will be healed from his loneliness, and the motivation that we have seen up until now will be restored and drive him to do great things in his near future.

In these chapters, I am beginning to see this game as a symbol of Ender’s life and mind. There are places where he feels victorious, and places where he feels stuck and trapped.