Legend by Marie Lu Study Guide: Characters, Themes, & Literary Devices

Introduction

Welcome to the thrilling world of Legend by Marie Lu! 📚✨ Set in a dystopian future in the Republic of America, this book has captivated readers with its action-packed storyline and complex characters. Marie Lu, the author behind this masterpiece, skillfully weaves a tale that not only entertains but also makes you think deeply about society, loyalty, and love.

Contents

Legend falls under the genre of young adult dystopian fiction, a category that explores societies in decline and the heroes who rise in opposition. The book is the first in a trilogy that follows the lives of two teenagers from radically different backgrounds—Day, the country’s most wanted criminal, and June, a prodigy born into privilege—as their paths cross and they uncover the dark secrets of their seemingly perfect society.

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan of dystopian tales or new to the genre, Legend promises an unforgettable journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! 🌟📖

Plot Summary

Legend by Marie Lu unfolds in a future, dystopian Los Angeles, within the authoritarian Republic of America. At its heart, the story is a gripping tale of survival, rebellion, and the quest for truth.

Exposition — The novel introduces us to two protagonists from starkly different worlds. June Iparis, a military prodigy born into an elite family within the Republic, is destined for success and leadership within the military ranks. Meanwhile, Day, born into the slums, has become the Republic’s most wanted criminal, not for greed or power, but to ensure the survival of his family.
Rising Action — Their paths cross when Day becomes the prime suspect in the murder of June’s brother, Metias. June vows to avenge her brother’s death and goes undercover in the streets to hunt down Day. However, as she delves deeper into the case, she begins to uncover chilling secrets about the Republic and doubts about her brother’s death start to surface.
Climax — The climax hits when June and Day finally meet and confront each other, only to realize that they are merely pawns in a much larger and sinister plot orchestrated by the Republic. The revelation of Metias’s true cause of death and the Republic’s experiments on its own citizens turn June against the very system she swore to serve.
Falling Action — Together, June and Day embark on a dangerous journey to expose the Republic’s corruption and save Day’s brother, who has fallen ill with a plague engineered by the government. Their collaboration marks the start of a deep bond and understanding between them, challenging their initial misconceptions and sparking a rebellion.
Resolution — The novel concludes with June and Day on the run, now fully aware of the Republic’s malevolence. Despite their precarious situation, they are hopeful, planning to join forces with the Patriots, a rebel group fighting against the Republic, setting the stage for the next book in the series.

This summary encapsulates the thrilling adventure and intricate plot of Legend, where every twist and turn challenges our characters’ beliefs, loyalties, and the very essence of their world.

Character Analysis

Legend by Marie Lu is rich with complex characters, each bringing depth and nuance to the story. Here’s an in-depth look at the main characters:

June Iparis — June is a prodigy from a wealthy sector of the Republic, scoring a perfect 1500 on her Trial, a test that determines a citizen’s role in society. Intelligent, fiercely loyal, and driven, June starts off believing in the Republic’s cause but grows disillusioned as she uncovers its corrupt nature. Her character development is marked by her evolving sense of justice and morality, as well as her increasing empathy towards the Republic’s victims, including Day.
Daniel “Day” Wing — Day is the Republic’s most wanted criminal, known for his elusive tactics and acts against the Republic, though his crimes are often non-violent and aimed at survival or protest. Born into the slums, Day’s brilliance is overshadowed by his status as a failure in the Trial. His character is characterized by his resourcefulness, resilience, and strong sense of family and loyalty. Throughout the story, Day’s experiences with June open his eyes to the possibility of fighting back for a greater cause.
Thomas — A soldier under Metias’s command and later June’s, Thomas is loyal to the Republic to a fault. His unrequited love for June and jealousy towards Day play crucial roles in the plot, revealing themes of loyalty, love, and the moral complexities of their world.
Commander Jameson — The leader of the Republic’s military sector in which June serves, Commander Jameson is ambitious, ruthless, and a key antagonist. Her manipulations and disregard for life highlight the corruption and brutality of the Republic’s leadership.
Metias Iparis — June’s older brother, Metias, is a respected officer in the Republic’s military. His death sparks the initial conflict between June and Day. Through June’s investigation into his murder, Metias’s character is revealed to be complex and pivotal, his love for June driving him to leave clues for her about the Republic’s true nature.

Here’s a summary of their character development:

Character	Personality	Motivations	Development
June Iparis	Loyal, intelligent, determined	To serve the Republic, avenge her brother	Grows disillusioned with the Republic, learns empathy
Day Wing	Resourceful, resilient, caring	To protect his family, survive	Becomes a leader in the fight against the Republic
Thomas	Jealous, loyal, conflicted	To serve the Republic, win June’s affection	Struggles with loyalty and love
Commander Jameson	Ruthless, ambitious, cruel	To maintain power, suppress rebellion	Embodies the Republic’s corruption
Metias Iparis	Protective, loving, secretive	To protect June, expose the Republic	Posthumously inspires June and Day’s actions

This analysis showcases the dynamic and evolving nature of the characters in Legend, driving the story forward and enriching the narrative with their personal growth and struggles.

Themes and Symbols

Legend by Marie Lu is a rich tapestry of themes and symbols, each weaving deep into the narrative to enhance the story’s depth and meaning.

Government Control and Corruption — The overarching theme of Legend is the critique of authoritarian government and its inherent corruption. The Republic represents a government that exercises control through surveillance, propaganda, and the manipulation of its citizens, illustrating the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of questioning authority.
Social Inequality — The stark contrast between the wealthy sectors and the slums in the Republic highlights the theme of social inequality. This disparity fuels the conflict in the novel, showcasing how poverty and privilege affect the characters’ lives and decisions, ultimately calling for a reevaluation of societal values and the distribution of wealth.
Identity and Perception — The theme of identity is explored through the dual perspectives of June and Day, who come from vastly different backgrounds and have opposing views of the Republic. Their journey reveals how identity is shaped by circumstances and challenges the notion of preconceived perceptions, encouraging empathy and understanding between individuals from different walks of life.
Family and Loyalty — Family plays a central role in motivating the characters, particularly Day, whose actions are driven by his need to protect and care for his family. The theme of loyalty extends beyond family to include loyalty to friends, ideals, and one’s country, questioning where true loyalty should lie and at what cost.
Symbols:
The Republic’s Flag — Symbolizes the power and control the government exerts over its people, as well as the facade of unity and strength it projects to maintain order.
The Plague — Represents the dark side of the Republic’s manipulation and control, used as a tool to test biological weapons and maintain fear among the population, highlighting the government’s disregard for human life in pursuit of power.
June’s Pendant — Given to her by Metias, symbolizes June’s personal growth and the shift in her loyalty from the Republic to her newfound understanding of justice and truth.

These themes and symbols are integral to the narrative of Legend, providing layers of complexity that challenge readers to think critically about society, governance, and the moral choices that define us.

Writing Style and Tone

Marie Lu’s Legend is renowned not just for its compelling story but also for its distinctive writing style and tone, which play a pivotal role in immersing readers into its dystopian world.

Dual Perspectives — The narrative alternates between the first-person perspectives of June and Day, providing deep insights into their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This style allows readers to experience the story from both sides of the socio-economic divide, fostering a unique connection with each character.
Fast-Paced and Action-Oriented — Marie Lu’s writing is characterized by its fast pace and emphasis on action. The plot moves quickly, with short, dynamic chapters that keep the reader engaged and on edge. This brisk pacing mirrors the urgency and intensity of June and Day’s adventures.
Descriptive Yet Concise — Despite the fast pace, Lu’s writing doesn’t skimp on vivid descriptions. She skillfully paints the dystopian world of the Republic with precise details, from the stark disparities between the wealthy and poor sectors to the tense atmosphere of a society under surveillance. Yet, her descriptions are always concise, serving the story without overwhelming the reader.
Emotional Depth — The tone of Legend varies from thrilling to poignant, capturing the emotional rollercoaster that June and Day experience. Lu’s ability to convey deep emotions, from the adrenaline of a chase to the grief of loss, adds a rich layer of depth to the narrative, making the characters’ journey resonate with readers on a personal level.
Themes and Symbolism — The writing is imbued with themes of justice, freedom, and the quest for truth, woven seamlessly into the plot and character development. Symbolism is used effectively to enhance these themes, with objects and events (such as June’s pendant or the plague) serving as metaphors for larger concepts within the story.

In summary, Marie Lu’s Legend stands out for its engaging dual narrative, fast-paced action, and emotional depth, all delivered with a writing style that is both descriptive and concise. Her use of themes and symbolism enriches the narrative, making the book not just a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking exploration of dystopian society.

Literary Devices used in Legend

Marie Lu employs a variety of literary devices in Legend to enhance the storytelling and deepen the reader’s experience. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 devices used:

Foreshadowing — Lu uses hints and clues to foreshadow future events, creating suspense and keeping readers engaged. This technique is evident in the early mentions of the plague and its eventual significance in the plot.
Metaphor — Throughout the novel, metaphors are used to draw comparisons and highlight themes, such as comparing the Republic to a disease infecting society, which underscores the theme of corruption and decay.
Simile — Similes are employed to create vivid imagery, making the dystopian world of the Republic more tangible to the reader. For example, Day’s agility is often compared to that of a cat, emphasizing his survival instincts and skills.
Personification — Lu personifies abstract concepts and inanimate objects to evoke emotion and create a more immersive environment. The Republic, for instance, is often described as a living, breathing entity with its own will and intentions.
Symbolism — Symbols like June’s pendant or the Republic’s flag carry deeper meanings, representing loyalty, power, and resistance, and enriching the narrative with layers of significance.
Irony — The use of irony, especially situational irony, highlights the contrast between appearance and reality, such as the heroes’ discovery of the truth behind the Republic’s facade of benevolence.
Allusion — Although not as prevalent, allusions to historical events or figures underscore the themes of tyranny and rebellion, drawing parallels between the fictional world of Legend and real-world struggles.
Imagery — Vivid imagery is used to paint a detailed picture of the setting and action, drawing readers deeper into the dystopian world and ensuring a more engaging reading experience.
Parallelism — The parallel stories of June and Day, mirroring each other yet diverging in crucial ways, highlight the themes of perspective and understanding, showing how different experiences can lead to similar conclusions.
Repetition — Repetition is used for emphasis, particularly in thematic elements and key phrases, reinforcing the central ideas and concerns of the narrative.

These literary devices work in concert to create a compelling and richly layered story in Legend, enhancing the thematic depth, character development, and overall engagement with the reader.

Literary Devices Examples

Here’s a detailed look at examples and explanations for each of the top 10 literary devices used in Legend by Marie Lu:

Foreshadowing

Example: Early mentions of the plague hinting at its larger role.

Explanation: This sets up anticipation and hints at the dark secrets the Republic holds.

Metaphor

Example: The Republic is compared to a disease.

Explanation: This metaphor criticizes the government’s corrupt nature, suggesting it infects society like a plague.

Simile

Example: Day’s movements are likened to that of a cat.

Explanation: This simile emphasizes Day’s agility and survival skills, painting a vivid picture of his character.

Personification

Example: The Republic is described as having its own will.

Explanation: Personifying the government suggests it’s an entity with intentions, highlighting its oppressive nature.

Symbolism

Example: June’s pendant symbolizes her loyalty and growth.

Explanation: The pendant’s evolution from a symbol of the Republic to one of rebellion mirrors June’s personal journey.

Irony

Example: The heroes discover the Republic’s facade of benevolence is false.

Explanation: This situational irony exposes the contrast between the government’s appearance and its true nature.

Allusion

Example: References to historical tyrannies.

Explanation: These allusions draw parallels between the Republic and real-world oppressive regimes, underscoring the story’s themes.

Imagery

Example: Detailed descriptions of the dystopian setting.

Explanation: Such vivid imagery immerses readers in the world of Legend, making the setting a tangible part of the narrative.

Parallelism

Example: The parallel journeys of June and Day.

Explanation: This literary device emphasizes the themes of perspective and empathy, showing how two individuals on opposite sides can share similar values and goals.

Repetition

Example: Repetition of key thematic phrases.

Explanation: This technique reinforces the story’s main themes, ensuring they resonate throughout the narrative.

These examples showcase the depth and complexity of Marie Lu’s writing in Legend, highlighting how literary devices are employed to enrich the storytelling and engage the reader on multiple levels.

Legend – FAQs

Q: What is the setting of “Legend” by Marie Lu?
A: “Legend” is set in a future dystopian version of Los Angeles, which is part of the Republic of America, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors.

Q: Who are the main characters in “Legend”?
A: The main characters are June Iparis, a military prodigy born into an elite family, and Day, the Republic’s most wanted criminal, who comes from the slums.

Q: What themes are explored in “Legend”?
A: “Legend” explores themes of government control and corruption, social inequality, identity and perception, as well as family and loyalty.

Q: How does the dual perspective affect the story?
A: The dual perspective of June and Day allows readers to see both sides of the society in “Legend,” providing a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations and the world they live in. It highlights the contrast between the elite and the underprivileged, and how perceptions can be flawed or incomplete.

Q: Is “Legend” part of a series?
A: Yes, “Legend” is the first book in a trilogy. The series continues with “Prodigy” and concludes with “Champion,” following the evolving story of June, Day, and their fight against the Republic’s corruption.

Q: What makes “Legend” relevant to young adults and teens?
A: “Legend” speaks to young adults and teens through its themes of questioning authority, challenging societal norms, and the journey of self-discovery. It features young protagonists who face significant challenges and moral dilemmas, making it relatable and thought-provoking for a younger audience.

Q: How does “Legend” compare to other dystopian novels?
A: “Legend” stands out for its compelling characters, fast-paced plot, and the depth of its themes. While it shares common elements with other dystopian novels, such as a society in decline and a focus on young heroes, its unique setting, engaging narrative style, and the emotional depth of its characters give it a distinct place in the genre.

Quiz

Question	A	B	C	D
What score did June Iparis achieve on her Trial?	1400	1450	1500	1550
What is Day’s real name?	Daniel Altan	Daniel Wing	David Wing	Darren Altan
Who is the Republic’s most wanted criminal at the beginning of “Legend”?	June Iparis	Metias Iparis	Day	Thomas
What motivates Day to become a criminal?	Revenge	Greed	To protect his family	To overthrow the government
How does June initially view the Republic?	With suspicion	As just and good	With indifference	With hatred
What is the significant turning point for June?	Joining the military	Discovering the truth about her brother’s death	Meeting Day	Her brother’s promotion
What symbolizes June’s loyalty and growth throughout “Legend”?	A knife	A pendant	A flag	A book
What theme is highlighted by the contrast between the wealthy sectors and the slums?	Love	Friendship	Social Inequality	Adventure
Which literary device is used to hint at future events in “Legend”?	Metaphor	Foreshadowing	Irony	Simile
Who is June’s brother in “Legend”?	Thomas	Daniel	Metias	David

This quiz is designed to test your comprehension of “Legend” by Marie Lu, focusing on key details about the plot, characters, and thematic elements.

Exercise

Identify the literary devices used in the following paragraph from Legend by Marie Lu:

“As Day moves through the streets, like a shadow untethered from its source, his presence barely whispers against the cobblestones. The moon is a silent witness, casting long, slender fingers across the buildings, painting the world in a palette of silver and blue. In this moment, he is both everywhere and nowhere, a ghost in the Republic’s machine.”

Answers:

Simile: “like a shadow untethered from its source” — This simile compares Day’s stealthy movements to a shadow, emphasizing his ability to move unseen and undetected.
Personification: “The moon is a silent witness” — The moon is given human qualities, suggesting it observes Day’s actions, adding a layer of mood and imagery.
Imagery: “casting long, slender fingers across the buildings, painting the world in a palette of silver and blue” — This vivid imagery helps the reader visualize the scene, enhancing the atmosphere with descriptions of light and color.
Metaphor: “a ghost in the Republic’s machine” — Day is metaphorically described as a ghost within the Republic’s systems, highlighting his elusive nature and the way he operates unseen within the oppressive government structure.