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Chapter 6
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in I Must Betray You, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Deception, Betrayal, and Survival
Loss of Innocence
Freedom and American Influence
Hope and Resilience
Summary
Analysis
Cristian enters his apartment, thinking about how the Party controls everything and is always listening in. Cristian and his family have to whisper in their home to ensure they are not heard. Only Cristian’s grandfather, Bunu, refuses to whisper. Bunu hates the Communist party, often speaks loudly against them, and refuses to bend to their rules. Cristian’s living space is tight. He has his own room, but it is in a closet. Cristian feels guilty as he enters the home, though he also realizes that he knows who informed on him.
Bunu’s behavior, while brave and principled, seems like it will inevitably come back to bite him. Everyone else keeps secrets and still gets caught, so Bunu is likely to get in trouble given that he does try hard to hide his disapproval of the Party. Meanwhile, Cristian’s room, though small, is still a place where he feels like he can get some privacy and retain his individuality.
Active
Themes
