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Chapter 8
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
While preparing for Starfish’s movie night, Cristian thinks about the Reporters in his building. Reporters are people who constantly pay attention to (and spread gossip about) the people who come and go from Cristian’s apartment building. Before leaving, Cristian asks Cici, his sister, if she wants to come with him. Starfish has a crush on Cici, as do many of the young men in the neighborhood. Cici says she is busy and begins crying. When Cristian starts to ask what is wrong, Cici places a finger on her lips.
Reporters do not give their information to the government, but they do spread it amongst one another, which makes it more likely to leak to the government. As such, Cristian tries to avoid reporters just as he would a Securitate agent. Additionally, Cici’s reaction to Cristian’s question demonstrates that even certain emotional responses are not allowed under the government’s watchful eye.
Active
Themes
