Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Unwind, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Inequality, Injustice, and the Law
Anger, Violence, and Radicalization
Activism, Compassion, and Atonement
Morality and Perspective
Summary
Analysis
Lev is determined to enjoy his party. The 200 guests are relatives, family friends, and all of Lev’s friends. Every girl whom Lev asks to dance agrees, and it seems that dinner comes too soon. His family members give toasts. They bring out the cake and Lev’s oldest brother, Marcus, rises to make a toast. Marcus came from across the country to attend, but he’s been quiet and withdrawn the entire night. Lev suspects he’s drunk. Marcus points out that this party is amazing and addresses Lev’s dad, saying that they have to get all the major life events taken care of in one party. Lev’s parents look uncomfortable, and Marcus points out that their parents have always done the “appropriate” thing by giving 10 percent of everything to charity, but that he refuses to be involved. He throws his champagne glass and leaves. Lev realizes Marcus isn’t drunk.
The fact that Marcus is taking this stand entirely sober impresses upon Lev that Marcus has thought about his position and is willing to embarrass Lev and his parents in order to voice it. Marcus objects to raising children to be unwound, and his refusal to play along anymore places him opposite Ariana in that even though Marcus has nothing to fear from unwinding (as he’s too old to be unwound himself), he still sees that it’s fundamentally wrong and is willing to use his power as an adult to say so. He therefore sets an example for how to effectively use one’s voice and privilege for good.
Themes
Lev seeks out Pastor Dan, his wise and trusted childhood pastor. He admits that he’s afraid, even though he’s known he’s a tithe his entire life. He wonders if he feels isolated because of this, or if there’s something wrong with him. Lev admits that he’s jealous that his friends and family get to go on, even if being a tithe is an honor. Pastor Dan assures Lev that he did nothing wrong and points out that choosing to tithe a child is a big decision—Lev’s parents waited until they had nine other children to have Lev, their “true tithe.” With tears in his eyes, Pastor Dan says that God asks for the best fruit, not the first fruit, and Lev is the best.
Pastor Dan’s emotion makes it clear that even if their religion calls for tithing, it’s still something that’s emotionally difficult for those involved. Lev’s thought process, meanwhile, reveals that he’s been raised to not think of his life or his body as his own—instead, they belong to a higher purpose. His jealousy and nervousness are the first indications that Lev may not be as deeply sold on tithing as he’d like to think he is.
Themes
The next morning, Lev eats breakfast with all his family members except for Marcus. He takes care to not spill on his white clothes. The goodbyes are drawn-out until Pastor Dan arrives and they all get in the Cadillac. On the interstate, Lev rolls down the window and tells himself that he’s blessed and happy. He opens his eyes when Lev’s dad slams on the brakes. A dangerous-looking teen (Connor) rips Lev out of the car and begins to pull him across the freeway. Lev begs to not be taken since he’s a tithe. Connor incredulously asks if Lev is an Unwind, which offends Lev. They cause a bus to crash and watch a girl (Risa) race off the bus. Lev bites Connor’s arm, Connor lets go, and Pastor Dan opens a door. He hisses for Lev to run as everything goes dark.
The exchange between Lev and Connor regarding the language they use to describe themselves and their fate speaks to the variety of perspectives that people in this world have regarding unwinding: there are those for whom unwinding is an honor (tithes) and those for whom unwinding is a punishment for bad behavior (Unwinds). Meanwhile, Pastor Dan’s inexplicable behavior here suggests that while he may have outwardly supported Lev’s tithing, a part of him doesn’t believe it’s right—and he’s going to take this opportunity to secretly advocate for Lev’s life.
Themes
