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
A counselor and two guards come for Roland soon after. Roland tries to plead with them, but the counselor says that Roland has a rare blood type that’s in high demand. Roland tells them they want Connor, and the counselor says that Connor is scheduled for unwinding later in the day. As Roland steps onto the red carpet, he feels weak and asks for a priest. The counselor insists that priests give last rites for dying people, but they’ll try. Roland tries to catch Risa’s eye, feeling as though her acknowledgement will be better than nothing, but she doesn’t look. At the steps of the Chop Shop, Roland begs for another day, but the guards lift him up the five steps. Doors close behind him, and Roland realizes the Chop Shop is soundproof.
When Risa doesn’t meet Roland’s eye, it’s likely because she’s decided that it’s easier to keep playing when she doesn’t have to look down at all the kids walking to their unwindings. While this is a reasonable coping mechanism for Risa, Roland’s desire for some form of human contact in his last minutes suggests that it’s just as important to acknowledge others’ humanity as it is to keep oneself safe.
Themes
