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
Connor has nothing now; he didn’t think to take the Juvey-cop’s gun and abandoned his backpack on the interstate. He and Risa walked all day and took turns keeping watch all night. Connor knows he can’t trust Lev or Risa and thinks of the headlines that will be everywhere soon. He thinks it’s funny that he spent time trying to convince others he’s dangerous and now, he thinks he’s only a danger to himself. He watches Lev’s cold, calculating eyes and feels angry when Lev asks why Connor is being unwound. Connor points out that he’s not going to be unwound now and asks what it’s like to grow up knowing you’re a sacrifice. Lev insists it’s better than not knowing his purpose, which makes Connor squirm.
Importantly, Connor recognizes that his anger and the way he expresses it is a liability—at this point, he’s certain that his actions by the interstate will put them all in danger. Recognizing that this is the case gives Connor the ability to go on and learn how to more appropriately handle his anger. The fact that Lev can make Connor squirm with his answer shows again that it’s possible to argue both sides of the unwinding debate.
Themes
Connor reasons that they could’ve ended up like Humphrey Dunfee. Lev is surprised that Connor knows the story, but Risa insists it’s made up. She says they need to move and disguise themselves, suggesting that she could dress as a boy. Connor thinks she’s too pretty for that and touches her hair, but Risa spins him around and threatens to rip his arm off if he touches her. She reminds Connor that she lived in a state home, where things are rough. Connor and Risa untie Lev and he doesn’t run. Connor wonders if Lev has gotten over his duty of being tithed.
When Connor wonders if Lev has given up on tithing, he underestimates the power of Lev’s community and of the sticking power of the way Lev was raised to think. As Lev sees it, Connor tore him from his purpose, which makes Connor a degenerate who doesn’t deserve to live. While a reasonable misunderstanding on Connor’s part, it indicates that he hasn’t yet gotten to know Lev well enough to understand where Lev is coming from.
Themes
