Vox

Vox

by Christina Dalcher

Vox: Chapter 69 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
When Jean and Lorenzo reunite back at their workstations, they’ve discovered that most of the scientists here are PhDs—experts capable of coming up with “a brain-scrambling neurotoxin” overnight. Jean shares that Petroski is an ally; he’s strong, in uniform, and is terrified for his daughter. She also notes that all the scientists are exhausted, and soon, they’ll have the lab to themselves. Lorenzo tells Jean to rest for a few hours and, while she’s at it, gives her an iPad to read up on brain science, anatomy, and trepanning—he’s busy and so she’ll have to perform the procedure on the chimp, unless they’re okay with starting on Morgan and possibly killing him.
Jean and Lorenzo essentially realize here that the other scientists outnumber them, but they also have the advantage as they haven’t put in as grueling of a day as the other scientists have. In insisting that Jean perform the procedure on the chimp (or on Morgan), Lorenzo asks Jean to essentially confirm that she is indeed willing to kill in order to stay free, testing her resolve.
Themes
Action, Complacency, and Resistance Theme Icon
Jean loudly asks a soldier for an escort to the dorms, and Petroski calls her over. He says he called Patrick, and he asks if he can do anything else for her. Jean tells him exactly what to do.
Themes
Children, Indoctrination, and Acclimatization Theme Icon
Control, Religion, and Gender Essentialism Theme Icon