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Legend Summary and Study Guide

Legend by Marie Lu is a high-stakes dystopian novel set in a futuristic, fractured version of the United States. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the plot and themes to help students navigate the complexities of the Republic and its secrets.

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Plot Overview: A Tale of Two Prodigies

The story alternates between two fifteen-year-olds living in the Republic of America: June Iparis, a military prodigy from a wealthy background, and Day, the nation's most wanted criminal. When June’s brother Metias is murdered, she is tasked with hunting down Day, who is the primary suspect. As June infiltrates the slums to find him, she discovers that the government she serves is hiding dark secrets about the plague that ravages the poor. Instead of enemies, June and Day find themselves as unlikely allies against a corrupt system.

Character Analysis: June and Day

June represents logic, discipline, and the elite status of the Republic, having scored a perfect 1500 on her Trial. However, her journey is one of awakening as she realizes her loyalty has been misplaced. Day, conversely, is a symbol of resilience and family devotion. Despite being declared a failure by the state, he possesses a brilliant mind and a strong moral compass. Their evolving relationship serves as the emotional core of the novel, highlighting the contrast between the Republic’s propaganda and the reality of its citizens.

Key Themes: Power and Deception

The novel explores the theme of government corruption and the manipulation of truth. The Republic uses the 'Trial' system to segregate society, ensuring the elite stay in power while the poor are marginalized. Another central theme is the cost of rebellion; both June and Day must sacrifice their families and their safety to pursue justice. The story encourages readers to question authority and look beneath the surface of official narratives.

Study Advice for Essays and Exams

When writing an essay on Legend, focus on the dual-narrative structure. Analyze how Lu uses alternating perspectives to create dramatic irony and show how the same events are perceived differently across social classes. For class discussions, compare the Republic to other literary dystopias often found in popular study guides, noting how Lu uses the setting of a flooded Los Angeles to comment on environmental and political instability.

What is the main conflict in Legend?

The primary conflict is the hunt for Day after the murder of Metias, which eventually shifts into a larger struggle against the corrupt government of the Republic.

What is the Republic's Trial?

The Trial is a mandatory test taken at age ten that determines a citizen's future education, career, and social standing based on their score.

Is Legend part of a series?

Yes, Legend is the first book in a trilogy, followed by Prodigy and Champion, which continue the story of June and Day.

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