Summary
Ender’s Game (Card, 1985) is a science fiction novel, written by Orson Scott Card and first published in 1985. The novel has won two awards for best novel in it’s genre (Hugo Award and Nebula Award). The story is set in a futuristic world, existing in the wake of a devastating war with extraterrestrial forces. The lead character, Ender Wiggin, is just six years old when we meet him. Throughout the story, the characters (consisting primarily of intellectually gifted children) take part in political and military strategizing as their youth is sacrificed in order to settle large scale social, moral, and political issues. The book explores various social issues including bullying, genocide, and exploitation of children.
Review
I first heard of Ender’s Game (Card, 1985) from my father who recounted some of the novel to me one night. I was about 11 years old (similar to Ender’s character towards the end of the novel), and my father was telling me stories to pass the time on a cross-country drive. I never forgot what little he told me about the story, and years later, I decided that I wanted to read the story myself. It was in high school that I finally read the novel and it has been my favorite book since that time. This year, I decided to re-read the book. I was curious how I might view the characters and ideas presented within it as an adult, with more life experience and wisdom than I had when I first encountered it. Throughout this review I will share with you some of the most impactful quotes and plot points which set this novel apart in my mind.
“When the sergeant picked on you, the others liked you better. But when the officer prefers you, the others hate you.” (Card, 1985, p.32)
I read the introduction to this novel for the first time during this re-reading. I had previously only assumed the intention behind it without ever hearing directly from Orson Scott Card what his vision was in writing this piece of literature. It would appear that the core intention of this novel was to convey the value of children as human beings with intelligence and substantial wisdom gained through, sometimes undervalued, lived experiences. Especially taking inspiration from the struggle of gifted children who face a particular scrutiny from adults and peers alike. The character of Ender faces significant difficulties in developing peer relationships as the novel illustrates how favoritism and attention from adults affects the relational dynamics of young people. This is one of a few quotes from the novel that illustrate the characters’ awareness of these dynamics.
“Whatever it had meant to Alai, Ender knew that it was sacred; that he had uncovered himself for Ender…” (Card, 1985, p.70)
This novel features characters of diverse religious affiliations and cultural backgrounds. Alai is another student from the battle school who extends kindness to Ender. At one point in the novel, Alai kisses Ender on the cheek and whispers the word “salaam” (meaning peace in Arabic) to him. Ender does not understand the literal meaning of this word and gesture, however he infers from it that Alai has extended friendship to him. Furthermore, he understands that Alai has revealed a more vulnerable side of himself to Ender, as their world has turned away from cultural and religious expressions such as this. It is one of the first moments where we can see Ender engaging with someone of a different language and culture than his own. When considering the conclusion of the story, it can be seen as a foreshadowing of sorts. Later in the novel, Ender becomes an ambassador and speaker for the species that he fought against throughout the story. He understands how differences in communication and culture played into the villainization of their enemy, and he makes it his mission to improve the understanding and tolerance of people living in the wake of such a conflict.
“In every army, surely, there is at least one worth knowing.” (Card, 1985, p.76)
Throughout Ender’s Game (Card, 1985), there is a repeated theme of understanding one’s enemy and learning to see their humanity. While attending the battle school, Ender encounters many adversaries amongst his peers. Rather than developing a disdain for others based on preconceived notions about them and their alliances, he leads with a different perspective. Ender asserts that in every army he encounters, there must be at least one individual of good character, unique talent, or inherent value. Leading with this belief allows Ender to forge meaningful relationships across teams, extending friendship and understanding to those who challenge him.
“Are we absolutely sure that we ought to win this war?” (Card, 1985, p.174)
In this novel, we hear not only from Ender, but also various other characters in different positions of authority. Some of the most notable conversations are lead by the administrator of the battle school, Colonel Graff. He often steps outside of the assumption of moral superiority, considering if his side truly deserves to win the war and contemplating the balance between self preservation and pursuit of peace. I enjoyed reading his character’s thoughts as they were consistently thought provoking and provided an opportunity for readers to consider the morality of the protagonist’s actions throughout the story.
“In the moment when I truly understand my enemy, understand him well enough to defeat him, then in that very moment I also love him.” (Card, 1985, p.238)
This is by far my favorite quote from any book I have read. I found the implications of it to be so profound. Imagine picking up a book about interstellar wars and futuristic battle strategy to find the core message to be that understanding leads to empathy, which leads to love. Ender finds that in understanding his enemy, he sees their inherent value, forgives their mistakes, and finds himself compelled to make peace with them rather than defeat them. When he learns their weaknesses, rather than exploiting them, he feels responsible for them. This admission from Ender signifies a shift in his character arch. Ender no longer believes the narrative that it is morally right to defeat his enemy. Instead, he feels guilt and grief which causes him to contemplate alternative possibilities for the future.
“It’s not my idea of freedom to go live in the house of the people that I killed.” (Card, 1985, p.312)
I can’t speak for Orson Scott Card, as he gives this no direct mention in his expression of intent for the novel, but I found this concept to be an impactful commentary on colonialism. Towards the end of the novel, people begin to live on the planets which used to be home to the alien species they fought against and eradicated during the war. Ender’s sister Valentine tries to convince him to move to one of these planets with her, but he initially refuses providing these words as his reason. When I read this dialogue, I immediately thought of the history of the United States, a country who prides itself on the virtues of freedom, yet exists in the context of stolen land and the erasure of indigenous people. Perhaps that is not Card’s idea of freedom, as it seems it would not be Ender’s. I thought of this as an extremely impactful delivery of political and historical commentary and critique of one’s own nation.
Final Thoughts
I really can’t recommend this book enough. I hope that I have done it justice in representing the themes and morals presented throughout the text. I have thoroughly enjoyed each reading of this novel, and found it to have more impact every time I return to it. I may be biased, being a “third” myself, but I believe this is a highly impactful exploration of the morality of conflict and the value of peace. The themes of understanding and the commentary on valuing children as intellectual individuals inspired me as a young person, and ring truer for me as an adult having worked in education for some time now. I hope that my comments will inspire you to add it to your reading list.