“I don't trust the Society, and I don't trust the rebelions, I don't choose either of them, I've seen what both can do.”
“I don't trust the Society, and I don't trust the rebelions, I don't choose either of them, I've seen what both can do.” - Ally Condie
This quote reflects the common theme of distrust in institutions and authority figures present in many dystopian novels. The protagonist of the story is wary of both the governing society and the rebellions opposing it, showcasing a sense of skepticism and wariness towards all sources of power.
In this quote by Ally Condie, the speaker expresses their lack of trust in both the Society and the rebellions. By stating that they have seen what both entities are capable of, the speaker implies that they are disillusioned with the notions of power and control held by both sides. This quote highlights the complexities of choosing to align oneself with a particular ideology, as both the establishment and the resistance can perpetrate harm and manipulation. It also underscores the importance of critical thinking and independence in navigating conflicting perspectives.
In Ally Condie's novel, "Matched," the protagonist grapples with a decision between two conflicting factions: the oppressive Society and the rebellious factions. This dilemma mirrors the complexities of real-world politics and societal structures, where individuals must navigate between established institutions and revolutionary movements. Condie's exploration of trust, power, and control resonates with contemporary issues of governance, resistance, and individual agency. Her work serves as a reminder of the constant struggle to find one's own path amidst competing ideologies.
As we contemplate Ally Condie's quote, "I don't trust the Society, and I don't trust the rebellions, I don't choose either of them, I've seen what both can do," it is important to consider the following questions:
“I can trust in my parents' love. And it strikes me that is a big thing to trust, a big thing to have had, no matter what else happens.”
“I don't know what happens after we die. It doesn't seem to me like there can be much past this. But I suppose I can conceive that what we make and do can last beyond us. Maybe in a different place, on another plane.”
“Angels?' 'You know. The ones in the old stories. How they can fly to heaven.' 'Do you think anyone believes in them anymore?' he asks. 'I don't know. No. Do you?' 'I believe in you.' he says.”
“What did you think about?" I wish I could tell him that I thought about him, but I lied to him once and I won't do it again. And besides, I wasn't thinking about Xander either. "I thought about angels," I say."Angels?""You know. The ones in the old stories. How they can fly to heaven." "Do you think anyone believes in them anymore?" He asks."I don't know. No. Do you?""I believe in you," he says, his voice hushed and almost reverent. "That's more faith than I ever thought I'd have.”
“Ky gives me three gifts for my birthday. A poem, a kiss and the hopeless, beautiful belief that things might work. When I open my eyes... I say, "I didn't give you anything for your birthday, i don't even know when it is." And he says, "Don't worry about that" and I say, "What can I do?" and he answers, "Let me believe in this, all of this, and you believe it too."And I do.”
“One night," Ky says, "doesn't seem like much to ask." I don't speak. He moves closer and I feel his cheek against mine and breathe in the scent of sage and pine, of old dust and fresh water and of him. "For one night, can we just think of each other? Not the Society or the Rising or even our families?" "No," I say. "No what?" He tangles one of his hands in my hair, the other draws me closer still. "No, I don't think we can," I say. "And no, it isn't too much to ask.”