Gaining Power In Unwholly, By Neal Shusterman

The word power makes some think of leadership, positive role models, and mentors, but sometimes power is a want that can overcome the actions of an individual in a negative way. The novel Unwind is about to runaways, Risa and Connor, who are trying to escape being unwound or dismantled till they are living in a divided state. In the novel UnWholly by Neal Shusterman, Connor and Risa have moved on since running away, and are now running the Graveyard, a safe place for runaways until they turn 17, and cannot be unwound. Both of the stories use symbolism and character archetype to imply the theme that wanting power of something you don't have can be tempting, but might not always be the right thing.

First, in Unwind, Shusterman creatively uses

Rland wants nothing to do with Conor, but everything to do with Connor position in this whole runaway AWOL situation. “Rolands plan began to take shape shortly after Connor released him from the crate. He could have tron Connor limb from limb at the time, but Connor had three equal in size and strength to Roland to back him up. They were kids who should have been on Roland's side. Should have been. It was his first indication that everything had drastically changed. Connor told him about the riot, and about Cleaver. He offered a lame apology for accusing him of killing the Goldens-an apology the Roland refused to accept. Had Roland been at the riot, it would have been organized and successful. If he had been there, it would have been a revolt, not a riot. By locking Roland away, Connor had robbed him of a chance to lead.” This shows how the enemy wants to do everything to get Connor out of the equation, to allow him easier access to what he really wants. In many ways, an enemy character archetype does everything to take down the control, which in this case, is Connor. At this point of the book, Roland wants to have a chance to have the power and leadership, as well as be idled for good doing. He doesn't want connor to constantly be the one that everyone looks up to. This also helps develop the theme and shows us that wanting power over something you

Starkey, is a secret enemy to Connor, who comes as a younger kid who idols Connor for being the Akron AWOL to appear naive. But, on the inside, Starkey wants nothing to do with Connor due to the fact that when he goes on his rescue missions to save kids that are about to be unwound, none of them are storks, or someone who as a baby, was left on some random persons doorstep to be their problem and responsibility. Shusterman states, “His motive are a complex weave of self-interest and altruism. He truly wants to raise his storks to glory, as long as they know he's the one whos done it. Credit where credit is due, and honor to the trickster whose illusions finally become real. Starkeys hoping for a silent coup, but is prepared for anything. It will either be gracious, and Connor will see the wisdom of stepping aside for a more able leader. . . or he'll be steamrolled. Starkey will bear no guilt if it comes to that. After all, Connor, in spite of all his pretenses of fairness, still refuses to rescue storks from their unwindings. (259)” Starkey has planned out everything and has motive to back up his plans. For Starkey, he was a stork, so he takes it quite personally when he realizes that no storks are being saved during Connor’s rescue missions. Starkey likes to feel like he is the hero, and that's just the beginning of his plan. By using the enemy character archetype, the reader is able to see