Taken from his family at the tender age of six, Ender is sent to the orbiting school where he is trained with computer-simulated war games and actual combat with classmates. Although it is against his nature, he is forced into the cruelty of warfare for the sake of the entire human race. While Ender prepares for the role of general, his brother and sister are preparing for their own roles in a new world order. All three of these very different children play significant, but widely divergent parts, in this interstellar drama.
Orson Scott Card has created a believable scenario based on complex scientific and technological speculation. The idea of life on other worlds is conceptually possible, and the success of the International Space Station has made the possibility of colonization of other planets seem within our grasp. Even though the original story was written in 1977, the technology is not dated, but seems even more believable. The development of networks, LANs, instantaneous satellite communications, and virtual reality games make the story all too believable.
The characters are complex, interesting, and well-developed. Ender is a sympathetic figure, and the reader often forgets how young he is. His intelligence and ability make him seem much older, and teens will have no problem identifying with him. His compassion and reluctance to do harm are endearing qualities, but his ability to maim and kill show another side to this character. Peter, an antagonist, is also more than just a stereotypical �bad guy.� The tenderness of his words to Ender while he thought he was sleeping, and the responsible role he takes in the new world order show a compassionate side to him, as well.
Contemporary problems that face the world today are projected into the future. Even though the threat of alien beings from other planets may threaten our existence, there still remains the potential that mankind has to destroy himself. The problem of warring nations, and the quest for a leader who can bring global peace, is as relevant for futuristic societies as it is for our own. An article in Military Review says that Ender�s �strategy, tactics and leadership offer many lessons to today's leaders.� (Conti)
Ender is recruited to pursue a quest, and he chooses to accept it. He grows in wisdom, as he matures both physically and emotionally, and the reader sees him lose the idealism of childhood and adopt the cynicism of adulthood. This is all necessary for him to achieve the ends of his quest successfully, which he does before the conclusion of the book.
The real secret to the success of this book is the author�s ability to tell a good story, which he does brilliantly. The believability of the dialogue, the compelling adventure, and the skillful writing all work together to make the complex plot understandable and believable. The reader understands the characters, because Card has the ability to capture what we love and fear the most in ourselves. The story has a timelessness that is rare in any literature, especially science fiction. The theme that we can achieve greatness in spite of the failures inherent in humanity is one that readers of every age can appreciate: �Here are our failures, and here is our greatness. . .� (p. 321) �While Ender's Game is a great escape, it is also a serious moral tale, and Card's perspectives challenge us to re-examine our basic assumptions about who and what children are.� (Hole)
Awards
Nubula Award
Hugo Award
Relevant Websites
Ender�s Game: http://www.ender.com/ender/
Orson Scott Card: http://www.hatrack.com/osc/about.shtml
Sources
Conti, Gregory. 1998. Thinking out of the box: A Force XXI reading list. Military Review 78 (2): p. 100. In Academic Search Premier [database online]. Available from http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=cookie,ip,url,uid&db=aph&an=1085099. Accessed 23 October 2004.
Hole, Simon. 1996. Summer reading. Teacher Magazine 7 (8): p. 47 � 48. In Academic Search Premier [database online]. Available from http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=cookie,ip,url,uid&db=aph&an=9605074892. Accessed 23 October 2004.
School of Library and Information Studies
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY