What happened in chapter 21 of Among the Hidden?
In Chapter 21 of Among the Hidden, Luke's father receives a critical letter from the Government forbidding him from growing plants indoors, a message that Luke alone is able to fully decipher.
Key Developments in Chapter 21
This chapter marks a significant escalation in the Government's presence in the family's lives, revealing their increasing scrutiny:
- Government Letter Received: Luke's father receives an official and stern letter from the Government. The letter explicitly states that he is forbidden from growing anything indoors, particularly during the month of February.
- Luke's Unique Interpretation: Thanks to the books he read that belonged to Jen, Luke has developed an unusual ability to understand the complex and often deliberately confusing language used in Government documents. He is the only one in his family who can accurately interpret the letter's difficult terminology.
- Unveiling Government Fears: Luke clarifies the letter's true meaning: the Government suspects his father of attempting to grow illegal crops. Beyond the prohibition, the letter also conveys their intent to confiscate any indoor growing supplies the family might possess. This incident underscores the extreme control and suspicion exercised by the Population Police and the broader Government over private citizens, even regarding seemingly harmless activities like gardening.
This event further emphasizes the pervasive surveillance and restrictive regulations enforced by the dystopian regime, highlighting the constant threat and lack of privacy faced by Luke and his family under the Population Law.
