Hiding In Plain Sight: Breaking Laws In Among The Hidden

In the young adult novel *Among the Hidden* by Margaret Peterson Haddix, the protagonist, Luke Garner, is a third child, making him and his parents in violation of the Population Law. This law, passed by General Sherman, states that parents may only have two children and is enforced by the Population Police. As a result, Luke must remain hidden or risk being killed or imprisoned. The novel explores the consequences of breaking this law and the impact on those who are considered shadow children.

Third children must remain hidden or risk being killed or imprisoned

In the young adult novel *Among the Hidden* by Margaret Peterson Haddix, the world is facing overpopulation and food shortages. As a result, a Population Law has been passed, stating that each family can only have two children. A third child is considered illegal, and the punishment for breaking this law is severe.

Third children, like the novel's protagonist, Luke Garner, must remain hidden or risk being killed or imprisoned. Luke's existence is a secret, even from his older brothers, and he is confined to his house, spending his days in total isolation from the rest of the world. When the government starts building houses for the rich and elite near Luke's family farm, he is no longer allowed outside and is forced to stay indoors, alone during the day.

Luke's life is one of constant fear and paranoia. He knows that his safety relies on staying out of public view, and even a small mistake could lead to dire consequences. The government forcefully sterilizes women after their second births, and any woman who becomes pregnant a third time is required to abort the child. The discovery of a third child is considered a serious crime, and the Population Police are ever-present, enforcing the law.

The novel highlights the extreme measures taken to control population and the devastating impact on those who break the law. The threat of being killed or imprisoned is ever-present for third children like Luke, who must live their lives in the shadows, hidden from society.

The government controls what citizens eat

In Margaret Peterson Haddix's novel "Among the Hidden", the government passes a Population Law that limits families to only having two children. This law is enforced by the Population Police, and it is mentioned that the government wanted to buy the Garner family's woods and "you can't tell the government no".

In the real world, governments have attempted to control what their citizens eat to varying degrees. For example, in New York City, sugary drinks over 16 ounces were banned by the Board of Health to combat rising obesity rates. This was met with criticism, with some arguing that the ban puts American values of freedom at risk. Similarly, the mayor of New York tried to ban sugary sodas, but this was also met with backlash.

Some people argue that government intervention in diets is necessary to ensure the health and safety of citizens. For example, the widespread consumption of sugary drinks and fast food has led to an increase in health problems in America. By intervening, the government can increase awareness of healthy eating and prevent higher rates of obesity. Additionally, the cost of obesity is estimated at $190 billion per year, which comes from taxpayers.

On the other hand, some people argue that it is not the government's responsibility to control what citizens eat. They believe that individuals should have personal responsibility for their health and well-being. Additionally, they argue that government regulation of diets could take away freedom of choice and put American values of freedom and individualism in jeopardy.

Overall, the topic of government control over citizens' diets is a highly debated issue with valid arguments on both sides. While some argue that government intervention is necessary for the health and safety of citizens, others believe that it infringes on personal freedoms and responsibilities.

Women are forcefully sterilised after their second birth

In the novel *Among the Hidden*, the Population Law dictates that parents may only have two children. This law is enforced by the Population Police. Breaking the law, even unintentionally, can have serious consequences.

In the real world, forced or coerced sterilisation has been used by governments to control population growth and as a means of eugenics. While such programs have been made illegal in much of the world, instances of forced or coerced sterilisations still persist.

In some countries, women are forcefully sterilised after their second birth as a means of population control. This practice has been documented in Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Uzbekistan, and the United States. In some cases, women are offered incentives such as money or gifts to undergo sterilisation. In other cases, women are coerced or forced to undergo the procedure without their full consent.

Forced sterilisation is a serious violation of human rights and has been recognised as a crime against humanity by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. It is important to note that the decision to undergo sterilisation should be made voluntarily and with full informed consent.

Third children are denied hukos or cards that prove their existence

In the novel Among the Hidden, the population is governed by a strict law that limits families to only having two children. This law was passed by General Sherman 20 years before the events of the novel, which is set in a dystopian future. The law was enacted due to food shortages and overpopulation, with the government even controlling citizens' diets.

As a third child, Luke Garner is in violation of this law and must remain hidden from public view. He and his parents face severe consequences if he is discovered. One such consequence is that third children are denied hukos or cards that prove their existence. Without these documents, third children like Luke are not legally recognised as humans and are deprived of basic rights and protections. They are forced to live in secrecy and isolation, unable to attend school or socialise freely.

The denial of hukos or identification cards is a form of social control and a way to further marginalise and dehumanise these children. It also serves as a punishment for the parents, who are made to feel ashamed and fearful of being discovered. This adds to the tension and suspense of the novel, as the reader is constantly aware of the risk that Luke and his family are taking by hiding his existence.

The lack of official recognition and documentation also makes it difficult for third children to access resources, services, and opportunities. They are unable to receive an education, obtain medical care, or even purchase certain goods without drawing attention to themselves. This further reinforces their sense of illegitimacy and otherness, creating a class of people who are effectively invisible and powerless.

The denial of hukos to third children in Among the Hidden highlights the harsh and dehumanising nature of the population law. It underscores the themes of control, injustice, and the need to fight against evil in the world, as Luke and other third children are forced to live in the shadows, denied their basic rights, and constantly at risk of being killed or imprisoned.

Luke is confined to his house in total isolation from the world

In the novel Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix, Luke Garner is a 12-year-old boy who lives with his family on a farm. As a third child, Luke is in violation of the Population Law, which states that families are only allowed to have two children. This law was passed by General Sherman 20 years before the events of the novel, in response to overpopulation and food shortages.

Luke knows that his existence is illegal, and so he must spend his days hidden away, confined to his house in total isolation from the outside world. He is not allowed to go outside and can't even enter a room with an uncovered window. His life of seclusion is threatened when the government starts building houses for the rich and elite in the woods behind his family's farm. As a result, Luke is forced to stay indoors and is alone during the day.

The situation becomes even more dire when Luke sees the face of another child in one of the new houses—a house he knows already has two children. This discovery leads him to venture out and make contact with the child, Jen Talbot, who reveals that she, too, is a third child. Through Jen, Luke learns about a secret chat room for other third children, who call themselves Shadow Children.

Luke's life of isolation is upended as he forms a connection with Jen and becomes involved with the Shadow Children. He begins to question his guilt and the government's actions, setting him on a path of resistance and potential danger.

Frequently asked questions