Defy the Night

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-9

Chapters 10-18

Chapters 19-26

Chapters 27-35

Chapters 36-45

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Symbols & Motifs

Darkness and Light

Throughout Defy the Night, darkness, shadows, and the night itself symbolize secrecy and mystery. Because distribution of free medicine is illegal in Kandala, Tessa and Wes must use the cover of night to do their work. On the other hand, light and day symbolize honesty, doing things out in the open. Unlike most sectors of the kingdom, the Royal Sector has electricity and searchlights that can cut through darkness because they can afford them. These searchlights are meant to secure the safety of the royals and elites, but they’re also a danger to Tessa because they threaten to expose her illegal activities.

Early in the novel, Tessa and Wes both agree that it’s best to use the cover of night and masks to protect their identities. However, the changes they’re able to incite while hiding are limited. This is why Tessa argues that they should step into the light and do more (by sharing her dosage theory, etc.). At first, Corrick thinks this is too dangerous, but realizes that embracing the truth is necessary for lasting change. He, as himself, and Tessa eventually reveal their part in distributing free medicine, which allows both Harristan and the rebels to realize they were being deceived by another party altogether (the Benefactors). However, they can’t do so until the light (in this case, the general populace’s trust in Tessa) makes itself known.

Chess

Corrick often plays chess with palace master Quint, Consul Allisander Sallister, or other people in the palace, which is significant because it’s considered a bourgeois game of strategy. Playing chess often symbolizes negotiations between those in business and politics, wherein they seek to further their own goals while pitching them to opponents. Corrick plays chess literally and metaphorically, especially against Allisander. He constantly has to think several steps ahead of the consul, considering both his actions and potential consequences.

Like playing chess, Corrick often has to sacrifice a few people to save many. In chess, players often sacrifice pawns in order to ensure the safety of important pieces like the king and queen. As King’s Justice, Corrick wants to ensure the king’s safety because Harristan is his brother; but in general, he thinks of potential sacrifices in terms of numbers rather than roles. He would rather kill two smugglers than risk Allisander (whom he hates) denying life-saving medicine to thousands of people.

Names and Pseudonyms

Pseudonyms function as symbols of secrecy and complex identities. Several characters hide behind pseudonyms to achieve their goals, including Corrick (Wes), Harristan (Sullivan), and Allisander and Lissa (the Benefactors). Tessa contrasts these characters because she never uses a fake name, even though pseudonyms are common (especially among rebels) in Kandala’s current political climate. Although Tessa appears to make herself vulnerable by using her real name, her honesty and transparency are ultimately what allow her to save herself and the kingdom. Everyone trusts Tessa because she avoids lying, even when telling the truth puts herself at risk.

In addition to pseudonyms, some characters earn nicknames based on others’ perceptions of their behavior. Harristan calls Corrick “Cory,” which is what their parents called him, showing that he views Corrick as his loyal younger brother more so than his King’s Justice. However, to others, Corrick is “Cruel Cory,” the ruthless King’s Justice. For years, Corrick was both “Cruel Cory” and “Wes” to Tessa. Corrick’s personas show how the same person can appear differently to different people, depending on their circumstances of meeting. Still, Corrick’s life improves once he integrates his personas, rather than trying to separate them. In the end, he realizes he doesn’t want to be King’s Justice, though he still wants to be the king’s brother.