Plot Summary
Arrival of the Scythe
In a world where death has been conquered, scythes are tasked with gleaning to control the population. Citra Terranova's life is upended when Scythe Faraday visits her family, leaving her with a mix of fear and curiosity about the scythe's role. This encounter sets the stage for Citra's unexpected journey into the world of scythes, where she will face moral complexities and the burden of taking life.
The Weight of the Ring
Citra and Rowan Damisch are chosen by Scythe Faraday as apprentices, thrust into a world of moral complexity. They learn the art of gleaning and the heavy responsibility it entails. Faraday's teachings emphasize compassion, but the apprentices must grapple with the reality that one will become a scythe, while the other faces a grim fate. The scythe's ring symbolizes the immense responsibility and personal sacrifice required.
A New World Order
The scythedom is divided between traditionalists like Faraday and those like Scythe Goddard, who embrace power and spectacle. Goddard's flamboyant style and mass gleanings contrast sharply with Faraday's measured approach. Rowan is drawn into Goddard's circle, experiencing the allure of power and excess. This new world order challenges the moral fabric of the scythedom, threatening the principles of fairness and compassion.
The Test of Conclave
At the Vernal Conclave, Citra and Rowan are tested alongside other apprentices. The conclave is a gathering of scythes to discuss policy and maintain order. Citra's honesty is questioned, while Rowan's fearlessness is challenged. The conclave reveals the political machinations within the scythedom, as alliances and rivalries shape the future of the apprentices. This test is pivotal, setting the stage for their continued journey.
The Price of Failure
The conclave imposes a cruel stipulation: the apprentice who becomes a scythe must glean the other. This shocking decision forces Citra and Rowan into a deadly competition, testing their resolve and morality. The weight of this stipulation looms over them, complicating their training and relationship. The price of failure is not just personal loss but the loss of a friend, underscoring the harsh realities of the scythedom.
A Scythe's Legacy
Scythe Faraday's sudden death leaves Citra and Rowan without a mentor. His self-gleaning is a sacrifice to free them from the conclave's stipulation, but it also leaves them vulnerable. Citra is taken in by Scythe Curie, while Rowan falls under Goddard's influence. Faraday's legacy of compassion and integrity contrasts with the growing influence of scythes like Goddard, marking a turning point for Citra and Rowan.
The Burden of Choice
As apprentices under different scythes, Citra and Rowan's paths diverge. Citra learns from Scythe Curie, who values compassion, while Rowan is drawn into Goddard's world of excess. The burden of choice weighs heavily on them, as they must decide what kind of scythe they want to become. Their training challenges their beliefs and tests their loyalty to each other, shaping the legacy they will leave behind.
Rowan's Trial by Fire
Rowan is caught in Scythe Goddard's manipulative world, forced to embrace darker aspects of his nature. Goddard's philosophy of reveling in power conflicts with Rowan's moral compass. Despite the allure of power, Rowan struggles with the loss of his humanity, feeling trapped in a cycle of violence. His internal conflict reaches a boiling point during a mass gleaning, forcing him to confront the monster he fears becoming.
Citra's Journey to Justice
Falsely accused of murdering Scythe Faraday, Citra embarks on a journey to clear her name. With Scythe Curie's help, she uncovers a conspiracy within the Scythedom. Her quest reveals that Faraday faked his death to protect his apprentices. Citra's determination and resourcefulness are tested as she evades capture, ultimately positioning herself to challenge the corrupt forces within the Scythedom.
The Final Test of Resolve
As Winter Conclave approaches, Citra and Rowan face their final test to determine who will become a scythe. The test forces them to confront their deepest fears and moral convictions. Citra must render her brother deadish, while Rowan is pushed to the brink by Goddard's influence. Both apprentices navigate the treacherous waters of the Scythedom, where alliances are fragile and the stakes are life and death.
A New Scythe is Born
Citra is chosen to become a scythe, taking on the mantle of Scythe Anastasia. Her ordainment is a moment of triumph, as she vows to uphold compassion and justice. Her first act is to spare Rowan, granting him immunity in a clever maneuver that defies the Scythedom's edict. Citra's rise marks a new chapter, where she must navigate the complex politics of the Scythedom while staying true to her ideals.
A World on the Brink
The Scythedom is at a crossroads, with traditionalists clashing with Goddard's followers. The tension threatens to unravel the balance of power, as whispers of rebellion and reform echo through the conclave. The world watches as the Scythedom grapples with its identity, with Citra and Rowan navigating this turbulent landscape. Their actions could shape the fate of the world, as they strive to uphold their principles in a world on the brink.
Characters
Citra Terranova
Citra is a strong-willed teenager chosen as an apprentice to Scythe Faraday. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with the responsibility of becoming a scythe and the personal sacrifices it entails. Her relationship with Rowan is complicated by the deadly competition imposed by the conclave, but her determination to uphold her ideals remains steadfast.
Rowan Damisch
Rowan is a complex character caught between his moral convictions and the corrupting influence of Scythe Goddard. His transformation into Scythe Lucifer represents a rebellion against the Scythedom's corruption, as he seeks to bring justice to those who abuse their power. Rowan's relationship with Citra is central to his character, providing both a source of strength and a reminder of the person he strives to be.
Scythe Faraday
Scythe Faraday is a traditionalist who values compassion and fairness. His unexpected death is a sacrifice to free his apprentices from the conclave's deadly stipulation. Faraday's legacy of integrity and compassion continues to guide Citra and Rowan as they navigate the scythedom, providing a stark contrast to the growing influence of scythes like Goddard.
Scythe Goddard
Scythe Goddard is a flamboyant figure within the Scythedom, representing a new order that challenges traditional values. His influence over Rowan is profound, as he seeks to mold him into a weapon of his own making. Goddard's methods are ruthless, posing a significant threat to the moral fabric of the Scythedom. His eventual downfall marks a turning point for both Rowan and the Scythedom.
Scythe Curie
Scythe Curie, known as the Grande Dame of Death, values compassion and integrity. She becomes a mentor to Citra, guiding her through the complexities of scythehood. Curie's wisdom and experience are invaluable, providing a counterbalance to the corrupting influence of figures like Goddard. Her role is one of guidance and support, helping shape the future of the Scythedom.
High Blade Xenocrates
High Blade Xenocrates is the leader of the MidMerican Scythedom, presiding over conclave and maintaining order. His decisions shape the future of the Scythedom, including the fate of Citra and Rowan. Xenocrates is a complex figure, balancing the demands of tradition and the growing influence of scythes like Goddard. His leadership is marked by contradictions, as he navigates the political machinations within the Scythedom.
Scythe Volta
Scythe Volta is one of Goddard's junior scythes, loyal to his vision of the Scythedom's future. He is drawn to Goddard's charisma, but his interactions with Rowan reveal a more compassionate side. Volta's journey is one of internal conflict, as he grapples with the moral implications of Goddard's methods. His relationship with Rowan provides a glimpse into the complexities of loyalty and the burden of choice within the Scythedom.
Esme
Esme is a young girl who becomes a key figure in Rowan's journey. She is taken in by Goddard after a mass gleaning, and her presence at the estate is shrouded in mystery. Goddard claims she is the key to the future, but her true significance remains unclear. Esme's interactions with Rowan reveal her innocence and the impact of the Scythedom's actions on those caught in its wake.
Plot Devices
The Scythe's Ring
The scythe's ring symbolizes the immense power and responsibility of a scythe. It grants immunity to those who kiss it, marking the scythe's authority over life and death. The ring's weight is both literal and metaphorical, representing the burden of taking life. For Citra and Rowan, the ring is a constant reminder of their potential future and the personal sacrifices required to uphold the scythedom's duties.
The Conclave
The conclave serves as a gathering of scythes to discuss policy and maintain order. It is a place of political machinations, where alliances and rivalries shape the future of the scythedom. The conclave tests Citra and Rowan, forcing them to confront their values and the harsh realities of their apprenticeship. The conclave's decisions, including the deadly stipulation, have far-reaching consequences for the apprentices and the scythedom as a whole.
The Deadly Stipulation
The deadly stipulation imposed by the conclave forces Citra and Rowan into a mortal competition. The stipulation requires the apprentice who becomes a scythe to glean the other, adding a layer of tension and complexity to their training. This stipulation challenges their resolve and morality, testing their loyalty to each other and their commitment to the scythedom's principles. It underscores the personal sacrifices required to uphold the scythedom's duties.
The Final Test
The final test for scythe apprentices challenges their moral convictions and emotional strength. It forces Citra and Rowan to confront their deepest fears and make difficult choices that will define their future as scythes. The test serves as a crucible, shaping their character and setting the stage for their actions in the conclave. It is a moment of transformation and revelation, highlighting the themes of duty, sacrifice, and the burden of power.
Analysis
"Scythe" by Neal Shusterman delves into the complexities of morality, power, and the human condition in a world where death has been conquered. The novel explores the ethical dilemmas faced by those tasked with controlling the population, highlighting the tension between traditional values and the allure of power. Through the journeys of Citra and Rowan, the story examines the burden of choice and the personal sacrifices required to uphold one's principles. The scythedom serves as a microcosm of society, reflecting the challenges of maintaining order and justice in a world on the brink. Shusterman's narrative invites readers to consider the implications of immortality and the importance of compassion and integrity in the face of corruption.
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Questions & Answers
What is Scythe about?
- Post-mortal world explored: In a future where death has been conquered, a select group of individuals known as scythes are tasked with controlling the population through gleaning (killing).
- Apprenticeship and moral conflict: The story follows two teenagers, Citra and Rowan, who are chosen as scythe apprentices, forcing them to grapple with the moral implications of taking life.
- Power, corruption, and choice: The narrative explores themes of power, corruption, and the difficult choices individuals must make when faced with the responsibility of ending lives, set against a backdrop of a seemingly utopian society.
Why should I read Scythe?
- Thought-provoking premise: Scythe presents a unique and compelling exploration of a world without natural death, raising questions about morality, power, and the value of life.
- Complex characters and relationships: The novel features well-developed characters with intricate relationships, forcing readers to consider the nuances of their choices and motivations.
- Action-packed and suspenseful: The story is filled with suspense, political intrigue, and action, keeping readers engaged while also prompting them to reflect on deeper themes.
What is the background of Scythe?
- Technological utopia: The world of Scythe is a post-mortal society where technology has eliminated disease, aging, and most forms of death, creating a seemingly perfect world.
- The Thunderhead's role: An advanced AI known as the Thunderhead manages most aspects of society, but the Scythedom operates independently, tasked with controlling population growth through gleaning.
- Historical and cultural influences: The novel draws on historical and cultural references, including the Renaissance, mythology, and various philosophical concepts, to create a rich and complex world.
What are the most memorable quotes in Scythe?
- "We must, by law, keep a record of the innocents we kill. And as I see it, they're all innocents. Even the guilty.": This quote from Scythe Curie's journal highlights the moral burden and internal conflict that scythes face, emphasizing the inherent value of every life.
- "The ending of human life used to be in the hands of nature. But we stole it. Now we have a monopoly on death. We are its sole distributor.": This quote underscores the responsibility and ethical implications of the Scythedom's role in a world where death is no longer natural.
- "Those who wish to have the job should not have it . . . and those who would most refuse to kill are the only ones who should.": This quote encapsulates the central paradox of the Scythedom, highlighting the moral qualifications for those who must take life.
What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Neal Shusterman use?
- Multiple perspectives: Shusterman employs a multi-perspective narrative, allowing readers to see the world through the eyes of Citra, Rowan, and various scythes, providing a comprehensive view of the Scythedom.
- Journal entries: The inclusion of journal entries from scythes adds depth and complexity to the narrative, revealing their inner thoughts, moral struggles, and philosophical musings.
- Foreshadowing and symbolism: Shusterman uses subtle foreshadowing and recurring symbols, such as the scythe's ring and the color of their robes, to enhance the thematic depth and create a sense of unease and anticipation.
Hidden Details & Subtle Connections
What are some minor details that add significant meaning?
- The color of scythe robes: The color of a scythe's robe often reflects their personality and approach to gleaning, with Scythe Faraday's ivory robe contrasting with Scythe Goddard's ostentatious royal blue.
- The use of mortal-age objects: The presence of old-school items like books, maps, and weapons from the Age of Mortality serves as a reminder of the past and the values that have been lost or altered in the post-mortal world.
- The significance of names: The names of scythes, often chosen from historical figures, reflect their chosen role models and the values they aspire to, adding layers of meaning to their characters.
What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?
- Scythe Faraday's initial visit: Faraday's visit to the Terranova's home, where he eats dinner and grants immunity, foreshadows his later role as a mentor and the importance of compassion in the Scythedom.
- Rowan's encounter with the mountain lion: Rowan's past encounter with a mountain lion mirrors his later interactions with scythes, highlighting his tendency to stand his ground in the face of danger.
- The opera La Forza del Destino: The opera's themes of fate and destiny foreshadow the complex and often tragic paths that Citra and Rowan must navigate, highlighting the forces that seem to control their lives.
What are some unexpected character connections?
- Scythe Faraday and the coroner: The friendship between Scythe Faraday and the woman who works in the coroner's office reveals the interconnectedness of life and death in their world, and the importance of having allies in unexpected places.
- Rowan and Kohl Whitlock: Rowan's unexpected connection with Kohl Whitlock, a boy he barely knew, highlights the theme of empathy and the shared humanity that exists even in a world without natural death.
- Citra and the Tonists: Citra's encounter with the Tonists, and their belief in the power of sound, foreshadows her later journey and the importance of finding one's own path, even in the face of rigid traditions.
Who are the most significant supporting characters?
- Scythe Volta: As one of Goddard's junior scythes, Volta's internal conflict and eventual disillusionment with Goddard's methods highlight the moral complexities within the Scythedom.
- High Blade Xenocrates: As the leader of the MidMerican Scythedom, Xenocrates's decisions and actions shape the political landscape and the fate of the apprentices, revealing the corruption and power struggles within the organization.
- Esme: The mysterious young girl taken in by Goddard, Esme's presence adds an element of unpredictability and serves as a reminder of the human cost of the scythes' actions.
Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis
What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?
- Scythe Faraday's self-gleaning: Faraday's self-gleaning is not just a sacrifice to free his apprentices, but also a way to escape the moral burden of his role and the growing corruption within the Scythedom.
- Rowan's desire for purpose: Rowan's initial acceptance of the apprenticeship is driven by a desire to find purpose and meaning in a world where life has become stagnant, even if it means embracing a role he initially despises.
- Citra's need for control: Citra's acceptance of the apprenticeship is partly driven by a need to control her own fate and protect her family, even if it means taking on the responsibility of ending lives.
What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?
- Rowan's internal conflict: Rowan struggles with the allure of power and the desire to be a good scythe, battling his own moral compass and the influence of Scythe Goddard.
- Citra's self-doubt: Despite her strength and determination, Citra grapples with self-doubt and the fear that she is not worthy of the responsibility of being a scythe.
- Scythe Goddard's narcissism: Goddard's actions are driven by a deep-seated narcissism and a desire for power and control, revealing a dangerous side of the Scythedom.
What are the major emotional turning points?
- Kohl Whitlock's gleaning: Rowan's experience witnessing Kohl Whitlock's gleaning is a major emotional turning point, forcing him to confront the reality of death and the power of the scythes.
- The deadly stipulation: The imposition of the deadly stipulation at conclave is a major emotional turning point for both Citra and Rowan, forcing them to confront the possibility of having to kill each other.
- Scythe Faraday's death: Faraday's self-gleaning is a major emotional turning point, leaving Citra and Rowan without a mentor and forcing them to navigate the Scythedom on their own.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
- Citra and Rowan's rivalry: The relationship between Citra and Rowan evolves from a reluctant partnership to a complex rivalry, as they are forced to compete for the scythe's ring.
- Scythe Faraday and his apprentices: Faraday's relationship with Citra and Rowan is one of mentorship and guidance, but also of emotional distance, as he tries to prepare them for the harsh realities of their future.
- Scythe Goddard and his disciples: Goddard's relationship with his junior scythes is one of manipulation and control, as he seeks to mold them into his own image, highlighting the corrupting influence of power.
Interpretation & Debate
Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?
- The Thunderhead's true nature: The Thunderhead's motivations and its level of awareness remain ambiguous, leaving readers to wonder about its role in the world and its relationship with the Scythedom.
- The future of the Scythedom: The novel leaves the future of the Scythedom uncertain, with the growing influence of scythes like Goddard and the potential for corruption and abuse of power.
- The nature of morality: The novel raises questions about the nature of morality and whether it is possible to maintain one's integrity in a world where death has been conquered and power is absolute.
What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Scythe?
- The mass gleanings: Scythe Goddard's mass gleanings are controversial, raising questions about the ethics of such actions and the potential for abuse of power within the Scythedom.
- The deadly stipulation: The conclave's decision to impose the deadly stipulation is a controversial moment, highlighting the harsh realities of the Scythedom and the moral compromises that scythes must make.
- Scythe Faraday's self-gleaning: Faraday's self-gleaning is a controversial act, raising questions about the nature of sacrifice and the limits of compassion in a world where death has been conquered.
Scythe Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means
- Citra becomes Scythe Anastasia: Citra's ordainment as Scythe Anastasia marks a new chapter, where she must navigate the complex politics of the Scythedom while staying true to her ideals.
- Rowan's escape: Rowan's escape from the Scythedom, with the help of Scythe Faraday, leaves his future uncertain, but also sets the stage for a potential rebellion against the corrupt forces within the organization.
- The Scythedom's future is uncertain: The ending of Scythe leaves the future of the Scythedom ambiguous, with the growing influence of scythes like Goddard and the potential for corruption and abuse of power. The story suggests that the fight for justice and compassion is far from over.
Review Summary
Scythe receives mostly positive reviews, praised for its unique concept, world-building, and thought-provoking themes. Readers appreciate the complex characters, unpredictable plot twists, and exploration of mortality in a utopian society. Some criticize the romance as unnecessary and find the pacing slow at times. The book challenges readers to consider ethical dilemmas and the nature of humanity. While not universally loved, many readers consider it a refreshing take on the dystopian genre and eagerly anticipate the sequel.
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