Imperfections and IdentityĪs soon as the trade mart is open, some villagers such as Mentor are eager to trade their deepest self away to receive better looks. Secrets are therefore portrayed as a destructive element of society. As soon as the villagers keep their trades secret, the integrity of the community deteriorates. Moreover, not having secrets increases the level of honesty. In these communities, the government kept information secret, thus being able to control their people. It is remarkable that all villagers had voted in favor of this proposition, but less surprising considering where the foreigners had come from: Communities where they did not just suffer from beatings and hunger, but from a lack of knowledge. One of the rules in Village is that there are no secrets. In a world where refugees are rejected because people of rich countries have become too selfish, this message is more important than ever. This scene emphasizes that one must do everything in their power to improve the common good, and that the needs of the community are more important than the needs of one. The lesson, therefore, is that instead of only one person caring for another and draining their strength it is better if both people care for each other, consequently sharing the duty and reducing the effort necessary for achieving happiness.Īt the same time, Matty uses his gift to heal everyone by sacrificing himself. Indeed, in the end, both Kira and Leader use what little power they have left to communicate over a short distance because both are already in the forest.

When Leader indicates that he is not strong enough to use his gift of seeing beyond, Matty says it would be better if Kira were somewhere in the middle, so that Leader would not have to use so much strength to see Kira.

Indeed, they never have any problems with supplies until a sense of selfishness grows in the villagers this is also the moment the forest thickens and threatens Matty and Kira. They are willing to use their best qualities, as indicated by their true names, to nourish each other as well as the countless newcomers without asking for anything in return. The essence of Village is the people's altruism. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own.

These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community.

Messenger by Lois Lowry