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Ace of Spades
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in I Am the Messenger, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Circumstance vs. Choice
Heroism, Sainthood, and Ordinariness
Purpose, Success, and Meaning
Hope, Caring, and Beauty
Summary
Analysis
Ed runs around the field looking for the Doorman and Jay. He comes across Audrey and she helps him look for the dog. After they check the surrounding area, they return to the field. Ed sees the Doorman and Jay standing beneath the tree they were originally under. Jay is now holding a drink and a snack. A young woman stands with them, but she hands Jay something and runs off.
Ed’s panic to find the Doorman, the one being he has spent the most time with so far in the novel, implies that a mission like Ed’s, where one is compelled to help others, can affect the relationships one holds most dear.
Themes
Ed realizes Jay is holding a playing card. He runs after the young woman, but she is gone. Ed wants to keep searching for her, because he is sure she knows who is sending the cards, but he knows he must get the card from Jay. Unfortunately, Jay refuses to give Ed the card, because the young woman said that the card is for the owner of the dog and the little boy believes he now owns the Doorman. Ed offers him twenty dollars for both the card and the dog, and the boy accepts. Ed sees that the card is the Ace of Spades.
The disappearance of the woman heightens the mystery of the cards, which further emphasizes the idea that a higher power somehow compels individuals to help other people. Jay’s immaturity and desire for money highlights the idea that even for a would-be hero like Ed, ordinary obstacles can challenge one’s ability to help others.
Themes
