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Queen of Clubs
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 feels proud, knowing he has completed all the tasks on the stones of home. He takes the Doorman for a walk down to the river and checks on the stone with the names written on it. He sees a check mark next to Father O’Reilly and Angie’s names, but no mark next to Gavin’s. He knows this means his mission with Gavin is not complete.
This scene shows that Ed can’t necessarily complete his mission on his own; he’s still relying on outside input to guide him along the way, even though he doesn’t quite know where that input comes from.
Themes
Two nights before the annual soccer game, Ed is still worried about his incomplete business with Gavin. When he cannot sleep, he goes to the pharmacy to pick up some sleeping pills. On his way home, he realizes a group of boys is following him. Suddenly, he hears Daniel ask Gavin if this is the guy. Then the boys grab Ed and all start punching him. Daniel tells Ed that this is payback for him hurting Gavin. He lets Gavin make the last punch before the boys run off.
By working together to beat up Ed, Daniel and Gavin show that Ed has succeeded in his goal of uniting the two brothers and teaching them to care for each other. Though this incident is obviously painful for Ed, it demonstrates how personal sacrifice can be a way of encouraging growth in others.
Themes
Ed eventually stands up and limps home. He knows he has finally completed the Ace of Clubs and his task with Gavin. He looks at himself in his bathroom mirror and sees his black eyes, swollen jaw, and bloody face. He tries to smile despite his injuries and congratulate himself on a good job.
Ed’s injuries represent both the physical and emotional sacrifices he makes for his mission. This shows that helping others can require personal sacrifice, but Ed’s smile suggests this sacrifice is worth making.
Themes
