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Symbols
The Singing represents the deep sense of community present in Ember. It’s a yearly celebration in which all residents of Ember sing three songs: “The Song of the City,” “The Song of the River,” and “The Song of Darkness.” As the celebration was likely intended to do, singing these songs gives Ember’s residents something to work together on to make beautiful. Tellingly, as Lina secretly listens to “The Song of the River” while trying to evade capture, she feels as though the song (and all the people singing it) is telling her to go and leave Ember—something that, if she’s successful, will allow her to give back to the city and her community by discovering the way out. Further, when the power goes out during this Singing, Ember’s residents voices waver but continue singing stronger than ever—a clear indicator of the sense of community present in Ember, which the Singing makes a point to celebrate every year.
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The Singing Symbol Timeline in The City of Ember
The timeline below shows where the symbol The Singing appears in The City of Ember. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 11
...up to go to work. Mrs. Murdo makes her breakfast and they discuss the upcoming Singing, which they both love. Mrs. Murdo tells Lina that she’ll care for Poppy today and...
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Chapter 13
...it’d be great if they find the way out and then announce it at the Singing in two days. Doon has to run home before lights out, but he agrees to...
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Chapter 14
...day, everyone in Ember gets off work at noon so they can practice for the Singing. It’s a slow morning, so Lina sits at her station and thinks of Mayor Cole...
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Chapter 15
...the door. They stare at the river with wonder and decide that tomorrow, at the Singing, they’ll tell the city what they found.
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...when they find them. Doon says that they really only have to hide until the Singing, and then they can tell everyone about the boats and Mayor Cole. When Lina points...
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...doing this themselves. They decide to deliver the note and then wait until after the Singing starts to head for the Pipeworks. Lina slips out, thinking of how scared Doon’s father...
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Chapter 16
...Cole for telling rumors. There are already a few people in the square for the Singing, while others begin to unfurl the banners representing the three songs. The guards shove Lina...
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...Carefully, Lina ducks down and listens to the clock chiming, announcing the start of the Singing. She pauses to look at the people below, all excited to sing their songs. As...
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Chapter 17
...it pinned to a kiosk. In the distance, he can hear the songs of the Singing and sings along. The lights go out and Doon stops to wait. He hears people...
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