Ellie is technically a murderer, just like the Hermit, and like the judge in the Hermit’s case, Ellie doesn’t make a distinction between the reasons why she killed. However, Ellie refuses to believe she is evil because of this, which reflects her growth and ability to navigate complex ideas. Marsden argues that normal notions of morality don’t exist during war, and Ellie is realizing this now. She trusts her “instincts” to guide her morals and actions, not predetermined laws, which, the reasons for the war prove, may in themselves be lacking and unjust.