Uglies: Operation Summary & Analysis

Tally waits alone for the hovercar. She’ll see her parents, Peris, and other friends tomorrow. A new young ugly approaches Tally and asks why she looks so sad. Tally thinks about what Shay said about the operation and wonders if she should tell the young ugly about how later today, the bones of Tally’s face will be replaced with plastic, her teeth will be replaced with strong ceramic, and her skin will be sanded off. People say none of it hurts except the skin, which feels like a sunburn. Tally briefly thinks that Shay’s right—it does seem like a lot to go through. She wishes people were evolved enough to treat ugly people well, and she wishes she’d tried harder to convince Shay to stay. She tells the ugly that a sunburn is worth a lifetime of being gorgeous.

The hospital hovercar arrives and the middle pretty driver steps out. He radiates confidence and reminds Tally so much of Sol that she almost calls him her father’s name. Tally picks up her half-full duffel bag, which is only as full as it is to hide Shay’s note. The hovercar takes her to the major hospital, where everyone goes for serious operations. Tally gazes at New Pretty Town and feels like it’s more vibrant than the Rusty Ruins. She vows to stop thinking about Shay as the driver checks her in and leaves. Tally waits for an hour, thinking about her first night in New Pretty Town. Then, a middle-aged man arrives. He’s a pretty but he looks terrible and cruel. He tells Tally that there’s a problem with her operation and asks her to come with him. Afraid, Tally follows.