How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Line)
Quote #7
"[…] So I thought it fitting that I congratulate you in person. If we had more patriotic young people like you, with minds as sharp as yours, we'd have won the war against the Colonies long ago. Wouldn't you agree?" (2.2.31)
In the Republic, what is truly valued is loyalty to the cause. It doesn't really actually matter how brilliant or how creative individuals are—what really matters is that young people show the appropriate amount of patriotism.
Quote #8
"Few people ever kill for the right reasons, June," he said after a long silence. "Most do it for the wrong reasons. I just hope you never have to be in either category." (2.10.98)
Metias recognizes—even before he finds out the Republic's dirty secrets—that killing because you're told to is a very bad thing. He can't quite let himself get over that little girl's death because he did it on an order without even thinking it through.
Quote #9
I don't move for the next few hours. When the Republic's pledge starts up outside, I can hear the people on the streets below chanting along, but I don't bother to stand. I don't salute when the Elector Primo's name comes up. (2.10.100)
June, who was such a good patriotic soldier before, can't even bring herself to go through the motions of the pledge anymore. Why doesn't it make her feel good anymore?