Analysis Of Ender's Game By Orson Scott Card

In Orson Scott Card’s novel, Ender’s Game, a prevalent theme is to love one’s enemy. As Ender explained it, “‘In the moment when I truly understand my enemy, understand him well enough to defeat him, then in that very moment I also love him. I think it’s impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them the way they love themselves.’” (Card 238). This describes the theme perfectly. When one person loves another, they’re able to see every character trait that makes them them. They completely understand each other. Because of this, they are also able to easily, methodically destroy each other by using those private, sometimes embarrassing, things. The love and understanding they possess can also make these things hard.

Ender had the special capability to understand almost anyone very quickly. This allowed him to defeat pretty much any enemy. For example, in the confrontation between Ender and Bonzo, Ender was able to anticipate each of Bonzo’s attacks and movements and he could respond accordingly. However, following the intense beating, Ender felt extremely remorseful for having destroyed someone whom he completely understood, “‘I didn’t want to hurt him!’ Ender cried. ‘Why didn’t he just leave me alone!’” (Card 213). Ender wished that Bonzo would’ve understood him and felt a sort of affection towards him as Ender did unto Bonzo because that would’ve negated anyone’s will to fight. He felt the same way when he discovered the baby Bugger queen. “‘If they want to get revenge, Abra, I don’t mind. But perhaps they don’t. Perhaps this is the closest they could come to talking. To writing me a note.’” (Card 317,318). This quotation makes apparent a completely different aspect of love, wanting what they