"Legend," written by Marie Lu in 2011, is a futuristic dystopian novel set in LA. It portrays a world governed by the totalitarian Republic, marked by clear class divisions, population control, and disinformation- aspects of an oppressive government. The narrative centers around protagonists Day and June, who collaborate to expose the corrupt Republic and challenge those in power. The suffering of the poor sectors, especially the flash back to police brutality, Commander Jameson's corruption which reflects the dystopian genre and Day's rebellion all position audiences to understand that abuse of power should be challenged because it impacts both individuals and whole societies. Lu’s characterization of Jameson positions readers to view her as a cruel character who abuses her power. Throughout the novel, she is has caused oppression and suffering. For example, to gain glory and recognition, she had killed Day's mother as evidence that she was key to capturing him, despite his mother being innocent. Additionally, she had ordered for him to be “[kept up] here for two days" and to be “allowed one cup of water a day. One food ration.” She then smiles and tells June to make him "beg" for the food. This maliciousness and cruelty earns nothing for Jameson, showing that she is corrupt. Additionally, the point that she smiled means that she enjoys the abuse, and emphasizes her callous nature. Jameson had also ordered her soldiers to fire at innocent protesters, and as June expressed, "There [were] 97, 98 dead. No, at least 120." By illustrating the cruelty and corruption of Jameson and using dystopian features, Marie Lu clearly demonstrates the idea that abuse of power impacts both individuals and whole societies. The suffering of the poor sectors, especially with police brutality, position readers to recognize that abuse of power impacts both individuals and whole societies. For example, two days before his execution, Day, inside his prison cell, has a flashback. When he is nine, he plays with John, throwing a paper ball. As John had been given a job, their Mom sold her second dress and old pots while taking over shifts from her coworkers to buy "a whole chicken." When they "hit the ball some more, [Day makes] a mistake. He accidently hits the ball of paper onto a policeman's face, that is "harmless paper," but the policeman "pulls a knife from his boot" and "gets ready to hit [Day] across the face. John sees Day as he gives the policeman "a nasty stare" and pleads. This shows the overt corruption of those in power and police brutality, demonstrating the suffering the poor sectors go through. Afterwards, their mother rushes out with "almost all [their] money," the policeman orders her to give her the chicken before leaving. As John reprimands and shakes him, Day believes it was for hitting him. He replies, "You never look at an officer like that…. You want to get us all killed?” In this flashback, there is a clear oppression of the poor sectors, and they are characterized as powerless and vulnerable. On the other hand, with just the hit of a paper-ball, the policeman's actions demonstrate the corruption of those in power. Additionally, the idea that even looking at an officer incorrectly could lead to such severe consequences demonstrates the suppression and cruelty the poor sectors face. Overall, using the writing techniques of imagery and flashback as well as the corruption of those in power, the idea that abuse of power should be challenged because it impacts both individuals and whole societies is conveyed. Furthermore, Day's characterization as rebellious and determined that challenges the Republic's abuse of power positions readers to understand that abuse of power should be challenged because of the severe suffering on the poor sector. For instance, when June goes over Day's crimes, she remembers that he has done many crimes such as stolen money, food and goods for those who need it, torched fighter jets (that might have killed innocents) and other crimes with minimal injury. This shows that he does not abuse his power, and is the challenge against the abuse for the poor sectors. Overall, the characterization and actions of Day show that abuse of power needs to be challenged. To conclude, Marie Lu conveys the need for abuse of power to be challenged through the devastating impact on the poor sectors. Together with the police brutality, corruption and suffering of the poor sector, the idea that abuse of power should be challenged because it impacts both individuals and whole societies is conveyed.