Ender's Game: Learning from Isolation
How does Ender treat Bean exactly the way Graff treated Ender when he came to Battle School? How does Ender’s discussion with Bean show what he has learned from Graff?
In what ways does Ender treat Bean exactly the way Graff treated Ender when he came to Battle School?
How does Ender’s discussion with Bean show what he has learned from Graff?
Answer:
Ender isolates Bean from the rest of the group. He kept telling the others that Bean is better than them and making the other kids hate Bean. He also taunts Bean and makes fun of him. Just because Bean is smarter than the other kids and has more potential, Ender points it out and makes the other kids target Bean. This happens with Ender when Colonel Graff makes the other kids in his launch group hate him by pointing out that Ender was smarter than them. Bean is the smartest of the kids and Ender decides to isolate him to make him better. Ender knows from his own isolation that it has made him more independent, a better commander, and a better problem-solver. He wants to sharpen Bean’s wits; intensify his effort; keep him off balance, never sure what’s going to happen next, so that he always has to be ready for anything; ready to improvise; and determined to win no matter what. However, Ender knows how painful it was for him during his isolation which makes him more compassionate to Bean then Colonel Graff was to him.
Ender Wiggin, the protagonist of "Ender’s Game," is known for his exceptional strategic thinking and leadership skills. However, his journey at Battle School is not without its challenges, especially when he encounters Bean, a young genius who reminds Ender of his own past experiences with isolation and manipulation orchestrated by Colonel Graff.
Ender’s treatment of Bean mirrors the way Graff treated Ender when he first arrived at Battle School. Ender isolates Bean from the group, much like Graff isolated him from his peers. By constantly highlighting Bean’s intelligence and potential, Ender incites jealousy and resentment among the other children, just as Graff did with Ender. Ender’s behavior towards Bean shows that he has learned from Graff’s tactics of pushing individuals to their limits to bring out their best.
Despite Ender’s tough approach towards Bean, there is a depth of empathy and understanding in his actions. Having experienced the pain of isolation himself, Ender aims to challenge Bean in order to sharpen his skills and make him a better strategist. Ender’s discussions with Bean reflect his belief that adversity can lead to growth and self-improvement, qualities that Ender himself developed during his time at Battle School.
In essence, Ender’s treatment of Bean not only demonstrates his strategic thinking and leadership qualities but also showcases his capacity for empathy and compassion. By drawing from his own experiences of isolation, Ender seeks to mentor Bean in a way that is both challenging and supportive, ultimately shaping him into a formidable asset in the battle against the alien species known as the Formics.