The Elite

On the way to breakfast, America runs into Aspen, whom she hasn’t seen in a while. He tells her where they can meet later. America is still trying to come up with ideas for her project. She shares her stress with Aspen, who complains about the caste system and its injustice. She reminds him their castes are higher now, and they can change lives.

America returns to Gregory’s diary, curious about a mention he made of his daughter, and finds the entry where he discusses marrying Katherine to a prince of Swedenway, despite her objections. While some of the older generation think Gregory’s vision for the country is taking them down the wrong path, he writes with appreciation about the enthusiastic support of young people. Gregory reveals his ambition, writing: “Why settle for President Illéa when I can be King Illéa instead?” (251).

America sees how Gregory designed the caste system to reward his allies and punish his enemies, changing family names at his discretion. She’s shocked to realize that the man she’s revered as a hero was just plotting to grab power. She wonders how an entire history has been forgotten, and who still has this information, then realizes that without having anything recorded, the history can simply be retold.