King of a Vast Empire is a coming of age story that focuses on the ways in which our decisions are influenced by our past. The car accident greatly affected both Terrence and Liddie, although not necessarily negatively as they both grew up to become stronger people due to the unfortunate event. The way in which the family was shunned by their community and ultimately ceased to function as a unit in reaction to the accident forced the characters to overcome tragedy in solus, ultimately forcing them to find strength within themselves. Ultimately, Terrence was able to come to terms with the accident and live without being curious about the other family, and wanted to be grateful for his own family.
Liddie's course was also greatly influenced by the accident, developing her rebellious side. She fought against traditional female roles, choosing instead a profession that she loved, although it was not the one that society thought she should have. Additionally, at one point in the story, Liddie made notice of her scar and touched it in front of her parents and brother in order to manipulate them, reminding what happened in order to sway their decision. Ultimately, this is an example of Liddie using her body as a weapon through which she can exert control. Liddie was comfortable in her body. A plastic surgeon asked if she wanted surgery to cover up her scar and she replied “Great when we’re done with that why don’t you give me a boob job? Is there anything else you see wrong with me?” (119) She liked the way she looked and thought the scar gave her character.
Although Terrence felt like the outsider, Liddie was viewed as the outsider. Whereas Terrence didn’t have a sense of belonging, Liddie was happy with her unusual career path and life. Together they balanced each other out. Terrence didn’t see himself as an insider because of his recent breakup with Gabi and his exile from the community at a young age, but he was a normal person with a normal job. Society viewed him as normal, making him an insider. This shows the malleability of "insider" and "outsider" as definitions and the way in which their use is problematic.
Liddie's course was also greatly influenced by the accident, developing her rebellious side. She fought against traditional female roles, choosing instead a profession that she loved, although it was not the one that society thought she should have. Additionally, at one point in the story, Liddie made notice of her scar and touched it in front of her parents and brother in order to manipulate them, reminding what happened in order to sway their decision. Ultimately, this is an example of Liddie using her body as a weapon through which she can exert control. Liddie was comfortable in her body. A plastic surgeon asked if she wanted surgery to cover up her scar and she replied “Great when we’re done with that why don’t you give me a boob job? Is there anything else you see wrong with me?” (119) She liked the way she looked and thought the scar gave her character.
Although Terrence felt like the outsider, Liddie was viewed as the outsider. Whereas Terrence didn’t have a sense of belonging, Liddie was happy with her unusual career path and life. Together they balanced each other out. Terrence didn’t see himself as an insider because of his recent breakup with Gabi and his exile from the community at a young age, but he was a normal person with a normal job. Society viewed him as normal, making him an insider. This shows the malleability of "insider" and "outsider" as definitions and the way in which their use is problematic.
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