Peter, you're twelve years old. I'm ten. They have a word for people our age. They call us children and they treat us like mice.
In "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card, the characters Peter and his younger brother reflect on their childhood. Peter, at twelve, feels the weight of being categorized as a child, which often comes with condescension and the limitations that society places on young people. His brother’s assertion highlights the feeling of being underestimated, where their potential and intelligence are ignored simply because of their age.
This quote captures the frustrations of youth and the desire for recognition beyond the label of being a child. The comparison to mice implies a sense of helplessness and maneuvering through a system that does not fully appreciate their capabilities. Through their dialogue, Card emphasizes the internal struggles of young individuals grappling with their identities in a world that restricts their agency due to their age.
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