Uglies | Scott Westerfeld |Cliff Note Books

“Uglies” is a young adult dystopian novel written by Scott Westerfeld, published in 2005. The story is set in a future society where people are divided into two categories based on their appearance: “Uglies” and “Pretties.” At the age of 16, everyone undergoes a mandatory surgery to become beautiful and join the privileged class of Pretties.

The protagonist, Tally Youngblood, is an Ugly who is eagerly awaiting her transformation. Her best friend, Peris, has already undergone the surgery and moved to New Pretty Town. While waiting for her turn, Tally befriends Shay, another Ugly who shares her birthday. However, Shay is opposed to the surgery and introduces Tally to the idea of a rebellion against the system. Before her surgery, Shay runs away to a secret community called the Smoke, where people live without undergoing the operation.

When Tally is about to receive her surgery, she is approached by the authorities, who offer her a deal: help them locate the Smoke and bring Shay back or remain Ugly forever. Torn between her desire to become Pretty and her loyalty to Shay, Tally reluctantly agrees. Equipped with a tracking device, she follows Shay’s clues and eventually finds the Smoke.

In the Smoke, Tally meets David, the son of two former surgeons who helped develop the Pretty surgery. She learns that the operation not only alters physical appearance but also implants a brain lesion that makes people docile and easy to control. As Tally grapples with this knowledge and her growing feelings for David, she accidentally triggers the tracking device, leading the authorities to the Smoke.

The novel concludes with Tally and her new friends attempting to save the Smoke and expose the truth about the Pretty surgery. Ultimately, Tally decides to voluntarily undergo the surgery to become a Pretty, hoping to find a way to reverse the effects of the brain lesions and free the people from their controlled existence.

Themes

Characters

Author

Quotes

Summaries

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THEMES

  1. Beauty and societal standards: The novel delves into society’s obsession with beauty and the pressure to conform to an idealized standard of attractiveness. By making everyone undergo surgery to become Pretty at the age of 16, the society in the book enforces a rigid standard of beauty, which raises questions about the value of individuality and self-expression.
  2. Identity and self-discovery: Tally’s journey in the novel involves her struggle to define her own identity, torn between her desire to become Pretty and her growing awareness of the dark side of the transformation. Throughout the story, Tally learns to accept herself for who she is and fights for her own beliefs and values, even when they go against societal norms.
  3. Control and manipulation: The dystopian society in “Uglies” exercises control over its citizens through the mandatory Pretty surgery, which not only changes people’s appearances but also alters their minds. This theme explores the extent to which a government can manipulate and control its population and the consequences of such control on individual freedom and autonomy.
  4. Rebellion and resistance: The novel portrays the struggle of Tally and her friends to resist the oppressive regime and fight for their right to choose their own paths in life. The existence of the Smoke and the characters’ efforts to expose the truth behind the Pretty surgery serve as examples of resistance against an authoritarian system.
  5. Friendship and loyalty: Tally’s relationships with Peris, Shay, and David are central to the story, as they shape her decisions and growth as a character. The novel examines the complexities of friendship, the importance of loyalty, and the sacrifices individuals make for those they care about.
  6. The environment and sustainability: The dystopian society in “Uglies” is built upon the ruins of a past civilization that fell due to environmental collapse. This aspect of the story prompts readers to consider the consequences of unsustainable practices and the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.
  7. The power of a single idea :
  8. In “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld, the power of a single idea is illustrated through the concept of resisting the mandatory Pretty surgery and challenging the societal norms that surround beauty and control. This idea initially starts with a small group of individuals, including Shay and the inhabitants of the Smoke, who choose to defy the imposed standards of beauty and the oppressive regime that enforces them.
  9. As the novel progresses, this single idea begins to spread and gain momentum, influencing Tally’s journey of self-discovery and her understanding of the dystopian society she lives in. The idea challenges her preconceived notions about beauty, conformity, and the true purpose of the Pretty surgery, causing her to question the values and beliefs she has been raised with.
  10. The power of this single idea is demonstrated through the impact it has on the characters and the story. As Tally learns the truth about the Pretty surgery and its effects on the human mind, she realizes that the idea of resisting the transformation is not only about preserving individuality and freedom but also about fighting for the autonomy of an entire society. This realization propels Tally to take action, joining forces with her new friends to expose the truth and resist the oppressive regime.
  11. The idea of resistance against the Pretty surgery serves as the catalyst for change in “Uglies,” illustrating the potential power of a single idea to reshape a society and its values. Through the characters’ actions and experiences, the novel demonstrates that even in a seemingly all-powerful and controlling system, a single idea can inspire hope, foster resistance, and ultimately bring about transformation.

CHARACTERS

  1. Tally Youngblood: The protagonist of the story, Tally is a 15-year-old girl who is classified as an Ugly. She is waiting for her 16th birthday to undergo the mandatory surgery to become a Pretty. Throughout the novel, Tally struggles with her desire for beauty and her loyalty to her new friends in the Smoke. Her character evolves as she discovers the truth about the Pretty surgery and its effects on society.
  2. Shay (Shay-la): A rebellious Ugly who shares her birthday with Tally. Shay is against the idea of the Pretty surgery and introduces Tally to the concept of resistance. She eventually runs away to join the Smoke, prompting Tally’s journey to find her and the hidden community.
  3. Peris: Tally’s best friend since childhood, who has already undergone the Pretty surgery. He now lives in New Pretty Town, and Tally misses him dearly. Peris represents the allure of becoming Pretty and the societal pressures that Tally faces.
  4. David: A member of the Smoke and the son of former surgeons who helped develop the Pretty surgery. David has never been an Ugly or a Pretty; he was born in the wild and raised in the Smoke. He becomes Tally’s love interest and helps her uncover the truth about the Pretty surgery’s hidden effects.
  5. Dr. Cable: The main antagonist, Dr. Cable is the head of Special Circumstances, a secretive organization that controls society. She forces Tally to find the Smoke in exchange for her own Pretty surgery. Dr. Cable represents the oppressive system that Tally and her friends fight against.
  6. Maddy and Az: David’s parents and former surgeons in the city, they now live in the Smoke. They are the ones who discovered the truth about the brain lesions caused by the Pretty surgery and decided to leave society to fight against it. They serve as mentors to Tally and her friends in the Smoke.

These are the primary characters in the novel, but there are also various other minor characters who contribute to the story, such as members of the Smoke and other Uglies and Pretties.

AUTHOR

Scott Westerfeld is an American author of young adult fiction, best known for his Uglies series. Born on May 5, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, Westerfeld later moved to Connecticut and attended Vassar College, where he studied English and Philosophy. After college, he briefly worked in the publishing industry as an editor and a ghostwriter before pursuing his passion for writing full-time.

Westerfeld’s writing career took off in the early 2000s, with the publication of his first novel, “Polymorph,” in 1997. He gained widespread recognition with the publication of the Uglies series, starting with “Uglies” in 2005, followed by “Pretties,” “Specials,” and “Extras.” The series has been well-received for its exploration of themes like beauty, identity, and societal control in a dystopian setting.

In addition to the Uglies series, Westerfeld has written numerous other novels and series, such as the Midnighters trilogy, the Leviathan trilogy, the Zeroes trilogy (co-authored with Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti), and standalone novels like “So Yesterday” and “Afterworlds.” His work often combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary issues to create thought-provoking narratives that resonate with young adult readers.

Throughout his career, Westerfeld has received several awards and honors for his work, including the Aurealis Award, the Victorian Premier’s Award, and the Philip K. Dick Special Citation. His books have been published in over 30 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Westerfeld currently resides in Sydney, Australia, and New York City.

QUOTES

  1. “What you do, the way you think, makes you beautiful.” ? Tally, Chapter 35
  2. “In a world of extreme beauty, anyone normal is ugly.” ? Opening line of the novel, Prologue
  3. “Maybe the truth was, it shouldn’t be so easy to be amazing. Then everything would be. It’s the things you fight for and struggle with before earning that have the greatest worth.” ? Tally, Chapter 28
  4. “Perhaps the logical conclusion of everyone looking the same is everyone thinking the same.” ? Tally, Chapter 30
  5. “Nature didn’t need an operation to be beautiful. It just was.” ? Tally, Chapter 16
  6. “It was a place where everyone was special, and where no one could be special, because specialness demanded contrast.” ? Tally, Chapter 23
  7. “I’m not sure we can win. But I’m certain we must fight.” ? David, Chapter 39
  8. “I’m Tally Youngblood. Make me pretty.” ? Tally, the last line of the novel, Chapter 50

SUMMARIES

Chapters 1-5

In the first five chapters of “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld, we are introduced to the main protagonist, Tally Youngblood, and the dystopian society she lives in. In this society, everyone is divided into two categories based on their appearance: Uglies and Pretties. At the age of 16, all Uglies undergo a mandatory surgery to become Pretties.

Chapter 1: The novel begins with Tally sneaking out of Uglyville to visit her best friend, Peris, who has already undergone the Pretty surgery and now lives in New Pretty Town. Tally misses him and hopes to see him before her own upcoming transformation.

Chapter 2: Tally arrives in New Pretty Town but is caught by a group of Pretties, who mock her for her Ugly appearance. She eventually escapes and finds Peris, who has fully embraced his new life as a Pretty. Tally feels a sense of alienation and realizes that the surgery has changed him, making her feel even more eager for her own transformation.

Chapter 3: On her way back to Uglyville, Tally encounters another Ugly, Shay, who helps her escape from the authorities after their excursion to New Pretty Town. They bond over their shared experiences, and Tally learns that Shay shares her birthday, meaning they will undergo the Pretty surgery on the same day.

Chapter 4: Tally and Shay spend more time together, engaging in various adventures and pranks in Uglyville. As they become closer, Shay reveals her reluctance towards the Pretty surgery and her belief that there is more to life than the superficial beauty the surgery offers.

Chapter 5: Shay introduces Tally to a group of Uglies who share her rebellious spirit, and they all participate in a hoverboarding trick called “the Great SpagBol” to challenge the authorities. Despite the fun they have together, Tally remains committed to becoming Pretty and is unable to understand Shay’s resistance to the surgery.

These initial chapters set the stage for the novel by introducing the characters, the dystopian society, and the central conflict surrounding the Pretty surgery and its implications on the characters’ lives.

Chapters 6-10

In chapters 6-10 of “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld, Tally’s relationship with Shay continues to develop, and she becomes exposed to new ideas that challenge her beliefs about the Pretty surgery and the society they live in.

Chapter 6: Shay teaches Tally how to hoverboard on a more advanced level, and they explore the outskirts of their city together. Shay’s adventurous spirit and her willingness to question the status quo intrigue Tally, although she remains committed to the idea of becoming Pretty.

Chapter 7: During one of their outings, Shay shows Tally a set of ruins from the Rusties, the civilization that collapsed due to environmental destruction before their own society was established. The ruins serve as a reminder of the mistakes of the past and the importance of sustainability in their current society.

Chapter 8: As their friendship grows, Shay reveals more about her opposition to the Pretty surgery, sharing her belief that the operation robs people of their individuality and freedom. She also tells Tally about a secret community called the Smoke, where people live without undergoing the surgery and can escape the control of the city’s government.

Chapter 9: Shay gives Tally a set of cryptic instructions to find the Smoke, in case she ever decides to join her there. Although Tally is reluctant to consider the idea, she keeps the instructions as a memento of their friendship.

Chapter 10: Tally’s sixteenth birthday arrives, and she prepares to undergo the Pretty surgery. However, she discovers that Shay has run away to join the Smoke, leaving Tally behind. Despite her friend’s absence, Tally remains determined to become Pretty and reunite with Peris in New Pretty Town.

These chapters deepen the bond between Tally and Shay, exposing Tally to new perspectives that challenge her beliefs about the Pretty surgery and their society. The discovery of the Smoke and Shay’s decision to run away sets the stage for the upcoming conflict and Tally’s eventual journey to find her friend.

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Chapters 11-15

In chapters 11-15 of “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld, Tally faces a difficult choice that will determine the course of her life and sets her on a path of self-discovery.

Chapter 11: On the day of her Pretty surgery, Tally is unexpectedly taken to meet Dr. Cable, the head of Special Circumstances, a secretive organization responsible for maintaining societal order. Dr. Cable informs Tally that they are aware of her friendship with Shay and her knowledge of the Smoke.

Chapter 12: Dr. Cable presents Tally with an ultimatum: she must help Special Circumstances locate the Smoke, or she will be denied the Pretty surgery. Tally is torn between her loyalty to Shay and her desire to become Pretty and reunite with Peris.

Chapter 13: Tally returns to her dormitory and agonizes over Dr. Cable’s ultimatum. After discussing the situation with Peris, who encourages her to accept Dr. Cable’s offer, Tally decides to cooperate with Special Circumstances in order to become Pretty.

Chapter 14: Tally is equipped with a tracking device disguised as a pendant and given a hoverboard by Special Circumstances. Using the cryptic instructions Shay left her, Tally sets off on a journey to find the Smoke and fulfill her mission.

Chapter 15: As Tally embarks on her journey, she navigates various challenges, such as crossing a treacherous river and avoiding the attention of city patrols. Her experiences force her to rely on her wits and her newfound hoverboarding skills, pushing her to grow and adapt in ways she never expected.

These chapters mark a turning point in the story, as Tally faces a moral dilemma and decides to betray her friend in order to become Pretty. Her journey to locate the Smoke sets the stage for further exploration of the novel’s themes and Tally’s personal growth.

Chapters 16-20

In chapters 16-20 of “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld, Tally continues her journey to find the Smoke, facing various challenges and obstacles that further her growth and understanding of the world outside her city.

Chapter 16: Tally travels through the wilderness, following Shay’s cryptic instructions. She encounters the beauty and dangers of the natural world, which contrasts sharply with her controlled and artificial city environment. This experience leads her to appreciate the value of nature and question her society’s ideals.

Chapter 17: Tally encounters a dangerous obstacle when she has to cross a seemingly impassable ravine. Using her ingenuity, she devises a plan to create a makeshift bridge using her hoverboard and the metal remnants of an old Rusty bridge.

Chapter 18: After successfully crossing the ravine, Tally continues her journey, deciphering Shay’s instructions as she goes. The challenges she faces along the way, such as navigating a firebreak and dealing with harsh weather conditions, test her resilience and resourcefulness.

Chapter 19: Tally eventually stumbles upon a group of runaways, led by a boy named David, who are also heading to the Smoke. Suspicious of her at first, they eventually accept her as one of their own when she saves one of the group members from a dangerous fall.

Chapter 20: With David’s help, Tally finally reaches the Smoke, a hidden community where people live freely without undergoing the Pretty surgery. She is reunited with Shay, who is overjoyed to see her friend but unaware of Tally’s true purpose for being there.

These chapters follow Tally’s journey through the wilderness, showcasing her growth and adaptability as she faces various challenges. Upon reaching the Smoke and witnessing the community’s alternative way of life, Tally’s understanding of her society and its values is further challenged, setting the stage for her continued personal development.

Chapters 21-25

In chapters 21-25 of “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld, Tally becomes acquainted with life in the Smoke, which challenges her preconceptions about beauty and societal norms, and deepens her internal conflict.

Chapter 21: Tally begins to adjust to life in the Smoke, learning how the community operates and the roles each member plays. She observes the strong sense of camaraderie and the value placed on individuality and hard work, which contrasts with the superficiality of her city life.

Chapter 22: As Tally spends more time in the Smoke, she becomes increasingly conflicted about her mission to betray the community. She witnesses the happiness and freedom that the Smokies experience, despite their lack of conformity to her society’s beauty standards.

Chapter 23: Tally learns more about David’s background and his parents, who were once influential scientists in the city. They defected to the Smoke after discovering the truth about the Pretty surgery’s effects on the brain, which they now work to reverse.

Chapter 24: Tally and David visit an old Rusty mansion, where she learns more about the history of the Rusties and the environmental disaster that led to their downfall. This experience further highlights the importance of sustainability and environmental preservation.

Chapter 25: As Tally’s feelings for David grow, she becomes more reluctant to betray the Smoke and activate the tracking device. She starts to question her previous beliefs about the value of becoming Pretty and realizes the implications of her mission for the people she has come to care about.

These chapters focus on Tally’s immersion in the Smoke’s community and her evolving perspective on her own society’s values. Her growing internal conflict about her mission and her feelings for David set the stage for the story’s climax and resolution.

Chapters 26-30

In chapters 26-30 of “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld, Tally’s internal conflict deepens as she becomes more entrenched in the Smoke’s way of life and struggles with her feelings for David.

Chapter 26: Tally and David go on a mission to retrieve supplies from a nearby settlement. During their journey, Tally becomes increasingly aware of her feelings for David, which complicates her decision about whether or not to betray the Smoke.

Chapter 27: As Tally and David return to the Smoke, they discuss the consequences of the Pretty surgery and the importance of fighting against the city’s control. David reveals his belief that the surgery robs people of their humanity and ability to think for themselves.

Chapter 28: Tally reflects on her experiences in the Smoke and how they have changed her perspective on beauty and societal norms. She begins to understand the importance of individuality and the value of fighting for one’s beliefs, even if it means giving up the opportunity to become Pretty.

Chapter 29: Tally decides not to activate the tracking device and betray the Smoke, choosing instead to destroy it. However, before she can do so, Shay inadvertently discovers the device and confronts Tally about her original intentions.

Chapter 30: Tally admits the truth to Shay and the rest of the Smoke, explaining that she has changed her mind and no longer wants to betray them. Despite her confession, the people of the Smoke struggle to trust her, and Tally feels the weight of her past decisions.

These chapters emphasize Tally’s internal struggle as she grapples with her feelings for David, her newfound appreciation for individuality, and the consequences of her original mission. Her decision to protect the Smoke marks a turning point in her personal journey and sets the stage for the story’s climax.

Chapters 31-35

In chapters 31-35 of “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld, the consequences of Tally’s actions unfold, leading to a dramatic confrontation with Special Circumstances and a desperate attempt to save the Smoke.

Chapter 31: Despite Tally’s decision not to betray the Smoke, the tracking device is accidentally activated during her confrontation with Shay. The people of the Smoke remain unaware of the imminent threat, while Tally is filled with guilt and dread.

Chapter 32: Special Circumstances, led by Dr. Cable, descends upon the Smoke, capturing and arresting its inhabitants. Tally and David manage to escape, but they are left with the daunting task of rescuing their friends and loved ones.

Chapter 33: Tally and David work together to track down the captured Smokies, using their knowledge of the wilderness and their hoverboarding skills. They also discover that Shay has been forcibly transformed into a Pretty by the authorities.

Chapter 34: As Tally and David get closer to the city, they witness the environmental devastation caused by the Rusties and the ongoing efforts to restore the ecosystem. This experience reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship and the potential consequences of unsustainable living.

Chapter 35: Tally and David infiltrate the city and locate the captured Smokies, who are being held in the same facility where Tally was supposed to undergo her Pretty surgery. They devise a plan to rescue their friends, but Tally is forced to confront her guilt and accept responsibility for her actions.

These chapters focus on the fallout from Tally’s actions and her determination to make amends by rescuing the captured Smokies. Her alliance with David and their shared mission strengthens their bond and highlights the themes of resistance and personal responsibility.

Chapters 36-40

In chapters 36-40 of “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld, Tally and David embark on a daring rescue mission to save their friends from Special Circumstances, culminating in a dramatic confrontation with Dr. Cable.

Chapter 36: Tally and David infiltrate the Special Circumstances facility, using their wits and resourcefulness to avoid detection. They manage to locate the imprisoned Smokies, including a now-Pretty Shay, who has been altered both physically and mentally.

Chapter 37: Tally and David free the Smokies and devise a plan to escape the facility. As they make their way out, they encounter resistance from the facility’s security forces, leading to a tense and dangerous showdown.

Chapter 38: During the escape, Tally comes face-to-face with Dr. Cable, who tries to convince her to abandon her mission and accept the Pretty surgery. Tally refuses, demonstrating her newfound resolve and commitment to fighting against the city’s oppressive regime.

Chapter 39: Tally, David, and the rescued Smokies successfully flee the facility and make their way back to the wilderness. Along the way, they discuss their plans for the future, including finding a new location for the Smoke and continuing their efforts to resist the city’s control.

Chapter 40: The novel concludes with Tally making the difficult decision to return to the city and undergo the Pretty surgery voluntarily. She hopes that by doing so, she can find a way to reverse the surgery’s mental effects from within the city, ultimately helping her friends and others regain their freedom and individuality.

These final chapters bring the story to an exciting and emotional climax, as Tally and David risk everything to save their friends from Special Circumstances. Tally’s decision to undergo the Pretty surgery signifies her commitment to the cause and sets the stage for the subsequent books in the series.

Chapters 41-45

Chapters 41-45:

Chapter 41: Tally, David, and the rescued Smokies make their way through the wilderness, searching for a suitable location to establish a new Smoke. As they travel, they discuss their future and the impact their actions have had on their city.

Chapter 42: The group encounters difficulties as they navigate the wild terrain, facing various obstacles, including harsh weather and dangerous wildlife. Despite these challenges, they remain determined to continue their fight for freedom and individuality.

Chapter 43: Tally and David grow closer as they share their experiences and feelings about the events that have transpired. Their bond is further strengthened by their shared commitment to resisting the city’s oppressive control and searching for a cure to reverse the Pretty surgery’s effects on the mind.

Chapter 44: The group discovers an abandoned Rusty settlement, which they decide to use as the foundation for their new Smoke. They begin the arduous task of rebuilding, using the resources available to them and drawing on their collective skills and knowledge.

Chapter 45: As the new Smoke begins to take shape, Tally and David reflect on their journey and the sacrifices they have made. They acknowledge the uncertainty of the future, but remain hopeful that their efforts will ultimately lead to change and a more just society.

Chapters 46-60

Chapter 46: Tally, David, and the other Smokies continue their efforts to establish the new Smoke. As they work together, they grow closer and build a sense of community, sharing their skills and knowledge to create a sustainable and self-reliant society.

Chapter 47: Tally and David discuss the need to find a cure for the brain alterations caused by the Pretty surgery. They hope that by understanding and reversing the procedure’s mental effects, they can help others regain their freedom and individuality.

Chapter 48: Tally decides to return to the city to help David’s parents find a cure for the Pretty surgery from within. She is prepared to undergo the surgery herself, becoming a double agent, in order to gain access to crucial information and resources.

Chapter 49: As Tally prepares to leave the Smoke, she and David share a heartfelt farewell. Their bond has grown stronger throughout their journey, and they promise to reunite once they have found a way to restore the minds of those affected by the Pretty surgery.

Chapter 50: The novel concludes with Tally willingly turning herself over to the authorities, determined to undergo the Pretty surgery and infiltrate the city’s inner workings. Her decision marks a significant transformation in her character, as she sacrifices her own freedom and individuality to fight for the greater good.

These final chapters highlight Tally’s personal growth and her commitment to fighting for a better society. The novel ends on a hopeful note, setting the stage for the continuation of Tally’s story in the sequel, “Pretties.”

Read the Pretties Summaryhttps://cliffnotebooks.com/pretties-scott-westerfeld-cliff-note-books/

6 thoughts on “Uglies | Scott Westerfeld |Cliff Note Books

  • February 11, 2010 at 12:37 am
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    can some one give me a summart of part 3 in the book uglies…?

  • February 11, 2010 at 12:38 am
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    ASAP!!! (:

  • May 13, 2010 at 7:43 am
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    Thank you very much for that marvelous article

  • August 24, 2010 at 6:33 pm
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    i dont understand do they find the rebels then change tally and do they try the cure on her

  • August 24, 2010 at 7:46 pm
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    Some of your questions are answered in the following books Pretties and Specials

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