The 100

The Struggle Between Oppression and Freedom takes center stage in the latest confrontation between Wells and Graham in Chapter 25. Essentially, Wells and Graham represent two sides of how to wield power. On the colony, people lived or died by the Gaia Doctrine, and although Wells upheld the doctrine, he did not always agree with its restrictions. Now that he is free of it entirely, he resists the idea of imposing similar rules and punishments on the group, particularly if they have only committed a single infraction. To Wells, the strictness with which the Gaia Doctrine was enforced left no room for considering individual circumstances, and his desire to overhaul the group’s central laws and agreements reflects his understanding this new life on Earth offers everyone a chance for a much better life than they had on the colony. 

By contrast, Graham bristles at giving Octavia a second chance, reasoning that he never got one, and his uncompromising stance on the matter suggests that he is motivated by revenge. From the first moments of his arrival on Earth, Graham has seen the situation as a chance to be the person making the rules instead of the one being forced to follow them. In this light, his insistence on executing Octavia is a way of styling himself a “strong man” leader who will bring the group to prosperity through iron will and control. However, it is significant that in the face of this particular conflict, his influence is not as strong. The group’s decision not to side with Graham suggests that such strong-arm tactics will not work on those who have experienced the freedom of a world without systemic oppression.

On a more personal level, the progression of Wells and Clarke’s relationship in this section sets up the push-and-pull dynamics that will define their interactions for the rest of the series. Despite Clarke’s growing maturity and sense of responsibility for the group, she is still a teenager in many ways, as evidenced when she goes from questioning her feelings for Wells to admitting them, then pulls away yet again in the course of a few minutes. This puerile vacillation also suggests that in her mind, the core of her identity is shackled to her moment-to-moment experiences. For example, when Wells saves her life in the forest, Clarke feels as if the two of them are a team again, and she forgives him for his past mistake because she takes comfort in not being alone. However, his later transgressions condemn him once again in her eyes.

Unlike Clarke, who proves to be a distinctly round character, Wells has not dramatically changed since the beginning of the book, nor has he realized that the actions he takes for selfish reasons often end up harming others. In this section, he stolidly prevents Clarke from rushing into the flaming tent to rescue her friend, preventing her from pursuing a path that is her right to take. In short, he is willing to accept the risk of letting others die in order to shield Clarke from potential harm. His action highlights his insecurity and his entitlement, for it is clear that he refuses to live without Clarke and feels justified in making choices for her without asking her permission. In this, Wells embodies The Power Inherent in Privilege.