Rules

Adherence to the rules is one of the main themes in Across the Universe by Beth Revis. Despite any differences that exist between any members of the residents of Godspeed, there is always complete adherence to any rules put forth by Eldest, the eldest member of the ship's residents and its ruler. Godspeed is a generation ship, meaning that all of its inhabitants were born on the ship, except for the people who were cryogenically frozen. There is only Eldest's way. None of the people have ever experienced life outside of Godspeed and therefore have no knowledge that there might be another way to do things. Those who go against the norm are put into the mental ward and are treated as defectives.

Amy, Elder and Harley do not adhere to the rules. Amy is declared to be a freak; Harley is considered to be crazy; and Elder...