Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Discuss the morality of the boys in the Wormsley Common Gang.

At first glance it would seem that the boys in the gang are completely devoid of morality, especially Trevor. However, we learn as readers to consider outside factors when judging a person's actions. The boys live in a London neighborhood ravaged by the bombings of WWII. They have lost their homes, their sense of safety, and their innocence at young ages.  

Trevor in particular seems to have an understanding of architecture. After he tours Old Misery's house, the only one standing after the bombings, he describes it as “...a beautiful house," showing he has a certain aesthetic appreciation about him. Thus the reader questions his morality when he leads the charge to destroy it from the inside out.


First, it is plain that jealousy drives this destructive decision. Trevor's home is gone; Old Misery's still stands. Overall, Old Misery has been relatively nice to the boys. The destruction begins when Trevor, appearing almost devoid of morality, leads the crew in removing literally everything from the inside of the house.


Then the boys find the money, a lot of money. Instead of stealing it, though, Trevor announces they will burn it. “'We aren’t thieves,' T. said. 'Nobody’s going to steal anything from this house.'" Trevor seems to have a line that he doesn't want to cross. Property damage is one thing, but theft is off limits.


Again, this implies his morality does not come from a place of evil, but jealousy. He doesn't want to hurt Old Misery himself, but hurt the symbol of his own sadness, the standing home. In fact, he even tells Blackie, “'All this hate and love,' he said, 'it’s soft, it’s hooey. There’s only things...'” Trevor is not misanthropic or violent against people in any way.


Even after Old Misery returns early, Trevor shows sympathy and kindness.  He does lock him in the loo, but provides him with blankets and food while he is imprisoned.  


Ultimately, Trevor is a sad boy who does not seem to have any lasting deviant tendencies. He is driven by the pain and jealousy brought about by the extreme situation of war.

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