Significance of Alcohol

During the present time of prohibition within the novel, alcohol is a symbol of affluence. As it is presented at the Royal once Ellis begins to make a significant amount of money at his new job and also in a previous chapter, as a special anniversary treat procured by the chief in exchange for a generous tip at a top-notch restaurant, it is obvious that alcohol is a symbol of wealth within a poverty-stricken nation.

Alcohol is also a symbol of corruption. Despite prohibition's intention to eliminate alcohol from society, the predominant effect has been of mobsters making money by selling alcohol behind closed doors at exorbitant rates. The public's desire to drink remains, leaving corrupt members of society to benefit from its limited availability.