Billy

Billy is a representation of the working class and the lack of power they have in Great Britain. At the beginning of the novel, his work in the mines shows how important the working class is to the imperial class. Furthermore, the failure of his company to protect him and his coworkers shows how these same people are undervalued. As the novel continues, Billy’s anti-war sentiments follow that of the other members of the labor party. He shows how an entire class of people is forced to fight and die in a war that they did not get to vote for. At the end of the novel, Billy’s victory over Fitz - through his election to parliament - represents the shift in the Labour party’s power compared to the elite.

Ethel

Ethel represents the plight of unmarried women and the dedication many have...