The villain
The members of the British parliament and King George go to great lengths to make George Washington appear the villain. The image they portray is that of a cruel man, bent on ruining a profitable relationship between two nations without having a real reason. For the British Empire it was a necessity to make George Washington appear as the villain because then they had a reason for their actions.
Impressive entrance
The narrator starts the novel by describing the chariot used by the King to come to the Parliament. The chariot is impressive, with intricate details and built out of expensive materials. The image of the chariot is important because it has the purpose of transmitting the idea that the British Empire is still strong and vas wealth even though they have troubles in their colonies.
Mixed group
In the second chapter, Colonel Green describes the American troops. In comparison with the British ones, composed of young men, trained to become soldiers and with great discipline, the Americans were disorganized, without uniforms, having worked before in different trades and having different ages. In comparison with the British army, the American one did not inspire hope but it did transmit the idea that the community was ready to fight for its own rights, to fight for a country they wanted to be their own.
Unable to accept his defeat
In comparison with George Washington, General Howe is reluctant to accept the advice he is given. Thus, in February 1776, Howe puts his troops to go against the American ones even if the weather is against them. When Howe realizes that he has no chance of winning, he retreats blaming the bad weather not his bad judgment. Thus, General Howe is portrayed as a proud man, unwilling to accept that he is not always right and reluctant to admit that he could ever lose. The way Howe is portrayed here is important because the way he behaves is influenced by the way his country and his leaders deal with problems. Thus, the image portrayed here is not of General Howe but rather the image of England.
