The Informer · Theme
Loyalty and Comradeship
How The Informer develops Loyalty and Comradeship.
The Revolutionary Organization is built on a code of loyalty among its members, yet this loyalty is tested and often broken, as seen in Gypo's betrayal, the internal suspicions, and the ruthless pursuit of informers.
Where it surfaces
- I
The bond between Gypo and McPhillip, known as the 'Devil's Twins,' is tested by McPhillip's suspicion and Gypo's evasiveness.
- IV
Mary defends her brother's memory despite her own changing views; the community's initial defense of Gypo.
- V
The tension between Gypo and the other revolutionaries highlights the breakdown of trust and loyalty within the Organization.
- VII
Gallagher's call for Mary to join the Organization underscores the theme of loyalty to the cause and the bonds of comradeship.
- Chapter X
Mulholland's dedication to the 'cause' and the Organization is central, as he risks his life to find Gypo and enforce orders.
- Chapter XI
The interrogation is framed as a test of loyalty to the revolutionary cause, with Gallagher and the court acting to enforce the bonds of comradeship against the ultimate betrayal.
- XII
Gallagher's orders to the execution squad emphasize discipline and loyalty to the cause, contrasting with Mary's personal loyalty to Gypo and her brother's memory.
- XIII
The men's obedience to the Organization and to Commandant Gallagher, despite personal fear, reflects the complex bonds of loyalty among revolutionaries.
- XV
Gallagher's cynical view that fear, not love, drives his men's loyalty, and his manipulation of Mary's devotion, underscore the theme.