While reading A Clockwork Orange, I initially hadn't given Alex's "droogs" much thought; throughout the first two chapters, there seemed to be little depth to them besides simply following Alex around. That being said, there was the exception of Dim, who was additionally described as being very intellectually challenged but strong.
However, when reading chapter 3, I was very surprised to read the milkbar scene in which Alex overreacts at Dim for disturbing his enjoyment of the opera music playing in the background. Calling him a "Filthy drooling mannerless bastard" (28), Alex also reaches over and punches Dim in the mouth. But what really surprised me were the actions of Dim, Pete, and Georgie; Dim, hurt, responds by saying "I'm not your brother no more and wouldn't want to be" (28) and Pete and Georgie tell Alex that his violence was unnecessary.
Dim, despite his mental disadvantage, is somewhat admirable in this scene in that he doesn't just accept Alex's violence and moves on- he voices his own opinion that he did nothing wrong and even rises to Alex's challenge to fight him. In recognizing unnecessary/uncalled for violence and questioning why he should take orders from Alex, he presents himself as more than just a brute.
Pete is also worth mentioning in that he sticks up for Dim and even threatens Alex, stating "if it had been me you'd [hit] you'd have to answer" (29). Pete's response to Alex's actions reveal a great deal about the gang, their dynamic, and the power structure of it. Right from the start, it is strongly suggested that Alex is the group's leader in that he calls the shots and orders the rest around for the most of the first two chapters. However, it is shown through this interaction that Alex isn't actually the leader, nor do the other three characters consider him to be so in spite of his insistance that "somebody has to be in charge" (30). Though they accompany Alex in terrorizing the public at night, they have backbones. In this respect, Dim, Pete and Georgie distance themselves from the typical, mindless cronies that are all too commonly seen on TV, in literature, or other media.
After reading the first paragraph of Brian's post, I thought that Dim would follow the stereotype of a big strong person who is not smart and short tempered. His name alone makes me think that he would be like this. I am surprised, like Brian, that he does not fight back right away with uncontrolled anger when punched in the face, and that other people stand up for him instead of standing up with him.
ReplyDeleteI also think that it is interesting that there is no leader of the group. In almost all cases, there is someone who is listened to the most and who makes decisions on what to do. I predict that there will be some sort of power struggle in the future that creates tension and almost breaks the group apart.
I find it somehow funny that Alex's droogs call him on his violence as being too extreme, when their entire purpose and goal is to pursue violence and harm. They perform the most heinous acts of violence and find enjoyment in them (or at least some form of enjoyment - it's still quite vacant) but they draw the line at violence against each other. In some ways, it's reassuring to know that there is, in fact, a line to be drawn where "enough is enough."
ReplyDeleteafter reading brian's post the first thing that popped into my head was the three stooges. if one kid doesn't like what the other kid said or did they would hit or punch them. but of course the three stooges are nothing like the gang of violent kids who hate "smart" people.
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