1. Explain the metaphor on page 89: "At least the trains all run on time, but they don't go anywhere."
This metaphor explains the fascist nature of the government in the future of London. The quote references the quote "Mussolini made the trains run on time," which suggests that Mussolini is an effective and good leader because he "made the trains run on time." The metaphor on page 89 plays on this because with the fascist government that Adam Susan runs in the graphic novel, their society is "not going anywhere" especially in the eyes of V. The norsefire government controls everything so advances in technology, literature, and other such things are limited. The people in their society are constantly being video and audio-surveillanced and propaganda is used to control society. This metaphor effectively plays on this idea.
3. What is the role of women in the Leader's fascist society? What evidence exists to prove your point?
Women in this fascist society have very minimal impact, especially in the government side of things. All the leaders of the varying organizations are all ruled by men. The one woman who at least had a higher ranking of status in their society is Dr. Surridge as she was appointed to be a doctor at Larkhill. Other than that, all women are either showgirls, prostitutes, or very emotionally-attached characters like Mrs. Hammond and Evey. Both women seem to be scared of the events happening around them all the time and they both rely on male figures (V and Mr. Hammond) to make them feel better. Another woman who shows power is Helen Heyer. After the sermon, Helen seems to be able to control her husband as she made them leave so she can watch the neighbors. After the exchange, Mrs. Hammond mentions, "She's a bit hard on him, isn't she?" This shows at least that Helen Heyer could possibly be the one female that has the ability to have power in this male-dominated society.
4. Why does V subject Evey to mental and physical torment? Do you agree with his methods? Explain.
V mentally and physically tortures Evey to make her realize how controlling her society is. V knows that Evey probably doesn't understand this as s\the government took over when she was only a child. He puts her through a death of the one lover she has and tortures her to the point where she almost dies. V mentions that this experience can be good for her because false happiness can be just as bad as being sad and lonely. He says, "Happiness is the most insidious prison of them all." Happiness can mask any problem and by doing this to her, he has uncovered the truth to Evey. However, I do not agree with his methods because he practically did what the Norsefire government did at Larkhill. V contradicts himself in some way when he is seeking revenge for all the things that happened to him at Larkhill, yet he does the same thing to Evey. There might have been another way to make her realize her situation.
