Bad Decline By George Saunders: Character Analysis

Since its publication, some decades, George Saunders’s collection of short stories has remained relevant despite the passing years and times. As a result, it has formed a backbone of inspiration to an entire generation along the way. Civilwarland in Bad Decline is about a group of characters who have unforgettable traits which bring out the best in each of them as they struggle to survive in a world that is full of drama and tragic unexpected events. For example, the gangs. The story states: “The gangs are getting out of hand. Last month they wounded three Visitors and killed a dray horse.” (1153). This shows the type of struggles they have come across with at work. People, who have nothing better to do but, disturb others of their everyday life and making their lives miserable during the time. This I believe, was the type of drama they were referring to. Also, the book introduces the seven characters that live through a period of economic hardship, no love, death and complete lack of hope. I found that the voice in the novel is rather disturbing. Despite this, it is an essential read for lovers of literature who seek to discover life in a virtuously complicated manner. As the story adds, “All nights I have bad dreams about severed hands. In one I’m eating chili and a hand comes out of my bowl and gives me a thumbs-down.” (1161). The vision of America as …show more content…
The room’s full of crying sincere large people wishing the best for a baby. It makes me remember our own sweet beaners in their little frocks.” (1159). Most likely, Saunders was “involuntarily” displaying the extent of racism in America during this time? Even though, racism is portrayed in different ways like, lynching, involuntary servitude and the sale of slaves who have physical deformities, physical appearance can also be a cause for discrimination against