54 pages • 1-hour read
The Midnight Gang
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Symbols & Motifs
The Deep Freeze
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, illness, and ableism.
The deep freezer room is an early symbol for the benefit of make-believe and The Therapeutic Value of Imagination. The children encounter a mystical North Pole-style world of ice caves and snowfall thanks to the accumulated ice crystals of the freezer and Porter’s planning and work. The fan and blowing ice particles appear snow-like and glittery in the hall light. Amber experiences the proud triumph of an explorer and claims the region for Britain. These make-believe experiences in the deep freeze provide Amber, Tom, George, and Robin with genuine happiness that they do not receive in the ward.
The deep freeze also sparks Tom’s make-believe skills and propensity for imagination. These were suffocated in his lonely days at the boarding school, but now, his imagination is so attuned to the scenery that he is sincerely afraid of Porter in the bear suit. The deep freeze setting is also the location for Porter’s stories of many Midnight Gang successes, all of which relied on make-believe skills to enjoy. With its use of resources, its impact on Amber’s emotions, and Tom’s newly awakened respect for pretending, the deep freeze is a symbol that represents the blessings of make-believe.
The Ambulance Ride
The ambulance ride throughout the streets of London is the only scene that takes place outside of the hospital. Since it makes this difference in setting possible, the ride symbolizes real adventure, as opposed to make-believe within the hospital walls. It also showcases Porter’s role as a gang ally, in connection with Adults as Allies and Adversaries.
Most significantly, the ambulance ride serves as an important symbol of newfound freedom for Tom. At St. Willet’s, Tom feels bullied by classmates who consider themselves more upper-class than Tom; the terrible food, unjust interactions, and controlling headmaster have an oppressive effect on Tom’s spirit. He wishes he could leap into adulthood, as the boarding school offers no childhood sense of wonder or fun. Arriving at the hospital, Tom quickly learns that Matron’s cruel authority, harassment, and repressive tactics limit his freedom just as much as his school. Tom gets a taste of freedom when he follows the Midnight Gang and becomes a member. Then, the ambulance ride outside the hospital greatly expands his notion of freedom and autonomy.
Tom finds himself strapped to the roof of the ambulance as lookout for balloon-flying Nelly; his awe at the “new turn” in events shows how little adventure and freedom he is used to. Tom feels heightened empathy for Sally as a result, as she cannot benefit from the freedom he experiences; he also gains confidence in his role in the ambulance chase, proving to himself that he is capable of courage and leadership.
Tom’s Fabrications
Tom’s characterization at the start of the novel reveals a shy, timid boy who faces bullying and humiliation at his boarding school. Tom’s character arc begins to turn with the chance to finally join a peer group in the Midnight Gang. In helping his new acquaintances, he inadvertently discovers that he has a talent for crafting excuses, with his fabrications becoming a key motif in the novel.
Tom’s fabrications begin with his inspired moment in the lift when he lies to Dilly, claiming he and the children have been appointed as inspectors of cleanliness. The others fall in with his fabrication, elaborating on their roles as inspectors and exemplifying Achieving Dreams Through Collective Effort. Tom is positively rewarded for his fabrication when the others allow him to take the Midnight Gang pledge.
With this success, Tom gains courage, which in turn prompts more daring lies when needed as events proceed. For example, Tom fabricates a high fever excuse to stay in the hospital. When Porter tells Dilly he and Tom are taking the gift shop’s balloons for a balloon animal contest, Tom quickly elaborates and explains the timing: “We are mainly making badgers and owls, and as I am sure you know they are nocturnal creatures and so only come out at night” (269). Before Sally’s milestones presentation, Tom takes on the role of a doctor to obtain the sedative intended for Matron, spontaneously fabricating false directions to steer Raj away from the children’s ward and false responses to Mr. Cod’s inquiries at the pharmacy.
Though Tom is a kind and moral boy, he realizes that these fabrications are necessary to fulfill the gang’s goals, so he is willing to lie for the good of the group. Tom’s fabrications and consequent successes build his confidence and courage, helping propel his character arc and coming-of-age.
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