Original artwork, not a still
The Worm and the Ring ‧ 1960
Howarth began to see that, however much it was against one’s will and convictions, sides had to be taken, the dreary corrupt world of politics had to be entered by the good and dispassionate, to protect and avenge the weak. But one always entered too late.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The passage describes Howarth coming to accept, reluctantly, that staying above politics is not possible. Decent, detached people must step into a grubby arena to defend the vulnerable. The bitter closing note is that this realization, and the action, always comes after the damage is done.
Context reviewed
