England and The United States

In the novel, England represents order and what is proper. In England there are right ways to do things and behave. The British do not tolerate behavior outside of their norm. John's mother never visits him when he is in the hospital. His illness is not British. The news of how John dies shocks Simon's parents. Michael likes living in England.

The United States represents the opposite. When the children do something that is not proper, John's mother blames Margaret because she is American.