Danny, the Champion of the World

Food is used throughout the book to symbolize victory and success as well as contentment with the simple pleasures in life. In the first chapter, Danny describes the comforting sound of apples “thump…thump…thump…” (7) falling onto their caravan roof from their tree, which mirrors the exhilarating “Thump! Thump! Thump!” (148) sound of pheasants falling out of the trees during their record-breaking poach. A supply of fresh apples symbolizes self-sufficiency, and the bounty of stolen pheasants symbolizes success. The meat pie Doc Spencer brought to Danny and the hot drinks and “midnight feasts” of sandwiches made by William in their tiny caravan represent comfort and sharing, components of community and love. This simple meat pie made by Doc’s wife is described like a feast, reflecting the love and care that went into making it and Danny’s heartfelt appreciation of Doc’s gesture of kindness:

The most enormous and beautiful pie in the world. It was covered all over, top, sides and bottom, with rich golden pastry […] The meat was pink and tender with no fat or gristle in it and there were hard-boiled eggs buried like treasures in several different places. The taste was absolutely fabulous.