How Does Fayn Present Keith's Relationship In Spies
Explore the ways in which Frayn presents the relationship between Keith and Stephen in Spies
Stephen and Keith in the novel “Spies” have a unique relationship. It is complex and multi-layered; the characteristics of Stephen and Keith are clarified with the aid of time and perception. We are able to understand from the beginning of chapter 2, that they have an unusual relationship and friendship, given the differences in their background and character.
Keith and Stephen are from different social backgrounds. Keith is seen to be further up the social ladder than his friend, Stephen. This is significant as Frayn uses a series of contrasts in their houses, clothes and even parents. Stephen describes his gate has “rotted drunkenly away from the top hinge”, whereas Keith’s gate has “well-oiled hinges”. Stephens’ clothes are “too short” or “too long”, however Keith’s are “not too short” or “not too long”. Frayn is making a direct contrast. These …show more content…
There is a substantial repetition of the phrase “it was Keith who…..” This phrase portrays to us that in the adult Stephen’s memory, it is Keith who initiates everything, all the ideas and missions. For example, Keith takes the lead when they search for clues in Mrs Hayward’s desk. There are also threats of violence from Keith, shown by the incident of swearing an oath using the “bayonet”. There is also a repeated comparison between Keith and his father: “He looks like his father”. This creates a sinister quality to Keith’s power over Stephen that the young Stephen is partially aware of. Keith tends to almost use biblical language, “he uttered the words and the words became so”. This demonstrates Keith’s cogent power. Stephen’s inherent fear is shown through the fact that he twice fails to correct Keith’s spelling of the words “private” and “secret”. His morale is noticeably low, and Keith is able to capitalize on that
Stephen and Keith in the novel “Spies” have a unique relationship. It is complex and multi-layered; the characteristics of Stephen and Keith are clarified with the aid of time and perception. We are able to understand from the beginning of chapter 2, that they have an unusual relationship and friendship, given the differences in their background and character.
Keith and Stephen are from different social backgrounds. Keith is seen to be further up the social ladder than his friend, Stephen. This is significant as Frayn uses a series of contrasts in their houses, clothes and even parents. Stephen describes his gate has “rotted drunkenly away from the top hinge”, whereas Keith’s gate has “well-oiled hinges”. Stephens’ clothes are “too short” or “too long”, however Keith’s are “not too short” or “not too long”. Frayn is making a direct contrast. These …show more content…
There is a substantial repetition of the phrase “it was Keith who…..” This phrase portrays to us that in the adult Stephen’s memory, it is Keith who initiates everything, all the ideas and missions. For example, Keith takes the lead when they search for clues in Mrs Hayward’s desk. There are also threats of violence from Keith, shown by the incident of swearing an oath using the “bayonet”. There is also a repeated comparison between Keith and his father: “He looks like his father”. This creates a sinister quality to Keith’s power over Stephen that the young Stephen is partially aware of. Keith tends to almost use biblical language, “he uttered the words and the words became so”. This demonstrates Keith’s cogent power. Stephen’s inherent fear is shown through the fact that he twice fails to correct Keith’s spelling of the words “private” and “secret”. His morale is noticeably low, and Keith is able to capitalize on that