Spies – An evaluation of Mrs Hayward Essay Example

"Darling, doesn't Stephen have homework to do?"

Mrs. H's attempt to distance herself from the children in order to maintain superiority is immature, as evidenced by her actions. As events progress, she speaks directly to Stephen to prevent him from exposing her secret. She puts him on his honor, asking him to keep quiet and pretend the incident never happened.

Mrs. H's manner of speaking with Stephen after suspecting that he has discovered her secret is markedly distinct from how she previously addressed him. Her language takes on a somewhat juvenile quality, evident in the phrase "putting you on your honour," which is reminiscent of childlike behavior. Additionally, her speech comes across as manipulative as it plays on Stephen's sense of honor and reliability, qualities which are especially significant to him given the wartime setting and his admiration for Uncle Peter.

Hayward is portrayed as a child in 'Spies' due to her lack of responsibilities, highlighted by the fact that she seldom has to attend to household chores or run errands aside from mailing letters or shopping. Her husband and cleaner take care of everything for her, making her a dependent 'kept woman', a factor that contributes to her eventual downfall. As she is not accustomed to pressure or responsibility, Mrs. H struggles with managing them when they do arise.

Mrs. H exhibits childlike behavior by seeking Stephen's assistance with her responsibilities, rather than taking care of them herself like most adults would. This is evident when she implores Stephen to deliver the basket to Uncle Peter and begins to cry like a child when she anticipates his refusal. Additionally, Stephen observes her sitting with her arms

wrapped around her knees and her chin resting on them, echoing the posture of a child.

Stephen draws a comparison between Mrs. H and Barbara Berrill, two children. One similarity is that Mrs. H shirks responsibility and doesn't contemplate the outcomes of her actions. This trait is evident in her initiation of a scandalous affair with Uncle Peter despite disregarding the emotions of those around her, including her sister.

The lack of life experience in a child can cause selfishness as they do not consider the consequences of their actions. Although fully-grown, Mrs. H possesses a childlike mentality and fails to comprehend the potential harm of having an affair with her sister's spouse. This is evident when comparing her presentation at the beginning and end of the novel.

Initially, in the novel, Mrs. H is depicted as flawless, but quickly becomes unclean when her extramarital relationship is revealed. The conclusion of the story shows how the formerly well-mannered, saintly and faultless character pleads on her knees in dirt before Stephen. Moreover, even after her lover's suicide, she seems to evade any accountability and continues with her life.