Spies 2670 words College Essay Example

normal and part of the group. However, the author uses vivid imagery of "alien eyes" to depict her, indicating that she is not actually ordinary or common. In fact, she harbors secrets from everyone and behaves remarkably peculiar. The use of both past and present tense in the narrative aids the reader in comprehending old Stephen's experience. He struggles to recall his memories, piecing them together by revisiting his former residence and recalling his younger self. The shift in tense reflects his disoriented state and memory loss, while also involving the reader actively in unraveling the mystery alongside him. This engagement keeps the reader captivated. Chapter five commences with a paradox: "everything is as it was;and everything has changed."The use of and their contents in the text helps to create suspense and maintain the reader's interest in the novel. It portrays Stephen's confusion as he tries to piece together his memories, while simultaneously enticing the reader to uncover what has changed, thus further engaging them in the story. This feeling of confusion may also resonate with the reader, as they can sometimes experience a similar sensation when encountering a familiar smell that momentarily makes them feel like nothing has changed, only to realize that the reality is quite the opposite. By showcasing the character's confusion, the author employs a device to sustain tension and convey uncertainty in the text. Furthermore, the use of questions in the narrative involves the reader even more, prompting them to ponder about elements like the mysterious "liguster" and speculate on Mrs. Hayward's peculiar actions.

The characters' actions in the novel contribute to the suspense as the author has created them

in a way that makes them appear suspicious. This causes the audience to become wary of their intentions and prompts them to seek more information in order to understand the story. Mrs. Hayward is the main character who elicits suspicion. While her actions may seem normal to those unfamiliar with her, her behavior changes from calm and composed to hurried and secretive, particularly when she visits Aunty Dee's. This leads the audience to question why and quickly grows their suspicion of her being a German spy. This continuous suspicion adds to the suspense in the novel as each mention of Mrs. Hayward reveals a new side of her, making it obvious that she is keeping secrets and trying to justify her behavior to those who question her. Mr. Hayward's behavior is also seen as untrustworthy. When he appears in the novel, he is portrayed as a violent and intimidating character, often seen with his bayonet, which Keith perceives as heroic and a symbol of bravery. In chapter six, Mrs. Hayward is visibly anxious when hurrying back home, making several excuses to Mr. Hayward about where she has been, further fueling suspicion.

I embarked on a trip to paradise, desperately searching for a rabbit to join me for the weekend. Unfortunately, my attempts were in vain, leaving me empty-handed. Exhausted, I hurriedly returned to my starting point. This story suggests that I may have a fear of someone who could become aggressive and hostile when disappointed. Later in the narrative, Mr. Hayward is seen accompanying Mrs. Hayward to the post-box, indicating his reluctance to let her out of his sight. This behavior is strange because he rarely

leaves his garage. As a result, Mrs. Hayward feels trapped within the walls of her own home.

The way Mr Hayward speaks to Keith suggests that he is not a loving father figure to him either. When he says, "if that toy aeroplane touches the greenhouse old bean, I'll cane you," the tone of his voice is menacing, indicating that he can be aggressive and easily angered. This behavior increases tension and adds to the mystery surrounding Mr Hayward, as we still do not know much about him. The novel is set in wartime Britain, which immediately creates suspicion for the reader. During the war, many individuals were sent to spy on their opposing country, and anyone acting suspiciously or secretly would have been questioned by observers. Using this wartime setting enhances the sinister and serious tone of the book. It also reflects the theme of betrayal, as some individuals turned to spying instead of supporting their country in the war. The idea of spying and conflict was prevalent worldwide at that time, and Frayn cleverly demonstrates how even children, like Keith and his friends, have picked up on the concept. Although they only see spying on Keith's mother as a game, it reveals that they learned it from those around them who were privately spying and monitoring each other.

The main setting of the novel is a small close in London during a war. All the houses are close together, allowing everyone to be aware of each other's conversations and activities. People often observe each other through their windowpanes, noting their daily routines. This also means that any abnormal behavior or strange actions from neighbors are

easily noticed. The blackout during the war provides a perfect opportunity for spies to move around unnoticed at night. Michael Frayn chose this setting because it creates a sense of familiarity among the residents and increases the chance of detecting any changes in behavior. For example, Barbara Berril noticed that Mrs Hayward had become very nervous and stopped visiting Mrs Tracey like she used to.

Why not? Have they fallen out or something? The concept of people 'spying' on one another is heavily depicted in the close. The author may have deliberately chosen the tunnel as a highly impactful setting for the novel. It is an eerie, dimly lit place with slime-covered walls, making it an ideal spot for a spy to hide or hold secret meetings. This also raises suspicion about why Mrs Hayward keeps returning to the tunnel. At the beginning and end of each chapter, the author employs cliffhangers to captivate readers with questions like "What's going to happen now?" or "The dark of the moon's coming, and it's going to be more frightening than we thought." This narrative technique is crucial in immediately engaging readers and enticing them to continue reading. The use of narration and the frequent switch between first and third person provides us with the impression that old Stephen is recalling memories and attempting, like the audience, to piece together what happened and why he has such horrific recollections of the smell of the 'liguster' plant.

The utilization of this technique demonstrates confusion in the individual. Frayn incorporates it to present both an adult and a child's perspective, aiding the audience's understanding of thoughts and emotions. By seeing through a

child's eyes, this technique provides an extra viewpoint. It introduces an unreliable narrator who struggles to recall events accurately, conveying bewilderment and disorientation. The novel is presented non-chronologically with fragments and different sections given to the reader, creating suspense and keeping them guessing about future developments. From the start, old Stephen reveals that something terrible occurred in his past but can only remember vaguely when reminded by a plant's scent.

The author's use of distinct clues and shifts in time create tension and engage the readers in the novel "Spies". These techniques suggest that a traumatic event has been forgotten by the main character, Stephen, and is triggered by a particular smell. By withholding information, the author keeps the audience guessing and interested. The shifts in time allow us to see Stephen's perspective as both a young boy and an older man, providing different views and memories. Additionally, the novel explores the theme of memory and perception, highlighting how individuals perceive the same subject differently based on their age. The theme of memory is essential as the story revolves around piecing together one person's memories to discover the truth.

The novel incorporates multiple themes such as mystery, curiosity, betrayal, secrecy, and the rites of passage as a narrative technique. These themes contribute to sustaining tension and intrigue throughout the story. The various instances of betrayal, starting with Stephen breaking promises and Mrs Hayward keeping secrets from her family, are interconnected with the theme of secrecy. Additionally, the novel portrays Stephen's growth and development through his changing social and sexual status, which can be seen as another theme. This maturation is exemplified by his intimate relationships with Barbara

Berrill and Mrs Hayward, his initiation into smoking, and his newfound realization of the seriousness of his experiences.

The feeling I have is not one of sickness, but rather a sensation of soaring. I feel liberated, as if I am no longer confined by the limitations and regulations of childhood. The use of the symbol "X" in the story is crucial in building suspense.

The text discusses several elements in the book that create tension and suspense for the audience. The values of "X" are questioned, leaving readers intrigued and wanting to keep reading. Stephen and Keith speculate that "X" represents a kiss or a secret meeting arranged by Mrs Hayward. Chapter six contains numerous references to "X," offering multiple possibilities for its meaning. However, readers must continue reading to find out the true significance of "X," thereby building suspense throughout the book. Additionally, the bayonet symbolizes violence and power in the novel, representing Mr Hayward's authority. His act of sharpening the bayonet raises suspicion about his character and behavior towards Keith and Mrs Hayward. The smell of privet also plays a significant role in creating suspense. Old Stephen associates this scent with horrific memories, although the nature of these memories remains unknown at first. It becomes apparent that these memories were traumatic as Stephen has repressed them, even to the point of forgetting what actually occurred.

When analyzing the novel "Spies" by Michael Frayn, it becomes evident that the author has employed a range of techniques to maintain tension. These techniques include the behavior of the characters, themes, motifs, and language techniques. A crucial aspect in sustaining tension and continuously building it up is the use of

first and third person perspectives, switching between the older and younger versions of Stephen. Additionally, only providing glimpses of the events unfolding adds to the tension. The characters' behavior further contributes to sustaining tension as the author has deliberately crafted them to appear suspicious. Moreover, the story is set in wartime Britain, which immediately engenders a sense of suspicion in the reader, aligning with the theme of spying encapsulated in the title "Spies".