How Does Frayn Make This Passage Such a Powerful One? Pg 144-146 In pages 144 to 146, we see a very disturbing scene. Frayn uses specific language and techniques to make this passage a powerful one. The use of foreshadow, imagery, and symbolism are especially prominent in this passage. The actions of Keith’s father and the sudden role switch also adds to making this chapter especially powerful. Foreshadow is prominent in this paragraph. The passage starts off with the idea of smells again, which now we know links back to memory. This carries weight, as it is a clear indication that this memory weighs heavily in Stephen’s mind. We see Keith’s father’s “huge shadow” as he works in the garage. This creates suspense and makes the whole
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Restrained anger radiates from Keith’s father, as seen in “thin, impatient smile”. Keith’s father speaks abruptly in a clipped tone. The scene is a reversal of roles, as we see Keith has the bullied rather than the bully. There’s a clear knowledge on how a bullied victim might become a bully to someone else, as Keith learned from his father and treated Stephen the same way. Frayn does not say it directly, but uses context as well as specific words to paint the scene. For example, “[Keith] goes red” is short and simple, but indicates a feeling of fright as well as embarrassment from Keith. In a way, there’s a sense of detachment about the whole event, as readers are watching it through Stephen’s eyes and Stephen is an outsider on this …show more content…
It’s clear he’s angry, but he uses friendly terms such as “old bean” to show it, which is disturbing, as he uses it in a menacing, angry manner, changing a phrase from friendly to angry. Keith’s father takes satisfaction in the fact that Stephen is there to witness Keith’s embarrassment, dragging the event longer than it needs to be. It’s clear to the boys that Mrs. Hayward took the thermos, but neither of them says it outright. With the sentence, ‘You know what you’re going to get, old bean’, we know that Keith is punished frequently, so often that there’s even an unsaid protocol to the entire event, seen when Mr. Hayward wipes his shoes on the mat before entering the house and Keith follows suit. There’s a sort of horrified fascination with the whole scene, like watching a car accident in action but unable to look
Restrained anger radiates from Keith’s father, as seen in “thin, impatient smile”. Keith’s father speaks abruptly in a clipped tone. The scene is a reversal of roles, as we see Keith has the bullied rather than the bully. There’s a clear knowledge on how a bullied victim might become a bully to someone else, as Keith learned from his father and treated Stephen the same way. Frayn does not say it directly, but uses context as well as specific words to paint the scene. For example, “[Keith] goes red” is short and simple, but indicates a feeling of fright as well as embarrassment from Keith. In a way, there’s a sense of detachment about the whole event, as readers are watching it through Stephen’s eyes and Stephen is an outsider on this …show more content…
It’s clear he’s angry, but he uses friendly terms such as “old bean” to show it, which is disturbing, as he uses it in a menacing, angry manner, changing a phrase from friendly to angry. Keith’s father takes satisfaction in the fact that Stephen is there to witness Keith’s embarrassment, dragging the event longer than it needs to be. It’s clear to the boys that Mrs. Hayward took the thermos, but neither of them says it outright. With the sentence, ‘You know what you’re going to get, old bean’, we know that Keith is punished frequently, so often that there’s even an unsaid protocol to the entire event, seen when Mr. Hayward wipes his shoes on the mat before entering the house and Keith follows suit. There’s a sort of horrified fascination with the whole scene, like watching a car accident in action but unable to look