Explore the ways in which Frayn presents the character of Keith in Spies Essay

Frayn presents the character of Keith in Spies through with(predicate) the protagonist Stephens recollection of their youngsterhood adventures as best friends. Keith is shown as aware and confident in his knowledge and status, with an imagination so seemingly outright to the point of violence. Despite this, Frayn evokes sympathy from the reader by portraying Keith for what he truly is a puppyish boy who uses the spying game as a means of escape from what appears a normal, but uncouth upbringing.Frayn presents Keith in relation to Stephen, within the context of their friendship. Through their contrasting characteristics and family backgrounds their personalities are created. Frayns use of Stephen as a subservient yet contented friend highlights Keiths dominance He Keith was the leader, and I was the led.. He was the officer corps I was the Other Ranks, and grateful to be so. Frayns use of repeated execration structure emphasises the divide in status of the two. The relationship is presented as balanced by both Stephen and Keiths contentedness of the power imbalance. Stephen is grateful to follow Keith, who enjoys cosmos leader. Keiths dominance and power over Stephen is make evident, especially as Frayn presents Keith, in Stephens eyes, as somewhat of a god One integrity heroic deed, to lay at Keiths feet in the morning. This image that is portrayed is that of a sacrifice, an offering to remunerate for what Stephen feels are his inadequacies, and his betrayal of Keiths trust.Frayn also makes it evident that Keiths assumed superiority above former(a) children comes from his awareness of his status in society. Again Frayn uses Stephens memory as a framework to subtly inform the reader of Keiths social status. In Stephens memory they are socially colour-coded- Keiths yellow and black uniform immediately identifies him as coming from the right school. Keith does not talk to different children in the Close, only to Stephen, whom he can easily manipulate. F rayn demonstrates Keiths insensitivity as he patronises Stephen with Go home if youre bored, old bean, a term Keiths father uses on him to signal a punishment. Frayn clearly uses this phrase to demonstrate Keith echoing his fathers threattowards him, this time it is directed at Stephen. In this case, however, the punishment Keith intends for Stephen is not a caning, but the humiliation of appearing like a child in their pretend adult spying game.Through Keith, Frayn demonstrates the power of a childs imagination. From the origin he introduces Keith as an imaginative boy who leads fantastic expeditions like investigating murderer-neighbours. This idea is further genuine by Frayn with, My mother is a German spy. This shows Keiths awareness of his mothers unusual and jerry-built behaviour, with the war as a backdrop adding realism to his game. Frayn shows Keiths imagination as an escape from his abruptly ordered bedroom- a reflection of his fathers strict control of the house.Frayn employs the use of Keiths fathers character to create fearsomeness within Keiths character himself. The reader empathises with Stephens opinion of terror at Keith, as Frayn creates apprehension at Keiths arrival into the boys den and the iconic stab is taken out. In contrast with Barbara Berrills perception of it as simply and more importantly, realistically, a cut knife- in Keiths hands tension is immediately created portrayed as an echo of Mr Hayward through learned behaviour, Keith is capable of inflicting physical pain and violence, and does so. He makes a dismissive comment to Stephen, If you think that hurt, you shamt know what hurting is. One the one hand this could be interpreted as Keiths typical undermining of Stephens feelings, challenging him to act like the brave, invincible adult Keith perceives himself to be. On the other hand, it could be read as a cry for help, suggesting that for Keith, physical pain from his father is more bearable than being restricted of hi s freedom to be what he truly is a child.In Keith Frayn shows a lost childhood, exploring within it the idea of secrets of what seem normal and flawless in the surface, presenting imagination as a way to violence, and alternatively, a means of escapism from a harsh world.