One point:
From a childhood perspective, we have limited and often a naïve understanding of events and people and relationships. This can lead to inaccurate conclusions; or misleading assumptions about people. For example, Keith and Stephen jump to conclusions about Mrs Hayward as the German spy based on a convergence of factors as the policeman pedals up the hill, and Mrs Hayward casts an anxious look.
Despite their very limited awareness of adult relationships and complexities, Keith and Stephen nevertheless perpetuate their assumptions because of the Code X’s in the diary.
As Frayn would say, as they gain knowledge and experience, they retrospectively confirm their belief in the mother as a spy. “Everything is the same and … “ Memory plays tricks of the mind and as they seek to connect the chain of events, they become absorbed in their own spy adventure that revolves around loyalty and betrayal.
From his point of view, Stephen’s memories and desire become interwoven and differ from Keith’s. Although they both see the mother initially as a German spy, their involvement in the spy narrative differs. One reason or this is because of their different, unique relationship to Mrs Hayward, Keith as son, becomes constrained by the family triangle. Stephen, on the other hand, wants to believe in the code xs as a sign of the spy, because they enable him to indulge his fantasy for the mother. Mother’s “Judas Kiss” He is obsessed with the “sweet smelling” scent of lamorna, which also stands for adolescent desire, and the mother and Barbara Berrill enable him to test his strength and follow his desire.
Another point:
Comment on the role of memory : quote from Michael Frayn
Third point:
the darkness within: the experience of sheer terror : blurs the boundaries between one’s inner and outer perspectives (*Legendary war hero) : Likewise, Uncle Peter is haunted by the darkness within. And for him, the more you try to fight it, the more you become overwhelmed by despair. He recognises Stephen’s tendency to play “some game” because that’s what happened to him. It was also a game about being a “great hero”, but the game goes on and on and “it gets more and more frightening, and you get tired, because you can’t go on being brave for ever. And then one night it happens. You’re up there in the darkness five hundred miles form home”.
“Suddenly the darkness is inside you as well. In your head, in your stomach. Everything’s drowned by this great scream of terror in the darkness, and the scream goes on and on, and it’s coming out of you”.
See Sapper Tom Williams who states that the “psyche crumbles”.
Likewise, Trooper Smith realised he was guilty of inflicting immense suffering and pain and knew that the women who lost their families and their home, would forever live in squalor.
Uncle Peter also finds that his simple view of reality is misguided and limited.
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