The Appropriateness of Fyran's Text in Spies

The Appropriateness of Fyran's Text in Spies

Within Frayn’s enigmatic and richly nostalgic text, the theme of spies

is undoubtedly significant. The title has immediate connotations of

secrecy, danger and mystery. Frayn has cleverly left a trail of hidden

clues throughout the novel, which involves the reader in the story and

makes us ultimately become spies. Furthermore, many characters in the

text spy on each other and are being spied upon and have distinctive

characteristics of a spy. In addition, the older Stephen also spies

into his childhood.

The simple childlike game of espionage is dramatically contrasted

with the harsh reality of secretive meetings and sudden death as our

narrator begins to grow up amidst the slow deterioration of the

Hayward family. Childhood, innocence, secrecy and repressed violence

are all combined in this compelling novel as Frayn powerfully

demonstrates that what appears to be happening in front of our eyes

often turn out to be something we cannot see at all.

Frayn provides the reader with the first clue to Stephen’s German

origin- ‘There are cheap flights to that far-off nearby land.’

‘Nearby’ shows that England is metaphorically close to him because it

is always on his mind and makes him feel restless and nostalgic.

‘Far-off’ implies that England is literally a long distance away as he

lives in Germany, but it also suggests that his past spent in England

was a long time ago.

Stephen’s German identity is revealed through a series of clues:

‘coodle-moodle,’ ‘shnick-shnack,’ ‘liguster’ (word for privet). These

German words suggests that he is fro...

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...r as he says to Stephen that his mother is

‘a German spy.’

Both Stephen and Keith face danger of being found out by Mrs. Hayward

when they are in the tunnel. The mood created by Frayn is sinister and

dangerous when the boys realize ‘someone’s coming through the tunnel.’

The short and simple statement, ‘It’s her, I know’ by Stephen

indicates that he knows that he is close to being discovered. This

helps to convey the feeling of fear and danger which spies inevitably

experience.

In conclusion, the title ‘Spies’ is very appropriate as the main theme

in this book is spying. As well as this, Frayn has created vivid

characters that have the qualities of a good spy through his use of

language and narrative techniques. Overall, Frayn has been very

successful in combining mystery and suspense throughout the book.