Spies by Michael Frayn, A Study Guide

This is the best available study guide to Michael Frayn’s novel Spies. This guide gives a detailed, thorough and perceptive analysis of themes, covering all you need to know. This guide is for teachers and students alike, covering such themes as war and conflict, heroism and bravery, courage and cowardice, spying and secrets, family, children and parents, love and Stephen’s sexual awakening, freedom and entrapment, gender representation, men and women, fear and danger, bullying and control, homesickness and wanderlust, memory. It draws a close parallel between Stephen and Uncle Peter, and investigates the roles of other characters, such as Mrs Hayward, Mr Hayward, Keith, Mr and Mrs Wheatley, Auntie Dee, Barbara Berrill, Deirdre, and Geoff. The guide also uncovers some mysteries not featured in other study guides, shedding light on Frayn’s use of names, of religious symbolism, of setting, of motifs, as well as his narrative, post-modernist style, first and third person narrator, and use of the present tense. There are detailed sections, with close language analysis, on the incidents involving Mrs Hayward’s basket and Keith’s bayonet, as well as links to The Go-Between, Frayn’s inspiration. There are chapter summaries for ease of reference. This is an essential study and revision guide, providing help notes for A level and for GCSE and IGCSE English Literature, for exam or coursework. The author, Claire Everitt, is an experienced A level examiner and teacher.