How Does Fayn Present Keith's Relationship In Spies

Question: How does Frayn present Stephen and Keith’s relationship at the start of the novel?

Through analysis of Michael Frayn’s 2002 novel, Spies, Stephen and Keith’s relationship plays a large factor within the plot of the novel, this is seen especially at the beginning. Frayn manages to represent this relationship in numerous ways that give different meanings depending upon what the context is. One such representation is adult Stephen’s perception of the relationship they had and how Keith acted. This perception can be seen as somewhat spiteful to the audience, which is shown in part 2 with the two paragraphs “And in the middle of it all … and our ordinary grey shorts.” These two paragraphs show amazing sight into the mind of adult Stephen. An example of this is his description of the ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ schools. This small rant of his can be seen as ‘having a dig’, i.e. being satirical, about the school and class system enforced upon him and his childhood friend. The specific words ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ are
extremely important within this rant as they further emphasise his disgust and distaste for said system. They do this by simplifying the system down to it’s basic principles without mannerisms or politeness, i.e. the ‘right’ school was only for those that were from the ‘right’ families whereas the ‘wrong’ school was for those that weren’t from those families. This simplistic view can be compared notably with the idea of ‘good’ and ‘evil’, or ‘black’ and ‘white’, which shows the reader that the idea that people can be treated in that manner because of prejudices is ridiculous. Another perception of the exact same rant could be child Stephen’s perception of it. This perception is of annoyance, irritation and acceptance. The fact that he is talking about the ‘right’ school is such detail could be seen as his jealousy and longing to belong at said ‘right’ school with Keith instead of at the ‘wrong’ school where he currently attended. The acceptance of the fact that he will never attend the ‘right’ school no matter how much he may wish to is also shown as he speaks of the rules so blasé. Yet another important detail mentioned in those two paragraphs is “The picture is no longer monochrome.” This small sentence can be seen as one of the most important due to it’s relevance of Stephen and Keith’s relationship. The idea that Stephen’s memory only bursts into colour when he sees Keith instead of when he saw just himself suggests that Keith is what he remember mores about from his childhood than himself. This can also show adult Stephen’s loathing of the child he once was. After those paragraphs, two more important paragraphs reveal even more information about Stephen and Keith’s relationship together in their childhood. The use of the word fortune in the sentence “… incomprehensible good fortune being Keith’s friend.” Is extremely significant as it is not just simple luck to be Keith’s friend, it was something more as if Keith’s friendship were a prize to be won instead of something ordinary. This idea is also portrayed through the statement “I was the Other Ranks – and grateful to be so.” The main emphasis in this statement is upon the after thought “ - and grateful to be so.” As it reveals to the reader that child Stephen was just purely grateful to be in Keith’s presence as he saw Keith as his superior, so Stephen naturally idolised him. Keith often uses the fact that Stephen idolises him to get his way, and in a way to have a servant. Stephen was Keith’s inferior in his eyes and thus he treated him as such. This is a great contrast to later on in the book when Stephen becomes more sceptical of Keith and his plans, and also what Keith says about his mother. The passage “overhead cableway that … rest of the neighbourhood” is a great example of Keith’s overactive imagination, which, of course, plays a big role within the plot of the novel itself.
The detailed description of each and every one of these plans shows Stephen’s intrigue of the plans, and show how he was led so easily by his friend telling him tales. This passage is followed by what can be seen as a sarcastic comment by adult Stephen or a vision of hope and glory by child Stephen; “… and our messages would pass …”. Adult’s perception of Keith seems to be revolved around negative emotions, mainly stupidity and annoyance, whereas child Stephen shows how much he loves spending time with Keith rather openly. I think this is an important factor to note at the beginning of the novel as it is interesting to know how their relationship change and blossoms, and also how Stephen’s perception changes as his character and personality
mature. Another reference to the idea of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ through out the social classes and Stephen’s acceptance of his and Keith’s different social standing is in the sentence “Cycling’s plainly the right way … on the main road is plainly the wrong way.” Again this is showing the class separation by the subtle hint of the money needed and how that affected which group you fit into – the ‘right’ group or the ‘wrong’ group. As it is quite clear, Keith is in the ‘right’ group whereas Stephen is in the ‘wrong’ group and yet they still socialise. This small fact automatically makes Keith better than Stephen in the eyes of the social status, and hence the leadership of Keith over Stephen that Stephen never appears to challenge but actually feels privileged to be used in such a way. Frayn chooses to use the word allowed in the phrase “… Stephen will be allowed to help …” which suggests that Stephen did not see helping Keith as a chore like a young boy would his own household chores his parents would make him do, but as a reward for doing something good that he should take great pride in doing. Stephen begins to see Keith more as an equal later on, which is demonstrated by “… Keith and I …”. This is a large turning point for Stephen’s outlook upon the world as he becomes more cynical and less discriminates to others. The fact that the one person he once idled was now seen as equal to Stephen shows a large step in his maturity and self esteem. Overall, the relationship between Keith and Stephen is simple yet complicated at the same time and can be read on numerous levels, depending upon how you wish to interpret the language devices used by Michael Frayn.