When is spies set

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Spies Study Guide Next. A concise biography of Michael Frayn plus historical and literary context for Spies.

During the second world war, Stephen and his friend Keith live in a suburban cul-de-sac on the edge of the countryside. We do not exactly know how old the boys are this uncertainty will itself serve the plot. They entertain themselves with war games and fantasies about the secret lives of family and neighbours, one day deciding that Keith's laconic, glamorous mother is in fact a German spy. Thus they begin to observe and follow her: the novel's title refers both to the enemy agents they imagine all around them, and to the children themselves, covertly watching and listening to the unsuspecting adults.

We know, naturally, that Mrs Hayward cannot be a German spy, but infer from the beginning that she does have secrets. Is it not inevitable that these boys will discover something about her that they are not supposed to know? Why does she go shopping at odd times? Where does she go on her odd walks up through the nasty tunnel under the railway? What is she leaving in a tin hidden in the undergrowth next to the tracks?

If plots require clues the signs of a hidden design , then they also require a reader who is alive to the existence of clues. The adult reader of Spies will guess that there is some story of marital subterfuge behind what the boys observe. Some of the data that the sexually innocent Stephen records does seem to hold clues about adult sexuality.

He reads Keith's mother's diary and finds that she has marked a day with a mysterious x about once a month, and three days in the course of six months including her wedding anniversary with an exclamation mark. Stephen thinks that the latter indicates successful sabotage operations; seeing Mrs Hayward's unappealing husband, we might have another idea.

Stephen finds out that Barbara Berrill, a girl from a neighbouring house, has in her turn been spying on him, and is offered by her the predictable explanation of adult behaviour. The Tin Men Michael Frayn. The Russian Interpreter Michael Frayn. Towards the End of the Morning Michael Frayn. Sweet Dreams Michael Frayn. Matchbox Theatre Michael Frayn. Skios Michael Frayn.

Headlong Michael Frayn. Travels with a Typewriter Michael Frayn. Stage Directions Michael Frayn. Constructions Michael Frayn. The Human Touch Michael Frayn. Also Recommended. Until the Colours Fade Tim Jeal.

Longlisted for The Man Booker Prize Hystopia David Means. The Anthill Julianne Pachico. We use cookies to personalise your experience. By continuing to visit this website you agree to our use of cookies. Got It. Read Our Cookie Policy. Join Faber Members. Sign up to the join the Faber Members community free.

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