Characters - Barbara Berrill Flashcards
” everyone says they are running wild.”(Ch 2p13)
The Berrills represent to Stephen a chaotic, relaxed and appealing wildness full of promise.
” Mrs Hayward’s got a boyfriend too, like Mrs Tracey” (ch 8). “ And Keith’s Daddy found out and now he won’t let her set foot outside the house.”
In this throw away remark Barbara has solved the mystery which has eluded S and K for so long. An additional irony is that it is Mrs Tracey’s boyfriend.
” big mocking smile” “small conspiratorial smile.”
Mocking smile invasion of space.
” I know perfectly well that his is just a further example of the stupid things that girls say.” (Ch 8
But Barbara is more worldly wise than S and understand emotional engagement and can spot tension.
” She’s creeping out” and “Oh No!” (Ch 8)
Although S thinks she is just leaving quietly and having a gentle discussion.
” If you and Keith aren’t friends anymore” … “ Can I see inside your secret box thing?” (CH8 p158)
Innuendo - sexual awakening
” She leans across me and tries the padlock. My lap’s full of the weight and softness of her, and the movements of her body and she pulls the padlock back and forth. The blue purse has come to rest on top of my hand. I can feel the bobbles of the leather and the shininess of the popper against my skin and the wetness on the edge of the flap where she was catching it against her lip.”
Sexual awakening.
” The cork tip is moist from her lips like the flap of her purse” (Ch 8 p 166)
Sexual awakening
