How does Frayn make Keith’s mother such a memorable character?

How does Frayn make Keith’s mother such a memorable character?

Spies is a novel written by Michael Frayn issued in 2002 and published by “Faber & Faber”. The book takes place during World War II and tells the story of two boys, Keith and Stephen living in London. As most kids do, they like to play games; this time, the Germans have infiltrated Keith’s family. The text reveals the story of two boys who started spying on people in their cul-de-sac. Frayn created many intriguing characters but one strikes out: Keith’s mother, Mrs. Haywards. The author is able to make her a memorable character by giving her an essential role and by describing her evolution throughout the book: she goes from being a idealized mom to being a German spy to finally be a manipulative character.

In Stephen’s eyes, Mrs. Haywards first is a perfect woman that could not even notice an insignificant person like him. When Stephen introduces us to the characters of the novel, he mentions “the grace and serenity of Keith’s mother”. These descriptive adjectives suggest all the admiration Stephen vows to Mrs. Hayward, he appears to be amazed by this being. The term “Keith’s mother” which he uses to speak of her also show how high he holds her in his estime: he is so impressed by her that even as an adult, half a century later, he doesn’t dare use her real name; he feels like he must respect her. Another instance of this idealization is when Stephen is invited for tea, he expresses “gratitude {...} to Keith’s mother”. Being invited for tea is not supposed to be something outstanding yet to Stephen it is; his devotion towards Mrs. Haywards pushes him to idealize all she does for him. This gratitude also suggests an inferiority complex towards her, Stephen feels he must bow down to her in all situations for she is so superior to him. An aspect of Keith’s mother unforgettable character is created through Stephen’s unbounded admiration for her.

Mrs. Haywards is really important for she is the cause for Keith and Stephen’s investigation in the close. Mrs. Haywards’ “real” character is revealed by Keith, “My mother is a German spy.” These six words will monitor the whole novel as they will be the cause of all the adventures Keith and Stephen will live. Keith’s mother’s importance is shown although she doesn’t appear here: a part of her character is built without her, on her back. Another example of her importance as a spy is when the boys discover the “X”(s) in Mrs. Haywards’ diary, “He turns the pages. More x’s.” Keith’s mother truly has taken up an important role in the boys’ life as she obsesses their thoughts. The word “more” suggest that this is yet an evidence that she is a spy, the repetition of x’s is a repetition of evidence. Through her actions, intentionally or not, Mrs. Haywards seems to be gaining importance in the kids’ life; she appears to be the motor of the book.

By the end of the book, Mrs. Haywards achieves her shift to finally become a manipulative character and gain importance over Stephen’s life. This new attitude is shown when Mrs. Haywards tries to convince him to take the basket to Uncle Peter, ‘She leans forward and kisses me”. Keith’s mother is willing to go as far as

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