Stephen And Keith Relationship Analysis

How the Relationship between Stephen and Keith Change Throughout the Novel Spies

The relationship between Stephen and Keith changes throughout the events covered by the novel Spies by Michael Frayn. Stephen and Keith used to be notable friends. Stephen considered his friendship a fortunate one, conveying to the readers that they probably had a good relationship since Stephen appreciated it. Regrettably, however, after Keith forefended Stephen from an accusation from Mr. Hayward of stealing a thermos flask, their relationship began to shatter and change dreadfully because they no longer hung out or talked to each other. Stephen’s disloyalty also strains their friendship, which later results in an extreme and life-threatening event that unpleasantly ends their relationship. Therefore, in Michael Frayn’s Spies the change of relationship between Stephen and Keith is shown through the description of how their

They had a short-lived friendship. They did numerous activities together, however, as these activities got more intense, Stephen would start to feel that he was just a mere individual whom Keith uses to show off his bravery. Then an odd event happens where Stephen steals a thermos flask and Keith takes all the accusations for it. Shortly afterwards, Stephen betrays Keith by breaking the oath to not reveal anything about their secret hideout and their private possessions to anyone, by inviting Barbara Berrill into their hideout and showing her all their possessions. This final event essentially breaks down their relationship. After Keith finds out what Stephen has done, an extreme incident occurs where Stephen’s life is threatened by Keith, showing the readers that the relationship between Stephen and Keith has now devastatingly changed,