Preparing a discussion on the presentation of Leo’s innocence and loss of innocence in The Go-Between

 Preparing a discussion on the presentation of Leo’s innocence and loss of innocence in The Go-Between

Read the examples below and then try your hand at analysing the various quotations.  You could extend your analysis of this example based on the previous lesson that covered this point.

Deadly nightshade

the plant both attracts and frightens Leo.‘It was the picture of evil and also the picture of health, it was so glossy and strong and juicy-looking.’ (End of Chapter 2)
The contrast of nouns evil and health show Leo’s contradictory attitude to the plant.
The pattern of three adjectives: glossy, strong, juicy-looking, makes the description of the plant as healthy more convincing.The Latin name for the plant – Atropa Belladonna – indicates it is symbolic of Marian (Atropos is a Fate linked to death and belladonna is Italian for beautiful lady). Analyse how the two are linked in the following quotation:
‘It was like a lady standing in her doorway looking out for someone.’ (Chapter 21)
The simile suggests ...
The verbs suggest ...

Leo’s green summer suit

this is both a welcome birthday present and symbolic of his naivety.‘… in Norwich ... like an emerging butterfly, I was first conscious of my wings.’
The simile suggests Leo is aware of his improved appearance in his new suit.
The use of ‘my wings’ suggests the shopping trip has helped him gain in confidence.
Is he free if he is conscious?Analyse the other similes used to convey Leo’s appearance and behaviour in this incident in Chapter 4:
‘I was made to stand on a chair and revolve like a planet’ suggests ...
‘… a cool customer ... just like a cucumber’ suggests ...
‘I went towards her nervously, caught like a moth in the beam from her eye’ suggests of Mrs Maudsley ...
　
　He goes from likening himself to a butterfly to a moth.  There technically is no differnece in the genus of the two (apparently), but I'm not sure they would have know this at the time.  In any case the two creatures carry alternate and similar connotations: one is representative of beauty, the other, destruction.  In some cultrures the moth is seen as a symbol of death.

The bathing party

is where Leo suffers the frustration of not being allowed to swim with his friends.　
‘There was a black thing ahead of us, all bars and spars and uprights, like a gallows.’
(Chapter 4)
The vague description of a ‘thing’ with the rhyme of ‘bars and spars’ presents a child’s point of view of the sluice on the river where Leo first sees Ted.
The adjective and simile foreshadow the punishment and death which Ted will suffer at the end of the story.The bathing party leads to the awakening of Leo’s awareness of adulthood. Analyse how this is conveyed by the following quotations:
About women: ‘Their thick clumsy dresses began to cling to them and take on the soft outlines of their bodies.’ This suggests ...
About Ted: ‘I retreated almost in fear before that powerful body, which spoke to me of something I did not know.’ This suggests ...
　

‘Spooning’

reflects Leo’s growing realisation of his lack of knowledge about adult relationships. At the end of Chapter 15, when Leo threatens to take no more messages unless Ted explains ‘spooning’, there is conflict and anger.‘But my protest was drowned by a commotion in the scullery: rattling, bubbling and hissing.’
The pattern of three verbs uses onomatopoeia to convey the sound of the kettle boiling, which in turn represents Ted’s growing anger.
‘He towered above me, as hard and straight and dangerous as his gun.’
The verb is a metaphor for Ted’s superior size and strength compared to Leo.
The pattern of three adjectives reinforces his strength, power and frightening appearance.
The simile foreshadows the circumstances of Ted’s death.Try analysing the following quotation:
‘Armoured by his nakedness, he took a step towards me.’ This suggests …
　

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Now look back at the four parts of the novel mentioned above. Can you add any relevant quotations of your own?