NUMBER 3

Another reoccurring finding of mine is that of the impulsiveness of many of the characters. Paul, an artist learning at a studio in Britain many times ponders the idea of packing up his things and changing careers or simple the quick decisions of going to his significant other (if you can call her that) Teresa's house. To show these impulses, Barker's diction helps to emphasize how the character's pace can change so quickly. Barker describes a few of Paul's last nights with his friends from the art studio, he uses words like "passionately", "singing", and "swaying" all in a happier context(85). Barker continues to illustrate the quick change of pace when he narrates, "abruptly, [Paul] became morose" and continues to use words like "plunged", "staggered", "clamorous" and "exasperated" (85). Paul's excitement has faded away and turned into a nerve of anger and anxiousness. This has quick-change of pace might signify the relationship between Paul and Teresa that was all fun and lighthearted but now seems to be becoming more deep and intense than what Paul seems ready for; in a way setting him off into the night drunken and unprotected.

As the book has continued, I've started to notice Barker's use of literary techniques that we've discussed in class. His diction like I noted above helps to signify the change, in both short terms and long terms. Earlier on in the novel, Paul noted Teresa's appearance in wonder and intrigue, describing her to have, "shining hair, high cheekbones, and red, painted, pouting lips" and he continues to admit that, "he was instantly attracted to her" (18). The infatuation he has for Teresa is so apparent but as the book goes on, we can see that this infatuation fades and grows more into a pressing question that is no longer playful and more demanding. Now rather than seeing Teresa's untouchable beauty, he recalls the way she looks sad and helpless, Barker describes her as "sullen" and "wincing", he illustrates her being "swallowed up in the crowd" (83). The way that Paul has began to note Teresa so differently shows the long effect of a pressing question that cannot be answered. Also continuing on a common theme that I've been noticing and examined in past posts, Paul begins to see Teresa's innocence more and she is become more like the girl described at the beginning of the book. This girl was a tottering teen in the park that was helpless to the preying middle aged man. As Paul had questioned the girl in the park's innocence before he now is questioning Teresa's and in this I've begun to see a strong connection between the girl in the park and Teresa. Both out of Paul's reach, and both so intriguing.