AP Essay 1988

Choose a distinguished novel or play in which some of the most significant events are mental or psychological; for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness. In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to give these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external action. Do not merely summarize the plot.

Paralleled Journeys

            In The Mandelbaum Gate by Muriel Spark, although there is action in the quest across Jordan when Barbara comes down with scarlet fever or when she runs into a seemingly inescapable friend, most of the truly significant moments revolve around the characters’ self-realization. In the novel, Spark uses the backdrop of the characters’ adventurous physical journey, harnessing the aspects of suspense and climax, to enhance their slower mental journey.

            Each psychological recognition is sandwiched by the adventurous aspects of their pilgrimage. When Freddy first embarks on his plan to save Barbara, it is because of his decision not to be oppressed any longer. Spark first sets the stage by intriguing the readers with this new sense of urgency and mystery in Freddy’s plan. In the midst of the chaos and suspense of planning and executing their escape, he finally begins “to see himself” (Spark 148). The suspense is built as Freddy puts his plan into motion, knowing “his first task” (Spark 143), and readers sit anticipating his next action. It is only through this action that Freddy’s true realizations are revealed. His deeper level comprehension is bordered by passionate dialogue and growing danger when Freddy “jumps to his feet” and declares they “must do something” (Spark 152). Freddy’s motive behind the adventure, we realize, is the “disposing of some tiresome correspondence,” liberating himself, something he “should have done . . . years ago” (Spark 145). The frequent self realizations and moral epiphanies are imbedded within the slight action to allow excitement and give them a more dramatic feel.

            Barbara’s own realizations are also presented closely with the dramatic turning of events, her epiphanies coming as a result of the action or journey. As Barbara is escaping the convent she slowly comes to grips with the fact that she “hoped to be caught” in order to prove her multi-dimensional and rebellious side (Spark 160). This awareness happens over the course of a suspenseful escape. Readers are completely drawn into the moment, conscious of the “padding footsteps” and “overwhelming attic snores” (Spark 159). But as the readers hold their breath wondering whether or not the escapees will be caught, they’re also intrigued by Barbara’s growing consciousness, drawn out with every step as she finds a “sense of something unaccomplished in the silence” (Spark 159). Spark’s vivid imagery leading to slow motion suspense allows readers to stay interested in the drama as well as the psychological. 

            Spark also draws attention to the characters’ self-realizations by heightening the intensity with various dramatic relationships and love affairs. Through Freddy’s flirtation with Suzi he realizes that he is “a different sort of man from most men in all important respects” (Spark 234). Readers are fascinated by this affair and the way their relationship brings out a hidden side rather than Freddy coming to terms with this on his own. Barbara’s back and forth with Ricky also encourages Barbara’s realization of the need to no longer “be crushed by her,” but fully live her own life (Spark 196). Their bantering and game of cat-and-mouse as readers find that Ricky is “within breathing distance of Barbara’s veil,” adds drama to the situation, helping to make Barbara’s liberation and acceptance of her adventurous side more exciting and twisted (Spark 218). Barbara’s “ruthlessness and swift action continued to surprise and please her” as her relationship with Ricky highlighted this new self (Spark 168). But only the relationship scandal allows this new self to be realized and celebrated by both characters and readers.

            Spark’s imbedding of moral excitement into physical excitement, leaves readers focused on both the action and the message. On their path through Israel and Jordan they experience relationship drama, sickness and odd encounters that help heighten the influence of the message and moral realizations. The parallel of physical and emotional journey allows a seamless combination of excitement and self-actualization.