Prose Passage Analysis

The Mandelbaum Gate 

(pages 79 -80)

A Gradual Build Up

In my passage from the Mandelbaum Gate by Muriel Spark, the author’s language, syntax and diction create a mood of increasing tension from the reluctance of people to speak out on such a divided topic as religion and culture. In the beginning of the passage it is assumed that all of the characters have the same viewpoint towards this topic because of their common British heritage and the previously reserved demeanor in which people discussed the ability of Jews to enter Jordan. But readers see the tension heighten with Spark’s literary techniques.

The first time readers see a shift in the calm atmosphere is when “their island was beginning to disintegrate,” in paragraph five, when discussing whether or not Barbara should be in Jordan. An island suggests a safe place, secluded from the incivility and chaos that the topic brings. It suggests that they are united in their beliefs, separate from any corruption. But the island begins to disintegrate when each character begins to speak out, making his or her own opinions clear as the conversation has not yet suggested anger, but banter becomes more prominent.

            After Joanna shares that it would be unfair to involve the British consulate Freddy begins to repeatedly ask her “Why . . . why, Joanna . . . why shouldn’t she . . .” (Spark 80). This repetition or anaphora illustrates a demanding tone, the tension rising with each “why.” In Freddy’s increasing anger both at this moment and when Spark references the shop the previous day, readers start to see this change in Freddy, a bursting out of his shell and an intolerance for being pushed around. Freddy’s word choice also exhibits tension in its less casual connotation. Readers see a heat bubbling inside Freddy with his “irate urge to declare something” (Spark 80). Before this moment the diction has been fairly lukewarm, adding to the formal atmosphere demanded at that time. But Spark describes Freddy as needing to “declare something,” the word bringing with it much more power and passion than simply a stating of opinion. When Freddy questions Joanna he describes Barbara’s potential situation as “being molested in a foreign country” (Spark 80). This word “molested” suggests a violent and crude connotation that Spark felt was needed exaggerate the situation and fully express Freddy’s state.

            The depth of the conversation is also seen throughout the passage as Barbara is referred to as if she, in fact, isn’t present. Matt expresses that he believes that “it is a bit unfair of Barbara . . .” addressing Freddy and not directly accusing Barbara (Spark 80). This suggests a concentration on the topic as a whole and an unusual differing of opinion rather than a focus on solving Barbara’s predicament for her. The characters seem so entrenched in the conversation, giving rise to the continually growing gap between the pieces of their island.

            The “delightful atmosphere” is officially destroyed when Freddy accuses the Cartwrights of “blowing neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm.” Readers are first taken aback when he starts by saying, “The trouble with you . . .” before going off to an internal description (Spark 80). This split of the comment leaves the readers with growing suspense as the tension comes to a climax with the surprise of Freddy’s frank and unusual stating of opinion. Freddy is, in fact, “astonished” with himself that he makes this declaration, further proving this change in Freddy’s character (Spark 80).

            The structure of the passage is purposefully crafted to reveal the growing tension along with the gradual transformation in Freddy. He becomes unreserved and finally free, symbolized by the passage’s structural build up, along with Freddy’s internal build up.