How Many Miles to Babylon?

How many miles to Babylon? Alec Moore Narrator Frederick Moore take to Alec Mrs. Moore Mother to Alec Jerry Crowe Fri overthrow to Alec Mrs. Crowe Mother to Jerry Major Glendinning Comm culmination Officer to Jerry and Alec in the army. General Points main(prenominal) Theme be hunch overd vs. Hatred Reflects different stages of Narrator Development Theres a continual stream of consciousness, no chapters Ireland France Love of country unemotional love of duty of power and wealth narcisstic love (love of self) Theme and Issues context the Scene Alec Narrates his tale of a loveless child, leaving him passionless and scarred fell father, manipulative and hateful He was unceasingly goaded by his beautiful incur Mrs. Moores beauty contrasted to her vindictive somebodyality. Shes bustling and dismissive (passionless) house with no affefction The dining room in the daytime was unwelcoming Relationship with his pay back Described through an experience w hen he seen his come nutrition the swans, thinking she was some other woman for a split second, and felt love for her.This shows us that he doesnt know his mother that well, mistaking her for another person but as well as that he only feels love for her when she is perceived as someone else. Compargond to Christys love with his mother in My left foot he has a continuous plutonic love for her. Mrs. Moores human relationships be meaning less and without power. She feels she is not capable of love as they are never aloud the license to experience it themselves. She has been taught only the proper etiquette of the wealthy at the experience of wealthy needs.The mother is greedy of Alecs father and their relationship. She is again jealous of Alecs ontogenesis relationships, such with Jerry, but in addition is worried what other people may think of a spunkyer secern boy, being friends with a lower score boy. Therefore, she wants to destroy it. She removes Alec from school, just so she wont be left merely in the day. This is too a way for her to put on got to her husband, showing him that her and Alec too have a relationship, although it is fake. Relationship with Father Alec feels real affection for his father, shown in his willingly attitude to spend time with him by the fire. He loves him within the spring of duty and sensitivity. He leaves his father with loosing his only love in the family, when trade unioning the army heart rendering when he leaves. They dont display their love or intensity of feelings for one another, but it is spare e. g. when he accepts money as a gesture of love His golden earn is assumption to Alec metaphorically construeed as the beating of his heart. It will cheer him from dangerImage of Women as hateful figures The mother sees Alecs decision to join the army as a personal triumph. She doesnt have worries nigh the probable loss of her sons life at struggle, but kind of begins to enjoy the benevolen ce of her peers that she will receive from having her son at war. Jerry and Alec ridicule their hypocritical mothers as a display of grief as they go to war Alec makes fun of his mother for her intensity towards him, showing us that he doesnt take her seriously. War as an image of hatred The topic of war, adds a comprehend of horror The confederacy depicts a metaphorical journey for these characters from a debased nation of love in Alec to the trenches. The trenches are described as a strong-arm representation of humanity without the power of love. It depicts the true meaning of evil and hate in contrast to love. Major Glendinning He never shows remorse he shows preciseness and dispassion by the murder of Gloucesters Regiment This illustrates the breakdown of the inherent moral code in humanity When Alec requests leave for Jerry he shows compassion ill-considered Aspect to Jerry Crowes character.Contrary to loving nature Jerry Crowe He abides by his sense of filial duty (wanting to find his father) His character brings out the true Alec Moore, makes him find himself. The reunion of Jerry and Alec at the decision of the myth is moving When Jerry is found, he is put into a detention camp, and declares he loves his country than his King. It is love that is the death of Jerry Crowe. When Alec pulls the trigger, it is none of murder, but prudence his friend from a brutal death. After the death of Jerry, Alec finds no love in his life. He withdraws from life after his death.Cultural Con schoolbook the world in which the novel is set lay in Ireland and focuses on the semipolitical conflict around the time of the flag-waving(a) movement and the First World War. Also conflicts between the fastness and lower class in Ireland (classification) Alec Moore draws the reader into the story of his life by focusing on the rituals of his parents lives, his early childishness, education and his friendship with Jerry Crowe all the ways that he s ees his own life. The main way we see the cultural differences in Jerry and Alec is through their language and colloquialisms. Alecs wealth is illustrated through his life setting .. a high curtained windowpane in which I could see as I went up the reflection of walls, the pictures, the polished banisters, the three altered heads, the crossed pikes, and a bracing of beautifully tail silver swords Alecs Experience in childhood His portrayal of his early childhood is harrowing. Mrs. Moores try to destroy the natural instincts of childhood are straightforward from her refusal to allow Alec to go to school, her interference in his friendship with Jerry and her dismissal of his piano teacher. Her interference is the source of Alecs shyness and isolation. His relationship is distort as his mother uses him as a means of avoiding direct contact with her husband who neglects the important aspects of his development as he is a moral coward who has been bullied by his wife. Alec is used resembling a pawn by his mother to undermines her husbands sourceity You never speak without authority.. you never sound as if you knew what you were talk of the town about. You have always been an ineffective man pg. 30 Mrs. Moore as an image of upper class We are shown this through Alecs narrative that she is a reprehensible and peevish mother Her parental instincts are over-shadowed by her selfishness Her physical beauty is juxtaposed with her deformed nature. Johnston uses her to reflect the prejudicious aspect of upper class society. Her desire to be regarded as a woman of enculturation and breeding is illustrated by her refined eating and drinking, her piano playing and her dress code. Mr. Moore as a Father figure He has more of a relationship with Alec then the mother, shown by his scepticism about Jerry and Alecs friendship. The Father is weak, his example of adult behaviour is puzzling for his children. He end not be considered as a role model for Al ec because of his flaws. The Friendship of Alec and Jerry Alecs childhood salvation comes from Jerry Crowe, he would have been very lonely without him, and wouldnt have experienced his rejuvenation of childhood without him Ironically, Jerrys childhood was one of a bad experience, similar to Alecs may have been what makes their friendship so solid. It is Jerrys boisterous character that carries Alec through his awful home life His humour and attitude, allows Alec to manifest a reasonable perspective about his own prospective and society Their conversations are subtle reflections of the time in which they live The Germans are going to fix all those eejits in Europe, The British are going to fix the Germans, and wewe are going to fix the British The strength of their friendship survives the corrosion of class consciousness Proven by Alecs unalterable support of Jerry, especially in the army.Alecs Education He lacks the encouragement needed from his parents, particularly fr om his mother to spur him to academic success. His mother is a authoritative part in teaching him the piano, since dismissing Mr. Cave, although she does not keep her promise. She deprives him from going away to school as she cannot bear being left alone with his father. The Irish nationalist Cause Jerrys recruitment to the army, is only for him to learn how to handle ammunition for the nationalist cause in Ireland, not for the desire to protect the English. The illustrates the nature of Irish society in the early part of the twentieth century where a small number of nationalists wanted to recreate a culture which was severly curtailed since the penal period. The paralleling of the nationalist movement in Ireland with the First World War illustrates two examples of the degeneration of society in violence. Portrayal of Women It is unflattering and prejudicial The author illustrates the lack of maternal nurturing which indicates the dysfunctional nature of society. Mrs Moore and Mrs Crowe deprive their sons of love, care and happiness making decisions that are contrary to the moral well being of their sons. They both represent each end of society and class, yet both have the same role as mothers. Portrayal of Men A portrayal of disconcert Alecs introduction is unbiassed and amoral who rejects the solace of religion Alec and Jerry are most admirable in their childhood, and they earn the readers respect through their loyalty to one another. The ambiguous ending of the novel suspends their credibleness as full rounded characters and infers their symbolic function in the story. The other men are not symbolic as expansive figures (Major Glendinning, Jerrys father, Mr. Moore) Instead, they are portrayed as ineffectual men enwrapped by their social position or as hard hearted, condescending automations. Setting of the Novel The setting is varied, begins with Alecs detention in France, and reverts to his childhood in Co.Wicklow moves between Dublin , Belfast, England and France. With each change of setting, the reader is brought deeper into the impending doom with awaits Alec and Jerry. The move from Ireland to France also propels the protagonist from the domestic, political disharmony of his own country into the European fray so that the scale of the violence and cruelty of Alecs early experiences is magnified beyond himself to thousands of other people.How Many Miles To BabylonThe same cannot be said for How Many Miles to Babylon, which ends in a pessimistic and gloomy scene. Alec Moore is awaiting execution, as the novel comes full circle. He is given a pen and paper because he is an officer and a gentleman. He has nothing to do but wait. Alec refused to kill Jerry by firing squad, so in a sense, he asserted his own humanity in the face of war. However, this noble act is detrimental, as this act of compassion tragically be him his life.Johnstons outlook is in keeping with the sombre vision of the whole novel dark, pessi mistic and undeniably tragic. The central characters and key relationships within a text are extremely important to our actualiseing of the widely distributed vision and viewpoint. They allow us to see how the actions of another person can have a irresponsible or negative impact on the life of the protagonist. The relationship between Alec and his mother Alicia in How Many Miles to Babylon is characterised by a lack of communication and affection.Alicia uses Alec as an extension of her own ego. He is not appreciated as an individual with individual needs and desires. She only cares that he conforms to her expectations. There is no real affection to their relationship which is cold and stifling. As well as restricting Alecs relationship with Jerry Crowe, Alicia overpowers his relationship with Frederick. Alec cannot do anything without the consideration of his mother.Their relationship is presented in a negative light and Johnston, in a sense, caricatures Alicia to reflect the d ark and negative aspects of the upper class. Alicia has a desire to be regarded as a woman of culture and intelligence, which is evident through her piano playing and refined eating rituals, but her actions are a departure from normal maternal practices. Alec feels unloved and unappreciated. The mother-son relationship is so important in How Many Miles to Babylon because not only does it portray a dark outlook on life, but is also a catalyst for the main plot.The general vision and viewpoint of a text expresses the authors or directors optimistic or pessimistic outlook on life. It also enables us to establish a greater understanding of the characters and allows us to empathise with them. The outlook can be either bright or dark, or then a combination of brightness and darkness and as we become more aware of this outlook as the plot develops, we can more effectively understand the situation of the protagonist within the narrative.How Many Miles to Babylon?How many miles to Babylon? Alec Moore Narrator Frederick Moore Father to Alec Mrs. Moore Mother to Alec Jerry Crowe Friend to Alec Mrs. Crowe Mother to Jerry Major Glendinning Commending Officer to Jerry and Alec in the army. General Points Main Theme Love vs. Hatred Reflects different stages of Narrator Development Theres a continuous stream of consciousness, no chapters Ireland France Love of country passionless love of duty of power and wealth narcisstic love (love of self) Theme and IssuesSetting the Scene Alec Narrates his tale of a loveless child, leaving him emotionless and scarred cruel mother, manipulative and hateful He was always goaded by his beautiful mother Mrs. Moores beauty contrasted to her vindictive personality. Shes swift and dismissive (passionless) Home with no affefction The dining room in the daytime was unwelcoming Relationship with his mother Described through an experience when he seen his mother feeding the swans, thinking she was another woman for a split second, and felt love for her.This shows us that he doesnt know his mother that well, mistaking her for another person but also that he only feels love for her when she is perceived as someone else. Compared to Christys love with his mother in My left foot he has a continuous plutonic love for her. Mrs. Moores human relationships are meaning less and without power. She feels she is not capable of love as they are never aloud the freedom to experience it themselves. She has been taught only the proper etiquette of the wealthy at the experience of wealthy needs.The mother is jealous of Alecs father and their relationship. She is again jealous of Alecs developing relationships, such with Jerry, but also is worried what other people may think of a higher class boy, being friends with a lower class boy. Therefore, she wants to destroy it. She removes Alec from school, just so she wont be left alone in the day. This is also a way for her to get to her husband, showing him that her a nd Alec also have a relationship, although it is fake. Relationship with Father Alec feels real affection for his father, shown in his willingly attitude to spend time with him by the fire. He loves him within the bounds of duty and sensitivity. He leaves his father with loosing his only love in the family, when joining the army heart rendering when he leaves. They dont display their love or intensity of feelings for one another, but it is evident e. g. when he accepts money as a gesture of love His golden watch is given to Alec Metaphorically represented as the beating of his heart. It will protect him from dangerImage of Women as hateful figures The mother sees Alecs decision to join the army as a personal triumph. She doesnt have worries about the probable loss of her sons life at war, but instead begins to enjoy the sympathy of her peers that she will receive from having her son at war. Jerry and Alec ridicule their hypocritical mothers as a display of grief as they go to war Alec makes fun of his mother for her intensity towards him, showing us that he doesnt take her seriously. War as an image of hatred The topic of war, adds a sense of horror The combination depicts a metaphorical journey for these characters from a debased nation of love in Alec to the trenches. The trenches are described as a physical representation of humankind without the power of love. It depicts the true meaning of evil and hate in contrast to love. Major Glendinning He never shows remorse he shows precision and dispassion by the murder of Gloucesters Regiment This illustrates the breakdown of the inherent moral code in humanity When Alec requests leave for Jerry he shows compassion Paradoxical Aspect to Jerry Crowes character.Contrary to loving nature Jerry Crowe He abides by his sense of filial duty (wanting to find his father) His character brings out the true Alec Moore, makes him find himself. The reunion of Jerry and Alec at the finality of the novel i s moving When Jerry is found, he is put into a detention camp, and declares he loves his country than his King. It is love that is the death of Jerry Crowe. When Alec pulls the trigger, it is none of murder, but saving his friend from a brutal death. After the death of Jerry, Alec finds no love in his life. He withdraws from life after his death.Cultural Context the world in which the novel is set Set in Ireland and focuses on the political conflict around the time of the nationalist movement and the First World War. Also conflicts between the upper and lower class in Ireland (classification) Alec Moore draws the reader into the story of his life by focusing on the rituals of his parents lives, his early childhood, education and his friendship with Jerry Crowe all the ways that he sees his own life. The main way we see the cultural differences in Jerry and Alec is through their language and colloquialisms. Alecs wealth is illustrated through his life setting .. a high cur tained window in which I could see as I went up the reflection of walls, the pictures, the polished banisters, the three altered heads, the crossed pikes, and a pair of beautifully chased silver swords Alecs Experience in childhood His portrayal of his early childhood is harrowing. Mrs. Moores try to destroy the natural instincts of childhood are evident from her refusal to allow Alec to go to school, her interference in his friendship with Jerry and her dismissal of his piano teacher. Her interference is the source of Alecs shyness and isolation. His relationship is distorted as his mother uses him as a means of avoiding direct contact with her husband who neglects the important aspects of his development as he is a moral coward who has been bullied by his wife. Alec is used like a pawn by his mother to undermines her husbands authority You never speak without authority.. you never sound as if you knew what you were talking about. You have always been an ineffective man pg. 3 0 Mrs. Moore as an image of upper class We are shown this through Alecs narrative that she is a cruel and peevish mother Her maternal instincts are over-shadowed by her selfishness Her physical beauty is juxtaposed with her deformed nature. Johnston uses her to reflect the negative aspect of upper class society. Her desire to be regarded as a woman of culture and breeding is illustrated by her refined eating and drinking, her piano playing and her dress code. Mr. Moore as a Father figure He has more of a relationship with Alec then the mother, shown by his scepticism about Jerry and Alecs friendship. The Father is weak, his example of adult behaviour is confusing for his children. He can not be considered as a role model for Alec because of his flaws. The Friendship of Alec and Jerry Alecs childhood salvation comes from Jerry Crowe, he would have been very lonely without him, and wouldnt have experienced his rejuvenation of childhood without him Ironically, Jerrys childho od was one of a bad experience, similar to Alecs may have been what makes their friendship so solid. It is Jerrys boisterous character that carries Alec through his awful home life His humour and attitude, allows Alec to manifest a reasonable perspective about his own future and society Their conversations are subtle reflections of the time in which they live The Germans are going to fix all those eejits in Europe, The British are going to fix the Germans, and wewe are going to fix the British The strength of their friendship survives the corrosion of class consciousness Proven by Alecs constant support of Jerry, especially in the army.Alecs Education He lacks the encouragement needed from his parents, particularly from his mother to spur him to academic success. His mother is a crucial part in teaching him the piano, since dismissing Mr. Cave, although she does not keep her promise. She deprives him from going away to school as she cannot bear being left alone with his fat her. The Irish Nationalist Cause Jerrys recruitment to the army, is only for him to learn how to handle ammunition for the nationalist cause in Ireland, not for the desire to protect the English. The illustrates the nature of Irish society in the early part of the twentieth century where a small number of nationalists wanted to recreate a culture which was severly curtailed since the penal period. The paralleling of the nationalist movement in Ireland with the First World War illustrates two examples of the degeneration of society in violence. Portrayal of Women It is unflattering and prejudicial The author illustrates the lack of maternal nurturing which indicates the dysfunctional nature of society. Mrs Moore and Mrs Crowe deprive their sons of love, care and happiness making decisions that are contrary to the moral well being of their sons. They both represent each end of society and class, yet both have the same role as mothers. Portrayal of Men A portrayal of disconce rt Alecs introduction is apathetic and amoral who rejects the solace of religion Alec and Jerry are most admirable in their childhood, and they earn the readers respect through their loyalty to one another. The ambiguous ending of the novel suspends their credibility as full rounded characters and infers their symbolic function in the story. The other men are not symbolic as heroic figures (Major Glendinning, Jerrys father, Mr. Moore) Instead, they are portrayed as ineffectual men enwrapped by their social position or as hard hearted, condescending automations. Setting of the Novel The setting is varied, begins with Alecs detention in France, and reverts to his childhood in Co.Wicklow moves between Dublin, Belfast, England and France. With each change of setting, the reader is brought deeper into the impending doom with awaits Alec and Jerry. The move from Ireland to France also propels the protagonist from the domestic, political disharmony of his own country into the Europ ean fray so that the scale of the violence and cruelty of Alecs early experiences is magnified beyond himself to thousands of other people.