Greene shows the reader 'Paradise Piece' as it shows another side to Pinkie, and suggests that it's hard to come out a place of such extreme poverty in a sane way, it also suggests Pinkie cannot get away from his past, and his upbringing follows him; its inescapable. 'Half Paradise Piece had been torn up as if by bomb bursts; the children played about the steep slope of rubble; a piece of fireplace showed houses had once been there, and a municipal notice announced new flats on a post stuck in the torn gravel and asphlat facing the little dingy damaged row, all that was left of Paradise Piece.' By starting and ending the sentence with 'Paradise Piece' it emphasis the idea that his past is following him. The words 'torn, damaged, bursts, rubble' all fall into the semantic field of damage and destruction which leads to the idea of emptiness, which is further emphasized by reference to the fireplace. 'a piece of fireplace' This quote shows that due to there being a piece, shows there has been a loss, which mirrors Pinkie's loss of innocence and childhood, also fireplaces connote warmth, family, comfort and are found in the centre of the home and the fact it's been completely blown to pieces reinforces Pinkie's childhood being traumatic. Introducing 'Paradise Piece' also brings up the question of how are Rose and Pinkie so different, when they've come from the same hell? This links to the idea that Pinkie holds, of everything being pre determined, as earlier in the book he say's 'Perhaps when they christened me, the holy water didn't take. I never howled the devil out' This makes the reader question to what extent can we blame Pinkie, if he was born this way, and because of this can he be punished? Another reason Greene may have chosen to introduce it, is it shows the contrast between Ida's life and Pinkie and Rose's, she is very middle class, and wouldn't understand such extreme poverty, especially at this point in the book as she has just won a large amount of money. Eleanor Lambert
Greene shows the reader paradise place to present to them the origins of Pinkie and Rose. He shows the extreme poverty that they have emerged from through the description of the location itself and the people still living there. ‘But there wasn’t really much choice of direction: there was only one door and a staircase matted with old newspapers…He opened the door and there beside the black kitchen stove with cold dead charcoal on the floor sat the parents. They had a mood on: they watched him with silent and haughty indifference’ the description of the singular entrance into the house highlights the seemingly inescapable cycle of poverty and how there is only one route through it. This portrays Pinkie as an exception to the ‘rules’ as he has managed to escape the recurring cycle and make something of himself in the criminal world. Throughout this whole quote a semantic field of death and darkness is presented through words such as: ‘black’, ‘cold’, ‘dead’ and ‘silent’ this reflects the depressing life that extreme poverty brings people to. Within this there is also irony as the words ‘black’ and ‘cold’ are being used to describe the ‘stove’ which is meant to be warm and comforting but is in fact presented as the opposite. This highlights to the reader how even the most basic of things can be lost to poverty. This entire description of paradise place shows the reader that Pinkie knows hell all too well due to his shocking and depressing upbringing in such a dark and poverty stricken place. Jack Wright
Greene has shown the reader “Paradise Piece” to further develop the reader’s understanding of the character of Pinkie. The quote "They took his mind back and he hated them for it; it was like the dreadful appel of innocence, but there was not innocence; you had to go back a long way further before you got innocence; innocence was a slobbering mouth, a toothless gum pulling at the teats; perhaps not even that; innocence was the ugly cry of birth." This quote uses semi colons to slow the reading of the passage. This creates the effect of and symbolises the movement back through time. This allows for the reader to realise the depths of Pinkie's cynicism for mankind as he believes not even children innocent due to his traumatic experiences as a child. The fact he resents his childhood as can be seen from “They took his mind back and he hated them for it”. This serves to develop the reader’s interpretation of Pinkie and allows us to piece together why he is so cruel and damaged. This coupled with the negative description of Paradise Piece (featuring a semantic field of death and destruction) e.g. “Child’s coffin”, “rubble” and “battlements” reinforces the idea that Pinkie’s childhood was an extremely traumatic time. The first words of the chapter "he was scared" supports this idea. Pinkie is not easily intimidated yet this place strikes fear into him. To the reader this shows us straight away that this place has deep significance to Pinkie. The fact this quote is the first lines of the chapter shows the importance of this setting. This development of Pinkie’s origins relates to the theme of “nature vs nurture” suggesting Pinkie’s traumatic upbringing caused his current damaged stat. This further develops the reader’s understanding of Pinkie’s character.
One theory as to why Greene shows the reader 'Paradise Piece' is to reinforce the theme that runs throughout the novel that your outlook on good and evil and right and wrong is predisposed before or determined at the time of birth (this also ties in with the recurring theme of nature vs nurture that is equally prominent during the novel).The reason for this is because by showing the reader the extent of the poverty that both individuals originate from, Greene starts to persuades the reader to expel any thoughts they had of Pinkies' upbringing being the cause of his twisted psyche. The reason for this is because throughout the novel, vague references are made towards Pinkies upbringing, which are always negative, thus raising the opinion of the reader that Pinkie is from a deprived background and due to this, he has a negative view on society and other individuals, especially those better-off then he. However by giving the reader an insight into Pinkie and Roses childhood, Greene is presenting the reader with proof of the theory that individuals are born either good or evil and that the surroundings and manor in which they are raised, ultimately, does not make a difference to their overall outlook on life. It is made extremely clear by Greene that both Pinkie and Rose were raised in appalling conditions however Rose has grown up to be so innocent and meek compared to Pinkies inner hatred and arrogance that is portrayed by Greene during the novel. -Tom Brooks
Greene has shown the reader ‘Paradise Piece’ to expose Pinkie’s veiled, inescapable humanity. 'Half Paradise Piece had been torn up as if by bomb bursts; the children played about the steep slope of rubble; a piece of fireplace showed houses had once been there, and a municipal notice announced new flats on a post stuck in the torn gravel and asphalt facing the little dingy damaged row, all that was left of Paradise Piece.' Pinkie’s inhumane persona has been derived from his impoverished and neglected upbringing, warping his mindset into the twisted state it is revealed to be in ‘Brighton Rock’, this encourages the theme that the way you are nurtured forms you into who you are. This is the hell that Pinkie talks of throughout the novel, displaying how Pinkie is vulnerable to his hell that is not so distant from what may be assumed. This vulnerability and flood of emotion that Pinkie experiences when visiting Paradise Peace is emblematic of how he has some sense of humanity by revealing his fears to the reader, his dark guard that’s been put up since the beginning of ‘Brighton Rock’ is gradually coming down due to the memories that scarred him from his childhood. The semantic field of destruction is heavily enforced in this quotation; ‘torn’, ‘bursts’, ‘damaged’ etc. It is symbolic of how the foundations that Pinkie was brought up upon are the very ones that formed him into the vicious destructive character he is in the present. ‘Paradise Peace’ is mentioned at both the beginning and end of the quote, signifying that Pinkie is unable to escape his hell, making him vulnerable to his surroundings. This sense of fear and flashback that is symbolized throughout the quotation restores Pinkie’s humanity to an extent; he shares the common emotion of fear with the other characters in the book. Pinkie’s character is a figure of hell; he is a walking hell.
Graham Greene does often associate a development within the novel, Brighton Rock, with that of the childhood, and upbringing of the particular character. Presenting the locality of Paradise Peace does provide a greater contextual knowledge, and understanding of the character. “Half Paradise Peace had been torn up as if by bomb bursts; the children played about the steep slope of rubble; a piece of fireplace showed houses had once been there, and a municipal notice announced new flats on a post struck in the torn gravel and asphalt facing the little dingy damaged row, all that was left of Paradise Peace”. The narrative voice does provide an impartiality; an omniscient perspective does disregard any subjectivity, and this does enable a reader to formulate, and specify systematically a perception, and, so, a response toward a character. This quotation does fixate upon the character of The Boy, Pinkie. ‘Paradise Peace’ is the initial, and closing phrase of the quotation, and, so, does encapsulate Pinkie. A conclusion can be determined, as a reader can comprehend, and sympathise with the detrimental character, as such impoverishment may excuse the behaviours of the character. The phrasing, ‘the children played about the steep slope of rubble’, does connote of innocence, and naiveté, and the familiarity of such, it does, too, emphasise the inability of ‘the children’ to eradicate the impression, and influence of Paradise Peace upon adolescence, as Pinkie is referenced as ‘The Boy’. A ‘fireplace’ signifies affection, and gratification, and this quotation implies a loss of such. The development of Paradise Peace is associative with the theme ‘nature against nurture’, again, describing its significance, that the character of Pinkie does behave in such a nature, as consequence of the upbringing. - Ben Spicer
At the beginning of part 5 chapter 3 Greene introduces the reader to "paradise Piece". "Paradise Piece" shows the extreme poverty and hardship that Pinkie and Rose came from. "half Paradise Piece had been torn up as if by bomb bursts; the children played about the steep slope of rubble" By starting the quote with the words "paradise piece" Greene builds a positive, heaven like image of the place Pinkie and Rose grew up in only to contrast this idea with the semantic field of damage and destruction with the words "torn", "bomb", "rubble". These words give off a different image of Pinkie and Rose's home, one closer to that of hell rather than the heaven like place the reader was lead to believe. The contrast between the two emphasizes the way in which Pinkie and Rose may be living in a "hell" giving connotations of religion. Heaven versus hell is a common belief of both characters so the quote emphasizes their beliefs further allowing the reader to comprehend the situation Pinkie and Rose are stuck in, trying to escape to a true paradise. - Matt G
Greene has shown the reader ‘Paradise Piece’ in order to develop their understanding of the characters and what has shaped their personalities and outlook on life. The reader is immediately introduced to ‘Paradise Piece’ through Pinkie’s eyes as the narrator explains “He was scared, walking back alone towards the territory he had left – oh, years ago”. The idea that despite his power and authority within his mob and in Brighton’s underworld, Pinkie is still anxious, cautious and fearful to visit somewhere where he grew up as a child (usually a place associated with security and comfort), suggesting the hostility and danger of ‘Paradise Piece’ in which he had to grow up in. Greene has decided to show this treacherous environment to the reader within the first sentence of part 5 chapter 3 to immediately show the impact this sort of neighbourhood may have on someone, furthermore developing the reader’s understanding of why Pinkie is the dark and evil character he has become. Pinkie then goes on to describe ‘Paradise Piece’ as his “territory”, implying Pinkie’s militarily and competitive state of mind yet also making the reader question Pinkie’s earlier comments about his fear of something he runs or owns (his own “territory”), leading them again to the conclusion that Pinkie’s personality is shaped due to the hostile nature of ‘Paradise Piece’. The idea of an estate he lived on being his “territory” suggests to the reader the poverty of ‘Paradise Piece’ as this is one of few things he can claim he can own. The use of the dash enables the sentence to be split up into two illustrating the gap between childhood and adulthood when growing up in ‘Paradise Piece’ with the “years ago” he was living there on the other side of the dash representing his small, incomplete childhood. The is reiterated in the quote “oh, years ago”, conveying that despite only being seventeen, he is unable to remember how many years ago he lived there, suggesting he has blocked that memory of his childhood out due to how negative it was. Yet, ironically ‘Paradise Piece’ is the biggest factor in why he is like he is. Overall, the poverty and setting of conflict in ‘Paradise Piece’ are immediately shown to the reader so that they are able to develop their understanding of why Pinkie is shaped into such a dark and emotionless character.
Greene has shown the reader “Paradise Piece” in order to develop our understanding of Pinkie. This is evident in the quote “he was scared, walking alone back towards the territory he had left – oh years ago”. The way that he felt “scared” is significant as it implies that he had bad experiences while living there and despite his time with the mob still feels the fear that he felt all those years ago. Also the use of the word “territory” demonstrates how being with the mob has changed how he views places as he immediately associates it with belonging to someone whereas most people wouldn’t think that it did, showing that during his time in the mob his perception of things has changed to a more possessive idea however it is usually used in the military which may indicate that there is a gang war going on which has resulted in him fearing to return to the place that he grew up in. This is ironic as “paradise” is a religious word that links to the Garden of Eden and heaven so to describe it as a territory shows how for the people living there it has changed to something that resembles more of a hell, “half Paradise Piece had been torn up as if by bomb burst”. The use of the phrase “oh years ago” shows how long ago he was last there and demonstrates how he struggles to remember this time despite knowing that he lived there implying that he feels it was almost a lifetime ago despite him being only 17. As it is the first sentence of Part 5 Chapter 3 it creates the impression that something is wrong in the area as Pinkie normally rejects emotions and for him to feel “scared” just by walking back here implies that there may be something hidden that is strong enough to overcome his natural confidence that he feels even after killing Hale. Greene may have done this to demonstrate where Pinkies disturbed psyche has come from as he lived in paradise however he immediately associates it with something to be feared and is one of the few things that can cause him to feel an emotion which symbolises why he has become so disturbed.
Greene has chosen to show the reader 'Paradise Piece' in the novel 'Brighton Rock,' to emphasise the contrasts between the "glittering air" and "silver paint" of the Brighton that we are first introduced to. The harsh contrasts between the settings implies to the reader that the Brighton everyone see's is just a façade and emphasises the poverty stricken city behind it. Greene uses this to highlight how Pinkie relates to this, Paradise Piece being shown to exaggerate how like the broken city, Pinkie too is damaged, "...children played about the steep slope of rubble...a piece of fireplace...all that was left of Paradise Piece." The phrase 'steep slope' connotes how from pinkie's childhood it only got worse, Pinkie's life being a continuous struggle, his own life had been ruined like the ruins the children 'played' in. The 'piece' of fireplace which usually infers warmth, comfort and security, alluding to a sense of loss for all of these things. The lack of a home and stability that Pinkie is walking through almost suggests a show of his life, the void that Pinkie can't escape. The authorial intention being by placing this in the middle of part 5, to highlight to the reader how Pinkie has no escape and no other options in his current situation. The harsh portrayal of Pinkie's background in the middle of a part of the book which the readers were only acquiring knowledge about what was about to happen, tells us that this is to remind the reader of who Pinkie really is. Foreshadowing how if Pinkie's life is 'steep slope' then what is about to come can only be worse. This relates to the theme of appearance versus reality as throughout the previous parts of the book, pinkie is not truly shown in such a poor way. The wreckage of his past infers a vulnerability of Pinkie implying that his outside perspective is not in relation to his inner innocence that is depicted through his past. Therefore, Greene has used Paradise Piece to show a conscious and emotional side to Pinkie which effects the reader by providing them with an inner perspective of the character.
Greene has chosen to show the reader "Paradise Peace" in the book to help develop our understanding of Rose and Pinkie, and their childhood and place they were raised. Both Pinkie and Rose were raised and spent there entire 'childhood' at Paradise Peace. The irony of such a terrible place, filled with squaller and very poverty ridden being called Paradise Peace, helps to show expectation vs reality. This also links with Pinkie and Rose's relationship as Rose is very naive and believes that Pinkie is what he says he is and presents himself as, she believes that he truly cares for her, and she is too innocent to look beyond this act and realise his true inherent evil and dark nature. Aswell as this Greene presents the reader with "Paradise Peace" to show the key theme of nature vs nuture. This is as both Pinkie and Rose are from the same place and grew up in the same area, yet despite the desperate squaller and extreme poverty Rose has turned out very differently from Pinkie. This is as she is very sweet and innocent, whereas Pinkie is very violent and inherently evil, following the theme of nature vs nuture and to show how people are born evil, as Pinkie explains in the book.
Greene shows us Paradise Piece, specifically in the middle of the book (Part 5: chapter 3), to allow readers to discover more about the origin of Pinkie, especially in comparison to Rose, and her origin. "Half Paradise Piece had been torn up..." The name of the location "Paradise Piece" is somewhat of an oxymoron if the two words are taken separately, Paradise would imply nurture and loving when in the context of growing up, whereas piece suggests that the majority of something is no longer there, it could be implied that what is missing is Pinkie's childhood. "But there wasn't really much choice in direction: there was only one door and a staircase matted with old newspapers." This could be a metaphor for Pinkie's views on nature vs nurture, and his opinion that you are born evil, nothing can change that and this is shown in the fact that Rose originates from a similar, although not the same, place to Pinkie, and yet has turned out to be his opposite. The use of a colon to break up the previous quote could be to split up the option and result of the metaphor, for him there was only ever one choice, the only variable factor was the time it could take for him to 'reach the door' metaphorically showing 'discovering his evil'. Greene's intention with this section was to tempt the readers to consider nature vs nurture and the outcome of the different theories, based on the evidence given of Rose/Pinkies' origins and their resulting characteristics.
During part 5, chapter 1, Graham Greene presents to us the derelict location of 'Paradise Piece. Greene does this in order to present possible reasoning for Pinkie's actions in Brighton Rock due to his upbringing. Developing the readers understanding of his personality as well as his warped outlook on life. One description of Paradise Piece can be seene through the quotaation “Half Paradise Peace had been torn up as if by bomb bursts; the children played about the steep slope of rubble; a piece of fireplace showed houses had once been there, and a municipal notice announced new flats on a post struck in the torn gravel and asphalt facing the little dingy damaged row, all that was left of Paradise Peace”. Withon this quote there is a semantic feild of devastation and destruction which can be seen through the words 'torn' and 'burst'. Growing up in a destructive place like this could have a profound effect on action later in life due to the destruction being seemingly normal to the character or Pinkie. As this quote both begins, and ends with 'Paradise piece' it gives the reader a sense of the inescapabilty of his childhood, hinting towards the fact that Pinkie is trapped within the dynamics of Paradise Piece. The line 'a piece of fireplace' connotes it as a wamr and comforting place, however the contrast to this is where the word piece implies there is not much left of it, and that the majority has gone missing or been destroyed.
Greene presents Paradise Piece to the reader to show the conditions that Pinkie and Rose were brought up in. This has been done to further develop the readers understanding of the charecters and give context to their backgrounds. Greene's presentation of Paradise Piece being "torn up as if by bomb bursts; the children played about the steep slope of rubble; a piece of fireplace showed houses had once been there, and a municipal notice announced new flats on a post struck in the torn gravel and asphalt facing the little dingy damaged row" shows that the environment Pinkie and Rose were brought up in was incredibly delicate and fragile and likely led to the both of them having the distorted or lacking perceptions of the world that they hold. This is significant because it allows the reader to sympathise with Pinkie to an extent as they are now aware that he is likely not responsible for his personality. Greene presenting this aspect to the reader at this point in the novel is interesting because it changes the audiences attitudes yet again. This is something that has happened numerous times in the novel as Greene often reveals more information about a charecter before they can develop a full, solid understanding of them. - Dylan Peters
Greene shows the reader 'Paradise Piece' as it shows another side to Pinkie, and suggests that it's hard to come out a place of such extreme poverty in a sane way, it also suggests Pinkie cannot get away from his past, and his upbringing follows him; its inescapable. 'Half Paradise Piece had been torn up as if by bomb bursts; the children played about the steep slope of rubble; a piece of fireplace showed houses had once been there, and a municipal notice announced new flats on a post stuck in the torn gravel and asphlat facing the little dingy damaged row, all that was left of Paradise Piece.' By starting and ending the sentence with 'Paradise Piece' it emphasis the idea that his past is following him. The words 'torn, damaged, bursts, rubble' all fall into the semantic field of damage and destruction which leads to the idea of emptiness, which is further emphasized by reference to the fireplace. 'a piece of fireplace' This quote shows that due to there being a piece, shows there has been a loss, which mirrors Pinkie's loss of innocence and childhood, also fireplaces connote warmth, family, comfort and are found in the centre of the home and the fact it's been completely blown to pieces reinforces Pinkie's childhood being traumatic. Introducing 'Paradise Piece' also brings up the question of how are Rose and Pinkie so different, when they've come from the same hell? This links to the idea that Pinkie holds, of everything being pre determined, as earlier in the book he say's 'Perhaps when they christened me, the holy water didn't take. I never howled the devil out' This makes the reader question to what extent can we blame Pinkie, if he was born this way, and because of this can he be punished? Another reason Greene may have chosen to introduce it, is it shows the contrast between Ida's life and Pinkie and Rose's, she is very middle class, and wouldn't understand such extreme poverty, especially at this point in the book as she has just won a large amount of money.
ReplyDeleteEleanor Lambert
Greene shows the reader paradise place to present to them the origins of Pinkie and Rose. He shows the extreme poverty that they have emerged from through the description of the location itself and the people still living there. ‘But there wasn’t really much choice of direction: there was only one door and a staircase matted with old newspapers…He opened the door and there beside the black kitchen stove with cold dead charcoal on the floor sat the parents. They had a mood on: they watched him with silent and haughty indifference’ the description of the singular entrance into the house highlights the seemingly inescapable cycle of poverty and how there is only one route through it. This portrays Pinkie as an exception to the ‘rules’ as he has managed to escape the recurring cycle and make something of himself in the criminal world. Throughout this whole quote a semantic field of death and darkness is presented through words such as: ‘black’, ‘cold’, ‘dead’ and ‘silent’ this reflects the depressing life that extreme poverty brings people to. Within this there is also irony as the words ‘black’ and ‘cold’ are being used to describe the ‘stove’ which is meant to be warm and comforting but is in fact presented as the opposite. This highlights to the reader how even the most basic of things can be lost to poverty. This entire description of paradise place shows the reader that Pinkie knows hell all too well due to his shocking and depressing upbringing in such a dark and poverty stricken place.
ReplyDeleteJack Wright
Greene has shown the reader “Paradise Piece” to further develop the reader’s understanding of the character of Pinkie. The quote "They took his mind back and he hated them for it; it was like the dreadful appel of innocence, but there was not innocence; you had to go back a long way further before you got innocence; innocence was a slobbering mouth, a toothless gum pulling at the teats; perhaps not even that; innocence was the ugly cry of birth." This quote uses semi colons to slow the reading of the passage. This creates the effect of and symbolises the movement back through time. This allows for the reader to realise the depths of Pinkie's cynicism for mankind as he believes not even children innocent due to his traumatic experiences as a child. The fact he resents his childhood as can be seen from “They took his mind back and he hated them for it”. This serves to develop the reader’s interpretation of Pinkie and allows us to piece together why he is so cruel and damaged. This coupled with the negative description of Paradise Piece (featuring a semantic field of death and destruction) e.g. “Child’s coffin”, “rubble” and “battlements” reinforces the idea that Pinkie’s childhood was an extremely traumatic time. The first words of the chapter "he was scared" supports this idea. Pinkie is not easily intimidated yet this place strikes fear into him. To the reader this shows us straight away that this place has deep significance to Pinkie. The fact this quote is the first lines of the chapter shows the importance of this setting. This development of Pinkie’s origins relates to the theme of “nature vs nurture” suggesting Pinkie’s traumatic upbringing caused his current damaged stat. This further develops the reader’s understanding of Pinkie’s character.
ReplyDeleteOne theory as to why Greene shows the reader 'Paradise Piece' is to reinforce the theme that runs throughout the novel that your outlook on good and evil and right and wrong is predisposed before or determined at the time of birth (this also ties in with the recurring theme of nature vs nurture that is equally prominent during the novel).The reason for this is because by showing the reader the extent of the poverty that both individuals originate from, Greene starts to persuades the reader to expel any thoughts they had of Pinkies' upbringing being the cause of his twisted psyche. The reason for this is because throughout the novel, vague references are made towards Pinkies upbringing, which are always negative, thus raising the opinion of the reader that Pinkie is from a deprived background and due to this, he has a negative view on society and other individuals, especially those better-off then he. However by giving the reader an insight into Pinkie and Roses childhood, Greene is presenting the reader with proof of the theory that individuals are born either good or evil and that the surroundings and manor in which they are raised, ultimately, does not make a difference to their overall outlook on life. It is made extremely clear by Greene that both Pinkie and Rose were raised in appalling conditions however Rose has grown up to be so innocent and meek compared to Pinkies inner hatred and arrogance that is portrayed by Greene during the novel. -Tom Brooks
ReplyDeleteGreene has shown the reader ‘Paradise Piece’ to expose Pinkie’s veiled, inescapable humanity. 'Half Paradise Piece had been torn up as if by bomb bursts; the children played about the steep slope of rubble; a piece of fireplace showed houses had once been there, and a municipal notice announced new flats on a post stuck in the torn gravel and asphalt facing the little dingy damaged row, all that was left of Paradise Piece.' Pinkie’s inhumane persona has been derived from his impoverished and neglected upbringing, warping his mindset into the twisted state it is revealed to be in ‘Brighton Rock’, this encourages the theme that the way you are nurtured forms you into who you are. This is the hell that Pinkie talks of throughout the novel, displaying how Pinkie is vulnerable to his hell that is not so distant from what may be assumed. This vulnerability and flood of emotion that Pinkie experiences when visiting Paradise Peace is emblematic of how he has some sense of humanity by revealing his fears to the reader, his dark guard that’s been put up since the beginning of ‘Brighton Rock’ is gradually coming down due to the memories that scarred him from his childhood. The semantic field of destruction is heavily enforced in this quotation; ‘torn’, ‘bursts’, ‘damaged’ etc. It is symbolic of how the foundations that Pinkie was brought up upon are the very ones that formed him into the vicious destructive character he is in the present. ‘Paradise Peace’ is mentioned at both the beginning and end of the quote, signifying that Pinkie is unable to escape his hell, making him vulnerable to his surroundings. This sense of fear and flashback that is symbolized throughout the quotation restores Pinkie’s humanity to an extent; he shares the common emotion of fear with the other characters in the book. Pinkie’s character is a figure of hell; he is a walking hell.
ReplyDeleteGraham Greene does often associate a development within the novel, Brighton Rock, with that of the childhood, and upbringing of the particular character. Presenting the locality of Paradise Peace does provide a greater contextual knowledge, and understanding of the character. “Half Paradise Peace had been torn up as if by bomb bursts; the children played about the steep slope of rubble; a piece of fireplace showed houses had once been there, and a municipal notice announced new flats on a post struck in the torn gravel and asphalt facing the little dingy damaged row, all that was left of Paradise Peace”. The narrative voice does provide an impartiality; an omniscient perspective does disregard any subjectivity, and this does enable a reader to formulate, and specify systematically a perception, and, so, a response toward a character. This quotation does fixate upon the character of The Boy, Pinkie. ‘Paradise Peace’ is the initial, and closing phrase of the quotation, and, so, does encapsulate Pinkie. A conclusion can be determined, as a reader can comprehend, and sympathise with the detrimental character, as such impoverishment may excuse the behaviours of the character. The phrasing, ‘the children played about the steep slope of rubble’, does connote of innocence, and naiveté, and the familiarity of such, it does, too, emphasise the inability of ‘the children’ to eradicate the impression, and influence of Paradise Peace upon adolescence, as Pinkie is referenced as ‘The Boy’. A ‘fireplace’ signifies affection, and gratification, and this quotation implies a loss of such. The development of Paradise Peace is associative with the theme ‘nature against nurture’, again, describing its significance, that the character of Pinkie does behave in such a nature, as consequence of the upbringing. - Ben Spicer
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of part 5 chapter 3 Greene introduces the reader to "paradise Piece". "Paradise Piece" shows the extreme poverty and hardship that Pinkie and Rose came from. "half Paradise Piece had been torn up as if by bomb bursts; the children played about the steep slope of rubble" By starting the quote with the words "paradise piece" Greene builds a positive, heaven like image of the place Pinkie and Rose grew up in only to contrast this idea with the semantic field of damage and destruction with the words "torn", "bomb", "rubble". These words give off a different image of Pinkie and Rose's home, one closer to that of hell rather than the heaven like place the reader was lead to believe. The contrast between the two emphasizes the way in which Pinkie and Rose may be living in a "hell" giving connotations of religion. Heaven versus hell is a common belief of both characters so the quote emphasizes their beliefs further allowing the reader to comprehend the situation Pinkie and Rose are stuck in, trying to escape to a true paradise. - Matt G
ReplyDeleteGreene has shown the reader ‘Paradise Piece’ in order to develop their understanding of the characters and what has shaped their personalities and outlook on life. The reader is immediately introduced to ‘Paradise Piece’ through Pinkie’s eyes as the narrator explains “He was scared, walking back alone towards the territory he had left – oh, years ago”. The idea that despite his power and authority within his mob and in Brighton’s underworld, Pinkie is still anxious, cautious and fearful to visit somewhere where he grew up as a child (usually a place associated with security and comfort), suggesting the hostility and danger of ‘Paradise Piece’ in which he had to grow up in. Greene has decided to show this treacherous environment to the reader within the first sentence of part 5 chapter 3 to immediately show the impact this sort of neighbourhood may have on someone, furthermore developing the reader’s understanding of why Pinkie is the dark and evil character he has become. Pinkie then goes on to describe ‘Paradise Piece’ as his “territory”, implying Pinkie’s militarily and competitive state of mind yet also making the reader question Pinkie’s earlier comments about his fear of something he runs or owns (his own “territory”), leading them again to the conclusion that Pinkie’s personality is shaped due to the hostile nature of ‘Paradise Piece’. The idea of an estate he lived on being his “territory” suggests to the reader the poverty of ‘Paradise Piece’ as this is one of few things he can claim he can own. The use of the dash enables the sentence to be split up into two illustrating the gap between childhood and adulthood when growing up in ‘Paradise Piece’ with the “years ago” he was living there on the other side of the dash representing his small, incomplete childhood. The is reiterated in the quote “oh, years ago”, conveying that despite only being seventeen, he is unable to remember how many years ago he lived there, suggesting he has blocked that memory of his childhood out due to how negative it was. Yet, ironically ‘Paradise Piece’ is the biggest factor in why he is like he is. Overall, the poverty and setting of conflict in ‘Paradise Piece’ are immediately shown to the reader so that they are able to develop their understanding of why Pinkie is shaped into such a dark and emotionless character.
ReplyDeleteGreene has shown the reader “Paradise Piece” in order to develop our understanding of Pinkie. This is evident in the quote “he was scared, walking alone back towards the territory he had left – oh years ago”. The way that he felt “scared” is significant as it implies that he had bad experiences while living there and despite his time with the mob still feels the fear that he felt all those years ago. Also the use of the word “territory” demonstrates how being with the mob has changed how he views places as he immediately associates it with belonging to someone whereas most people wouldn’t think that it did, showing that during his time in the mob his perception of things has changed to a more possessive idea however it is usually used in the military which may indicate that there is a gang war going on which has resulted in him fearing to return to the place that he grew up in. This is ironic as “paradise” is a religious word that links to the Garden of Eden and heaven so to describe it as a territory shows how for the people living there it has changed to something that resembles more of a hell, “half Paradise Piece had been torn up as if by bomb burst”. The use of the phrase “oh years ago” shows how long ago he was last there and demonstrates how he struggles to remember this time despite knowing that he lived there implying that he feels it was almost a lifetime ago despite him being only 17. As it is the first sentence of Part 5 Chapter 3 it creates the impression that something is wrong in the area as Pinkie normally rejects emotions and for him to feel “scared” just by walking back here implies that there may be something hidden that is strong enough to overcome his natural confidence that he feels even after killing Hale. Greene may have done this to demonstrate where Pinkies disturbed psyche has come from as he lived in paradise however he immediately associates it with something to be feared and is one of the few things that can cause him to feel an emotion which symbolises why he has become so disturbed.
ReplyDeleteGreene has chosen to show the reader 'Paradise Piece' in the novel 'Brighton Rock,' to emphasise the contrasts between the "glittering air" and "silver paint" of the Brighton that we are first introduced to. The harsh contrasts between the settings implies to the reader that the Brighton everyone see's is just a façade and emphasises the poverty stricken city behind it. Greene uses this to highlight how Pinkie relates to this, Paradise Piece being shown to exaggerate how like the broken city, Pinkie too is damaged, "...children played about the steep slope of rubble...a piece of fireplace...all that was left of Paradise Piece." The phrase 'steep slope' connotes how from pinkie's childhood it only got worse, Pinkie's life being a continuous struggle, his own life had been ruined like the ruins the children 'played' in. The 'piece' of fireplace which usually infers warmth, comfort and security, alluding to a sense of loss for all of these things. The lack of a home and stability that Pinkie is walking through almost suggests a show of his life, the void that Pinkie can't escape. The authorial intention being by placing this in the middle of part 5, to highlight to the reader how Pinkie has no escape and no other options in his current situation. The harsh portrayal of Pinkie's background in the middle of a part of the book which the readers were only acquiring knowledge about what was about to happen, tells us that this is to remind the reader of who Pinkie really is. Foreshadowing how if Pinkie's life is 'steep slope' then what is about to come can only be worse. This relates to the theme of appearance versus reality as throughout the previous parts of the book, pinkie is not truly shown in such a poor way. The wreckage of his past infers a vulnerability of Pinkie implying that his outside perspective is not in relation to his inner innocence that is depicted through his past. Therefore, Greene has used Paradise Piece to show a conscious and emotional side to Pinkie which effects the reader by providing them with an inner perspective of the character.
ReplyDeleteGreene has chosen to show the reader "Paradise Peace" in the book to help develop our understanding of Rose and Pinkie, and their childhood and place they were raised. Both Pinkie and Rose were raised and spent there entire 'childhood' at Paradise Peace. The irony of such a terrible place, filled with squaller and very poverty ridden being called Paradise Peace, helps to show expectation vs reality. This also links with Pinkie and Rose's relationship as Rose is very naive and believes that Pinkie is what he says he is and presents himself as, she believes that he truly cares for her, and she is too innocent to look beyond this act and realise his true inherent evil and dark nature. Aswell as this Greene presents the reader with "Paradise Peace" to show the key theme of nature vs nuture. This is as both Pinkie and Rose are from the same place and grew up in the same area, yet despite the desperate squaller and extreme poverty Rose has turned out very differently from Pinkie. This is as she is very sweet and innocent, whereas Pinkie is very violent and inherently evil, following the theme of nature vs nuture and to show how people are born evil, as Pinkie explains in the book.
ReplyDeleteGreene shows us Paradise Piece, specifically in the middle of the book (Part 5: chapter 3), to allow readers to discover more about the origin of Pinkie, especially in comparison to Rose, and her origin. "Half Paradise Piece had been torn up..." The name of the location "Paradise Piece" is somewhat of an oxymoron if the two words are taken separately, Paradise would imply nurture and loving when in the context of growing up, whereas piece suggests that the majority of something is no longer there, it could be implied that what is missing is Pinkie's childhood. "But there wasn't really much choice in direction: there was only one door and a staircase matted with old newspapers." This could be a metaphor for Pinkie's views on nature vs nurture, and his opinion that you are born evil, nothing can change that and this is shown in the fact that Rose originates from a similar, although not the same, place to Pinkie, and yet has turned out to be his opposite. The use of a colon to break up the previous quote could be to split up the option and result of the metaphor, for him there was only ever one choice, the only variable factor was the time it could take for him to 'reach the door' metaphorically showing 'discovering his evil'. Greene's intention with this section was to tempt the readers to consider nature vs nurture and the outcome of the different theories, based on the evidence given of Rose/Pinkies' origins and their resulting characteristics.
ReplyDeleteThis was by Ed Hobson, forgot to put my name at the end.
DeleteDuring part 5, chapter 1, Graham Greene presents to us the derelict location of 'Paradise Piece. Greene does this in order to present possible reasoning for Pinkie's actions in Brighton Rock due to his upbringing. Developing the readers understanding of his personality as well as his warped outlook on life. One description of Paradise Piece can be seene through the quotaation “Half Paradise Peace had been torn up as if by bomb bursts; the children played about the steep slope of rubble; a piece of fireplace showed houses had once been there, and a municipal notice announced new flats on a post struck in the torn gravel and asphalt facing the little dingy damaged row, all that was left of Paradise Peace”. Withon this quote there is a semantic feild of devastation and destruction which can be seen through the words 'torn' and 'burst'. Growing up in a destructive place like this could have a profound effect on action later in life due to the destruction being seemingly normal to the character or Pinkie. As this quote both begins, and ends with 'Paradise piece' it gives the reader a sense of the inescapabilty of his childhood, hinting towards the fact that Pinkie is trapped within the dynamics of Paradise Piece. The line 'a piece of fireplace' connotes it as a wamr and comforting place, however the contrast to this is where the word piece implies there is not much left of it, and that the majority has gone missing or been destroyed.
ReplyDeleteAlfie Narborough
DeleteGreene presents Paradise Piece to the reader to show the conditions that Pinkie and Rose were brought up in. This has been done to further develop the readers understanding of the charecters and give context to their backgrounds. Greene's presentation of Paradise Piece being "torn up as if by bomb bursts; the children played about the steep slope of rubble; a piece of fireplace showed houses had once been there, and a municipal notice announced new flats on a post struck in the torn gravel and asphalt facing the little dingy damaged row" shows that the environment Pinkie and Rose were brought up in was incredibly delicate and fragile and likely led to the both of them having the distorted or lacking perceptions of the world that they hold. This is significant because it allows the reader to sympathise with Pinkie to an extent as they are now aware that he is likely not responsible for his personality. Greene presenting this aspect to the reader at this point in the novel is interesting because it changes the audiences attitudes yet again. This is something that has happened numerous times in the novel as Greene often reveals more information about a charecter before they can develop a full, solid understanding of them. - Dylan Peters
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