Greene and Burgess create conflict within the characters of 'Brighton Rock' and 'A Clockwork Orange' to highlight their separation from/in society. Respond to this statement - commenting on language, structure and form. 

-Amy, Tasha and Georgie

'A searching after truth is one of the most fundamental aspects of the story'. 
Post your analytical response here:

"Alex and Pinkie are both the same, evil innately and have been this way since birth."

Discuss this statement.

 - Ed Hobson and Ben Gibson

Brighton Rock: what does it mean to you?

In Blake's collection of poetry labelled Songs of Innocence and Experience, he juxtaposes the naive, ignorant state of childhood against a corrupt adult world. He looks at the same situations through both perspectives with dramatic eyes, exploring morality, religion and sexuality. Blake's own views can be said to be outside both of these realms, not quite satisfied with either. Whilst Blake does explore the concept of innocence in youth, Greene portrays a much grimmer picture in Brighton Rock that develops Blake's initial imagery. He states:

it was like the dreadful appeal 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.

Greene suggests that there is indeed no such a state as innocence; once you are brought into this world in an 'ugly cry', corruption becomes you. The simplicity of the descriptor 'ugly' exemplifies the candor with which Greene conveys this statement. When combined with words like 'dreadful', 'slobbering' and 'toothless' we are presented with a bleak outlook on the life to follow. Rather than celebrating an innocent birth, the imagery is reminiscent of old age and highlights the loss of control you have. This links to Pinkie's character in his oxymoronic quest for experience in the 'dreadful' Brighton underworld and want for eternal innocence in so far as his virginity and relationships with women. Even in a state of innocence, Greene portrays a useless and unappealing circumstance, later displayed through the frustratingly naive character of Rose whose inability to see through Pinkie's self-created projection of experience leads to her inevitable facing with 'the worst horror of all'.

Ultimately, Brighton Rock is a novel about corruption; it is a novel where the innocent become more ignorant - but this is only because they were never allowed to be innocent in all its glory. Do we learn from Pinkie and Rose's mistakes? Or are we tragically more alert to the dire state of innocence vs. experience, of uncontrollable corruption? Of the 'ugly cry of birth'?

What does 'Brighton Rock' mean to you? Use a key quotation to support your response.

The final countdown

Please post your response to your assigned statement here:

Rose is innocent; her actions are determined by Pinkie.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Use evidence from the text to support your ideas.

Why has Greene decided to present the marriage and aftermath in such a way? Discuss, and use quotations to support your ideas. 

Why has Greene chosen to show the reader ‘paradise piece’?

Explore the significance of structure in Part 4

Brighton Rock is made up of parallels. To what extent is this comment true?

Explore this statement through exploration of one or more of the following themes:

- Vulnerability

- Religion

- Betrayal

- Innocence versus experience

- Relationships

A02 paragraph

Type your A02 (analysis of language, structure and form) paragraph below.

Symbolism in 'Brighton Rock'

It is Greene’s presentation of the setting that is most significant in the opening of Brighton Rock. Type your improved response below please.

The theme of Nature vs. Nurture 
The way you are nurtured as a child is no excuse for your nature as an adult. Discuss this in light of Part 2, chapter 1 thinking about both Pinkie and Rose.

Who is Ida Arnold?

Ida Arnold is a vivacious, larger than life woman who becomes involved with Pinkie's affairs after the murder of Charles Hale. Comment below on how you think she can be interpreted.

Pinkie

Pinkie, or 'the boy' is one of the key characters in Brighton Rock. Discuss the presentation of him in Part 1, chapter 2 below.

The opening of Brighton Rock

The opening of Brighton Rock

Graham Greene's Brighton Rock begins by inviting the reader into a world of mystery, murder and suspense. Brighton is home to a host of holidaymakers 'determined' to enjoy themselves alongside the fearful Fred Hale, motherly Ida and angry Pinkie.

Greene presents his readers with an opening of contrasts. Discuss your response to this statement below as well as the views presented by your peers.