Suspense in novels, short stories, and any kind of literature is something that isn’t quite so uncommon. Authors may use different literary devices and develop their own style to create this tension that adds fire to the story. Oftentimes, they will put the protagonist and antagonist at a light disagreement that foreshadows the later on bigger conflict. In Brat Farrar, a mystery novel by Josephine Tey, is an example of how suspense is built between characters. The story follows a boy named Brat Farrar as he attempts to pose as Patrick Ashby. The Ashby family is a wealthy family in England that lost their eldest son, Patrick, eight years prior seemingly due to suicide. When Brat poses as the eldest brother in hopes of procuring the fortune left to him in the family’s expansive estates, ugly truths and secrets rise to the surface. In chapters six through ten of the novel, the suspense is built carefully. Through tension, internal troubles, foreshadowing and disagreements between the characters, readers are left on an edge when reading this part, curious as to what might happen next.
Simon’s suspicions in the novel is a major point that contributes greatly to the suspense in the novel that is built in chapters six through 10. Though for a good reason, Simon has many suspicions regarding Brat. Too many, maybe. He thinks that Brat is simply a trickster who is trying to trick everybody, and when Aunt Bee breaks the news to him that “Patrick” is back, he refuses it flat-out without pausing to consider the possibility. "‘But Patrick can’t be alive,’ Simon said slowly. ‘I don’t believe it. I’ve been to his grave. It’s impossible.’" (Tey, Ch 9). In this instance, Aunt Bee was informing the children of “Patrick’s” return when Simon butted in, saying that the fact wasn’t an option, wasn’t something that could come true. His refusal to accept Aunt Bee’s claim caused an air of mystery and tension to settle around the family as it raised the question of whether Brat was really Patrick or not.”"I think it is horrid that someone can come and take Simon's place, without warning, like that," Jane said. "Simply horrid. And I don't wonder that Simon is angry."” (Tey, Ch 9). As shown, other family members are also affected by his outburst. Following his refusal, Jane, the twin girl, immediately changes her viewpoint to side with him, causing split perceptions in the family. This leads to tension and mistrust. His slow-burning investigation of the case also causes tension to spread as he is not the one raising late-night confrontations or a bloody fistfight. Instead, he moves quietly like a cat, prowling around and making it seem like an unseen threat is hanging over the family. Simon’s suspicions on Brat and his impersonation causes the whole family to be restless, creating suspense about the later confrontation.
Brat’s internal conflicts that he has to deal with are also a main reason for the suspense. Split between the knowledge that his entire existence at the Ashby’s is built on a lie and his natural criminal nature as well as his thirst for personal gain, Brat dwells on whether or not to come clean. It’s like there are two sides of him, one that is honest, carefree, and hardworking, and the other sly, cunning, and criminal. “They wouldn't bother to look for him. They would be too relieved to have him out of their hair. He could duck without leaving a ripple. "And leave a fortune behind?" said the voice. "Yes, and leave a fortune behind. Who wants a fortune, anyhow?"” (Tey, Ch 10). The “characters” speaking in this quote, apart from the narration, are actually Brat himself. He dwells on whether to leave before he becomes too entrenched or to stay and hope the entire plot plays out well for him and in his favor. He can follow his darker side and continue on, but his lighter side is also constantly whispering in his ear that he is not doing the right thing and should immediately get back on track. He wonders whether the horse, the fields, the money, and the wealth offered to him through Latchetts, the Ashby estate is worth it being a liar and a cheat. “"Money, and horses, and fun, and adventure are common change. You can have them anywhere in the world. But if you pass up Latchetts now you pass it up for good. There won't be any going back." "But what has Latchetts to do with me?"” (Tey, Ch 10). Through this, we see that though of good intentions, Brat may not have a strong enough willpower to bring himself away from the mess he created. This isn’t good, as he is only burying himself deeper in lies, and the weight will one day crush him. Brat struggles with his inner talk, and really ruminates over whether he is doing the right thing or not. The readers, not knowing Brat’s true intentions after he takes over the estates, have to settle for mystery. This creates tension throughout the plot line, because it is unclear where the direction is taking you. Brat questions his morals, and really questions his origins, what his standards are, and what he is willing to do to achieve a certain goal.
Brat isn’t only troubled by his internal conflicts, though. He is also targeted by none other than Simon Ashby. Simon distrusted him from the start, and never let it live past Brat. When Aunt Bee broke the news to everyone at the table, he reacted “violently” and denied Patrick’s existence. “"Yes. Something like that, I suppose. I suppose I had known quite well that his reaction would be—different from the others. And I just wanted to minimise the difference. I had never imagined for a moment, you see, that his reaction would be so violent. That he would go to the length of denying that Patrick was alive."” (Tey, Ch 10). Simon, though knowing the truth about Brat and Patrick, had to act like he was just really distrusting as to not reveal the lie that he put out. He reacts this way probably due to shock, and then goes on to persist that they should just drop Brat because he isn’t Patrick. As soon as he learns about this, he refutes it and then sets getting rid of Brat at the top of his to-do list in his head. The mistrust he causes among the other family members also end up contributing to the suspense that is built in these chapters. Brat, having to face his own internal troubles and the bulls eye that Simon put on his back is stuck under a lot of stress with little leeway to escape. The external conflict that Brat faces also adds suspense to the story because it is like a storm brewing on the horizon, you never know when it might hit and cause a disaster. But of course, it can also just go away.
The suspense developed in Brat Farrar is intricate and delicate. Through character relationships, internal conflicts and external conflicts, Josephine Tey crafts a novel that really builds tension in chapter 6 through 10. The characters at this time are known well, and we are able to see more of their inner personalities and how they react to different things. From Simon’s suspicions, we figure out that he is a distrusting man. Brat’s internal conflicts symbolize a youthful yet hardened soul, still wanting to be clean and honest but knowing that sometimes, crime helps. The external conflict of the tension between the family members and the open persecution of Simon to Brat is the classic example of suspense, as we never know who will strike first. Throughout Brat Farrar, the suspense is developed carefully, building up to a giant vat of mystery that will all be released at the climax.
Works Cited:
Tey, Josephine. Brat Farrar. Project Gutenberg Canada EBook. Brat Farrar, by Josephine Tey
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