CHAPTER 7 - redraft

Knowles builds up tension in this extract by using a variety of techniques which allows the audience to
feel empathy towards the characters in this scene. This scene starts with Brinker visiting Gene looking
like a “standard preparatory school article” as he is neatly presented with a necktie, suit and dark-brown
cordovan shoes. The description of his professional physical appearance symbolizes his serious and
almost hard personality. His appearance wields power, which signifies his charismatic and conformity
within him. Knowles utilizes this symbolism as a starting point to build up the uncomfortable atmosphere
between the two.

Furthermore, Brinker often speaks in a “lighthearted way” and jokes around. However, his sarcasm of
how Gene “knew all (this) time that Finny wouldn’t be back this fall” was way too close to the truth
making Gene act defensive by “quickly” pulling his chair. Brinker’s playful accusation foreshadows the
future event of Finny’s fall. Brinker is the first person to link the incident with Gene, his mature and hard
personality made him suspect Gene but in a joking manner. This triggers an awkward and cautious
reaction from Gene. Brinker teases him with a mischievous smile and builds the tension even more by
saying that “it (was) all your doing.” Gene responds spontaneously in a panic state of mind with “rapid
pointlessness.” His voice is “too strained even to (his) blood pounded ears” denying everything uneasily.
Knowles gradually increases the tension in the atmosphere by adding claims against Gene through
Brinker’s difficult attitude and personality.

Moreover, Knowles uses Brinker’s sly side to push Gene to the edge of his nerves. His “hand fell
leadenly on (Gene’s) shoulder.” This small gesture can signify threat towards Gene as Brinker’s hands
add weight on his shoulder making him feel pressured and cornered. This phrase also has a war reference
as his “hand fell leadenly,” is a symbolism for a dull, spiritless, fallen soldier. Additionally, Brinker adds
that in their “free democracy, even fighting for its life, the truth will out.” The continuous war reference
represents the internal fight between the characters which intensifies the mood in the atmosphere putting
both personas in a tight situation. Gene tries to break the suspense by asking Brinker to go down to the
Butt room.

Knowles uses an extended metaphor to symbolize the ‘butt room’ as a prison. The room is a “dungeon”,
and the smokers are “prisoners” as they are breaking the school rules, which can also represent them
‘breaking’ their innocence. The characters play along with the prison situation until Brinker charged Gene
with “fratricide” and “doing away his roommate.” Although Finny did not pass away yet, the murder
connotates to identity destruction as Finny’s main attribute is his athleticism. However, with a limping
leg, Finny is not whole anymore and a part of him has been ‘murdered’ and taken away. Gene goes with
the flow and took the accusation as a joke to shield himself from the truth. Brinker assures Gene that he
will have his “day in court” which once again foreshadows the trial that will occur and lead to the tragedy
of Finny’s death.

In conclusion, Knowles utilizes each character’s unique trait to gradually create tension in the
atmosphere. Brinker’s grim and strict personality is used to reveal the twisted truth against Gene. Brinker
exposes the truth in a lightheartedly; however, it was too close to the truth resulting in the increasing
friction between them. Lastly, Brinker guarantees Gene that they will meet again in “court” for trial as a
confirmation that he is certain that Gene is guilty.