The meta-fiction novel "Spies" is set in the 1940s and was written in 2002 by author Michael Frayn. It revolves around events and behaviors related to World War II. Frayn's family's financial situation deteriorated after the death of his mother; he experienced upper class and lower class lifestyles. Since the book was set during a war, an obvious theme in "Spies" was masculinity, men capable of fighting in war were seen as men; men who did not join the war felt emasculated and faced discrimination. The narration in this novel was indistinct and unreliable as it constantly shifted from a young and innocent 12-year-old Steven to an uncertain and disconcerted 70-year-old Stefan. The main antagonist of the novel Mr. Hayward is presented through Frayn's use of linguistic techniques, themes and dialogue. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Mr. Hayward's superiority is presented through Frayn's use of dialogue. Mr. Hayward often uses the phrase "old bean", although it is an expression of endearment or a term of endearment, it adds an unnecessarily creepy and terrifying touch to the term. His sarcastic use of polite language like "old bean" is condescending and shows dominance. Another example of Mr. Hayward's supremacy lies in his threats towards Keith, demonstrating their power contrast. Mr. Hayward accuses Keith of “taking other people’s things without permission – that’s theft.” You know it. To say you didn't do it when you did is to lie. Yes?" His use of declarative sentences gives off a threatening aura, no one dares to stand up to him or challenge his ridiculous accusations, indicating that they are all petrified of Mr. Hayward. The verb "steal" is a serious and punishable offense, Mr. Hayward hopes to intimidate Keith by threatening him. Frayn describes the harsh control Mr. Hayward exerts over Keith by accusing Keith of misbehavior. Frayn's use of dialogue depicts Mr. Hayward's disciplinarian nature, shown through his manipulation. from the imperative "Wash those things off your hands, dry them properly" addressed to Keith The quote suggests that Mr. Hayward has rules at home that Keith and Mrs. Hayward must follow. are obligatory whenever mistakes have been made. By using an imperative, Mr. Hayward expects fulfillment without objections or failure. They must obey his orders so that he can maintain his authority over the house. Mr. Hayward communicates in short sentences. He goes straight to the point and rarely addresses his interlocutor. It's because of the lack of respect he has for others; he sees himself as strong and in control, which is why others who are inferior to him do not deserve personal recognition. Even so, Mr. Hayward needs Keith and Mrs. Hayward because there would be no one to forcefully impose his rules on if they were gone. They are important to him: he wants to feel manly and the only way to do that is to oppress others and appear formidable and intimidating. Keith also had to “ask his father for permission to walk on the lawn or lay a railroad track on the paths.” This indicates that Keith is an obedient subordinate of Mr. Hayward, even something as infinitesimal as walking on the lawn requires his permission. This also shows Mr. Hayward's obsession with control: everything must be under his strict control. Incarnation of a tyrant and a tyrant for the.