The fifth child - analysis of the opening scene
The first pages of the book are very important as they present the two protagonists and set the atmosphere.
Here we learn about the heroes’ first meeting, their physical description, what they have in common, their differences and social backgrounds.
From the very first lines, we understand that they are different from the other people, who represent the British society of the late 60s. (l.5-6)
The scene takes place at an office party
This extract can be divided into 6 parts:
- Aliens
- The others
- What they think of others
- Harriet’s physical description
- David’s physical description
- Foreshadowing
| |David |Harriet |
|Physical description |serious grey-blue eyes |blue eyes, soft but thoughtful |
| |contemplative gaze |lips rather too firmly closed |
| |slight young man |strong and good features |
| |a round candid face |curly dark hair |
| |soft brown hair |solidly built |
|Age |young |healthy young woman |
|Job |Architect |Graphic designer: works in the sales |
| | |department of a firm that designed and |
| |