AKFAK- Multiple Intelligences- Maths 5Y

All of the relationships in ‘A Kestrel For A Knave’ are very vague. This analysis of the relationships in the book aims to look closely at those between:

-Billy and his mother.

-Billy and his father.

-Billy and Jud.

-Billy and Kes.

-Billy and Mr. Gryce.

-Billy and Mr. Farthing.

-Billy and Mr. Sugden.

-Billy, Tibbut and McDowall.

-Billy and his classmates.

-Mrs. Casper and her boyfriends.

AKFAK- Multiple Intelligences- Maths 5Y

Billy and His Mother- (Indifference): The relationship between Billy and his mother is not a typical mother- son relationship. It is clear that she has very little time for her children and provides little in the way of support. It’s not that she doesn’t care about her children but simply does not have enough time for them. She already has her plate full with juggling work, the household and the public’s view of her social status. In short, although they might not be very close, Billy and his mother have the subtle understanding that they must look out for each other.

Billy and His Father- (Love): Very little is mentioned about Billy’s father but it is apparent that they loved each other. In the last flashback, Billy sees himself with his father going to the cinema. He is happy and carefree. This is one of the few lighter moments in the book and it is quite clear that Mr. Casper was, apart from Kes, his only true friend.

Billy and Jud- (Dislike): Jud and Billy are brothers but Jud does not care for Billy one bit. Billy still appears to have a soft spot for Jud but it is a one way relationship. Jud constantly bullies Billy and makes his life very unpleasant. For example, when Billy was trying to wake Jud to go to work, Jud hits him.

Billy and Kes- (Strong Friendship): Billy and Kes are each other’s best friend. They are all each other has and Kes is Billy’s only form of escape from the cruel, hateful reality that he faces on a daily basis.

AKFAK- Multiple Intelligences- Maths 5Y

Billy and Mr. Gryce- (Hateful): Mr. Gryce is portrayed as one of the antagonists in the book. He is very unfair and ignorant. His only role in the book is to punish Billy and in turn Billy hates him.

Billy and Mr. Farthing- (Friends): Mr. Farthing is portrayed as a very kind teacher who believes that every child should have a chance. He is one of very few characters who take an interest in Billy.

Billy and Mr. Sugden- (Enemies): Mr. Sugden’s only role in the novel is to antagonise Billy. When Billy shows up without his PE kit for the umpteenth time Mr. Sugden embarrasses him in front of the other boys by making him wear oversized gym shorts and when he turns on the cold water in the shower after he forces him to bathe.

Billy, Tibbut & McDowall- (Friends then Enemies): Billy, Tibbut and McDowall are supposed to be Billy’s friends but even at the beginning their relationship appears strained. They then become enemies later on when McDowall suggests that Mrs. Casper is a prostitute and they get into a huge fight.

Billy and His Classmates- (Indifference): Billy and his classmates are neither friends nor enemies but simply coexist together. They laugh at him when Mr. Gryce punishes him but I do not think that it was a personal attack on Billy but simply children being children.

AKFAK- Multiple Intelligences- Maths 5Y

Mrs. Casper and Her Boyfriends- (Sexual): The only relationship between Mrs. Casper and Billy’s “uncles” are sexual ones. They are not described, mentioned much or play a significant role but are merely hinted at.