SACE 294924 R

English Studies

Border Crossing

Analysis of techniques
Contrasting characterisation and symbolism are used by author, Pat Barker in
order to explore the themes of relationships and Crossing Borders within the
societal environment of the novel, Border Crossing. Barker contrasts Tom, a child
psychologist and one of his patients Danny, in order to focus the readers mind on
the different thinking processes between a psychologist and a fellow patient.
Barker also uses symbolism to illustrate the idea of crossing borders.
Barker shows us that the relationship between Tom and his wife Lauren, this is
clearly falling apart from the very beginning of the novel. They fought and Tom
responds shut up, Lauren. Please, please, please shut up to emphasise Toms
irritancy for Lauren. Tom struggles to find affection for Lauren and does not
identify with an already broken relationship. Although Tom seems quite passive
towards his dealings with Lauren, it is because he knows he does not love her
and does not feel the need to prolong either of their discomfort. After watching
Lauren grow steadily more emotionally and physically distant from Tom, his
sense that their relationship is over takes over his thoughts. After Lauren comes
back from visiting her parents, she knows the relationship is over and finally
breaks her silence with Tom.
Barker further stresses Toms problems with relationships not just with the
departure of Lauren. She introduces at the same time, Tom having to deal with
his ex patient Dannys intrusions into his personal life. Toms detached
perspective means he is highly self- conscious and honest which is the main
reason he is not completely manipulated and overwhelmed by Danny, as others
have been in the past. He never accepts the fact that Danny was innocent and
refuses to allow the search for why Danny committed an act so evil to work
against Dannys need to confront his behaviour. However, the author did allow
Danny to cross his boundaries whilst refusing to recommend him to
hospitalisation after the fire.
Barker shows Toms character as being quite courageous, not just through saving
Danny, but by allowing him to stay in his home overnight. Tom accepted his own
imperfection and realised that not all circumstances can be controlled. Tom
realises that Danny does have the possibility to harm someone again in the
future, but that he may also learn to lead a successful life and learn that not all
aspects of life can be controlled or explained. Barker suggests that people have a
choice in their actions.
During a casual meeting, Danny suggested that it might be helpful if he talked to
somebody. Tom said that he would be happy to see him. He thought it would be a
good idea as it is not often a case like Dannys can be followed up. Danny made
it perfectly clear he didnt want treatment and just wanted someone to talk to
out of hours. From this, the author is showing the reader that the border between
relations can be blurred, a professional relationship might become personal, and
Barker leaves the reader to decide whether this is good or bad.
Along with Toms wife Lauren, the author has treated the relationship between
Tom and fellow patient Danny as strictly professional from the point of their
recognition at the hospital. However, as the story continues throughout the book

SACE 294924 R

English Studies

Border Crossing

Analysis of techniques
and the past is delved into, Danny tries to influence a personal relationship with
Tom. he used coincidence is the crack in human affairs that lets God or the Devil
in is used by Barker to symbolise Danny wanting to cross from a professional
relationship with Tom to something more personal. It metaphorically describes
Danny as being the devil that used the suicidal incident to let himself into Toms
personal life.
As well as the crossing of borders between Tom and Danny, an image of fire and
water on the front cover can represent the crossing of borders between good and
evil as well as good morals and bad morals. The author has used this
representation to contrast Tom as being represented as the water and Danny as
being the fire. However in this case, as well as water being represented as the
good, it can also be represented as death. In the scene where Tom saves Danny
from the water, the metaphor a second later, the water enclosed him in a coffin
of ice, him being Tom, symbolises the water as a coffin of ice meaning it is
represented as a symbol of death and fear. As well as water being represented as
good, fire can also be good in the sense of providing heat and warmth for
humans. In this scene, the author could be implying that whatever happens from
this point onwards is one step closer to death or something to not look forward
to.
However, as the story continues, the definition of being classified as either water
or fire changes. Throughout the story, the characters have both good and bad
sides to them which Barker has used to keep the book interesting and not leave
it to the expectations of the reader. Everyone crosses borders in some way. For
example Lauren can be recognised as the one who ended it with Tom and made
him lonely however she was the one took care for him after the incident.
Compared to Tom, in the beginning, Danny is seen as the least good of the two.
Later on in the book, Danny finally began to analyse the result of his actions.
When asked, were you frightened, he said I suppose so, I dont know. I dont
know whether Im thinking I mustve been frightened, so... I dont know. Im
scared shitless now. Barker used this to create a vulnerable side to Danny
provided the constant questions from Tom about his feelings from the murder
and make the reader almost feel bad for his current situation.
Pat Barker has acquired a variety of evidence within Border Crossing to provide a
deeper understanding of the themes. The effect of character contrasting and
symbolism has a huge effect on the reader as it encourages them to want to
continue reading. Overall the novel Border Crossing uses the techniques of
Character Contrasting and Symbolism to portray the ideas of relationships and
crossing borders throughout the novel.