The style of pace is both increasing and decreasing throughout the chapter. Generally this technique increases the pace of the chapter as a whole, which is structurally important as the plot is starting to reach a climax and therefore symbolises its significance. McEwan also uses sentence structures to increase pace, by means of a complex sentences followed by simple sentence such as “It was a while since I had heard this devise, the percentages snatched from the air, the unprovenanced research, the measurement of the immeasurable. It had a particular boyish ring”.
The chapter also employs character development of Joe. By demonstrating two sides to Joe; rational and irrational, the reader is introduced to a new interpretation and opinion him. We are presented with this ‘new’ irrational Joe that is going to purchase this gun without thinking it through or weighing up the options, but this contrasts this with the ‘old’ Joe as he's still analysing every situation and character scientifically, “But the marginal life was no longer original, the shortage of desirable possessions no longer a kind of lightness, and here came the universal message from the bones and sinews; the writing was on the skin, it was in the mirror”. This is to signpost Joe’s transformation in character to the reader and identifies the chapter’s importance. An interpretation of Joes character change could be to symbolise the effect Jed has had on him, by changing not only his life, but his characteristic’s.
As Joe reaches the ‘hippies’ house and we are presented with all this negative imagery we can identify that Joe is nervous and the tension builds up, “You should have said. Let’s go. I pulled at Johnny’s sleeve”. We are also presented with an objective opinion of Joe by Johnny. He states, “I’ll give you some advice you might be grateful for. Don’t make fun of these people”, this shows Johnny is aware of Joes patronising, sarcastic nature. This is one of the first stated negative opinions of Joe, indicating his characteristics to the reader. Regardless of this warning Joe still patronises the ‘hippies’, “Actually, it’s Sunday”, showing Joe simply can’t help himself.
Joe also employs a comical description of the ‘hippies’, this could be interpreted as showing he’s actually afraid of them and nervous as it is implied that ‘you make fun of things your afraid of’. On the other hand, a second interpretation could be that McEwan is simply structurally adding a style of comedy to up-lift the atmosphere and relax the tension he has created and therefore decrease the pace. This tension is also present between the other characters; this is made apparent to us through Joe’s narration. We are therefore being revealed the way in which Joe reacts to a situation ‘out of his control’, “No one knew where we were”. This tension also adds to the pace of the chapter. We are also introduced to the binary oppositions of brains and brawn. Joe appears intimidated by Xan’s muscle, “In his right forearm a muscle- it was one I didn’t have myself- twitched rhythmically to an unseen movement on his hand”. This intimidation adds to atmosphere and tension. This opposition could also be symbolising the opposition of science and religion, showing Joe does not belong with these people as he does not belong with Jed. An interpretation of this intimidation might also be to symbolise that Joe’s, ‘out of his depth’. Joe describes the fight between Xan and Steve romantically, this could be symbolising his conflict with Clarissa, and that he’s thinking about it, “Wound over and under each other like lovers”. The change of character in Joe symbolises the significance of this chapter as the depth of his character and readers understanding increases.
Throughout the chapter the themes of conflict, comedy and obsession are present. Due to the presence of relevant themes in this chapter it shows the chapter significance as the themes increase. The theme of conflict is shown through the tension between characters resulting in the fight. This tension is made apparent through McEwan’s choice of language. He uses both negative images and sentence structures for his desired effect. The theme of conflict is also presented through Joes thoughts of Clarissa when describing the fight, “…like lovers” as there relationship is struggling, due to the interference of Jed. The theme of conflict is also shown through Joe’s actions and the purpose of obtaining the gun, Jed. Due to his on going conflict with Jed, it has resulted in Joe being irrational and purchasing the gun. This shows the significance of the chapter as the conflict has ‘stepped up a level’ with intensity and consequently the theme has increased importance.
The theme of obsession is shown mainly between Joe and Jed. Due to Jed’s obsession with Joe, Joe has almost created an obsession with him, and getting him to leave him alone. This obsession has resulted in the shooting in the restaurant and Joe buying the gun this shows the chapter importance is demonstrating the obsession and the effect of Jed.
The theme of comedy is present throughout the chapter. It is identified by the incidents in the ‘hippies’ house. The chapter has a satirical style which enhances this theme. The name Xan itself is comical, and could represent a stereotypically comic villain name. The other descriptions of characters also have a comical element, “Steve had hooked a thumb into Xan’s nostril”. This theme of comedy could structurally be to contrast with the tension to create relief or to show how nervous Joe is.
Each of the themes presented, the character development and the plot increase all develop the depth of the novel and therefore identify the importance of this chapter to the reader. It is a pivotal point in the novel where the tension and actions increase to create intensity. It is structurally important as it follows the restaurant scene, in which the reader’s faith is restored in Joe. The style of the chapter is dramatic and satirical and has changed from the previous chapters. The language all contributes to development of tension and therefore signposting to the reader that an important incident is about to occur. This is further emphasised by the last paragraph of the chapter, “I’m at your place, sitting here with Clarissa. I’m putting her on, OK?” this is an example of how McEwan uses simple sentences to create tension. The overall increase in intensity symbolises the significance of this chapter in the novel and use of themes, and character development support this.
