Analysis

The analysis of the short story “I Spy” by Graham Greene shows that it follows a linear, chronological plot structure. The narrative centers around a boy who sneaks out of bed late at night to steal cigarettes, only to witness his father’s arrest. 

The main characters in the story are Charlie Stowe and his father. At the beginning, Charlie believes that he does not love his father, but at the end, he realizes he does love him after all. 

The physical setting is a town in England. The story takes place sometime during the first World War. The social setting touches on peer pressure and traditional gender roles when it comes to parenting.

The story is told from the point of view of a third-person narrator. The narrator follows Charlie’s perspective and has access to his thoughts and feelings but is otherwise limited to what Charlie knows.

The language is formal. There are several proverbs in the narrative which reflect the characters’ way of thinking.

You can read a more detailed analysis in the following sections.