1. Representation of Britishness and Britain
- location is a normal estate in London which could easily be in any other city, can represent a normal British city.
- Jenny attends an all girls private school which fits the bill of a British private school. She wears a white collared shirt, a gray blazer and a tie.
- The Headmistress of the school is also seen as a very conservative personality. She rejects the idea of accepting Jews due to the contradictions within Judaism and Christianity and will not allow Jenny to have sex with David even though it is occurring out of school. She eventually expels her for her relationship.
- Jack's attitudes represent a particular form of British Xenophobia. He says prejudiced comments about The French and about Jews. Britain had recently joined the EEC and had delayed for so long due to a lack of desire to associate with Foreigners. Jack's views represent the stereotypical views of that time, as he is not focused on particular groups, but on all foreigners in general. His has a fear of associating with others.
- Jack and Margery serve tea and Battenburg to Graham. This is a stereotypical British snack. It represents tradition and a British diet.
- Jenny hopes to go to Oxford University which is considered the height of British education. It is often the aim for a British student so can show the mindset of someone British.
- David pretends to be taking Jenny to meet C.S Lewis who is a famous British author. This represents the fame of some of Britain's former citizens.
Representation of Age
- Jenny takes up smoking and drinking whilst studying for her A levels. Many people start doing this at the age in question. This can represent both the lifestyle of a teenager and also the adventurous nature of teenagers.
- Jack and Margery often stay in whilst on their free time instead of going out. This represented the lifestyle of a traditional parent who will watch TV and have a glass of wine whist waiting for their child to come home.
- Jenny is attracted to an older man which can often be the case for adolescents. Younger people, as well as being attracted to each other can find physical attraction with older generations without shame.
- Graham intends to travel during a gap year. This can represent a young desire to see the world in order to experience new things and view other traditions and cultures. Jack feels this is a waste of time as you can stay in Britain and still experience life. This is a view held stereotypically by the older generation, who may not have had as many opportunities to think about traveling and thus may not see the same opportunities to gain from traveling as young people.
