Part I – Brighton Rock
Key Ideas Main Notes
How does the Chapter 1: pg. 3
setting influence
the story? Setting: The story begins in Brighton, England, during the 1960s. The town is depicted as a bustling, and busy
What do Pinkie's beautiful town “like a pale Victorian watercolour”, contrasting the urgent and desperate depiction of Hale -
actions reveal “drank his gin and tonic hastily as a clock struck eleven” - “manner cynical and nervous”
about him? Introduction to Pinkie Brown: Pinkie is introduced as a young gangster, described with a sense of menace and
How does the control. His demeanour and actions hint at his ruthless nature. “A boy of about seventeen...a face starved of
initial conflict set intensity, and a kind of hideous and unnatural pride”
the stage for the Initial Conflict: Hinting towards the conflict between Hale and Pinkie, leading to Hale’s inevitable fate
novel? Characters: Hale and his pride -” But the old desperate pride persisted”, Intro to Ida - =” You thought of sucking
What themes are babies when you looked at her”,
introduced, and Themes: The theme of violence is introduced early, hinting to the lack of care of the police “A mounted
how are they policeman came up the road...like an expensive toy a millionaire buys for his children .... it never occurred to you
reflected in the that the toy was for use” - the poorness of Pinkie’s gang “The old 1925 Morris... with its split and flapping hood,
characters' its bent fender and cracked and discoloured windscreen”
actions? Summary: Charles Hale, on assignment in Brighton for the Messenger newspaper, is distributing Kolley Kibber cards and
trying to avoid being identified by readers who could win a grand prize. Amidst the holiday crowds, Hale, feeling paranoid
and convinced he will be murdered soon, encounters the shabbily dressed Pinkie Brown in a pub, who watches him with
hostility. As Hale attempts to evade his potential killers and finds himself rejected by women on the pier, he reluctantly
spends time with Lily, who is later revealed to be Ida, and confides in her about his fears while keeping his true identity
hidden.
How is Pinkie Chapter 2: pg. 20
portrayed as a
representation of Pinkie as a physical representation of the Devil: “The slatey eyes were touched with the annihilating eternity
the Devil? from which he had come to and to which he went” - showing how Pinkey’s fate to be in Hell is inevitable, whilst
What does also suggesting he has come from it. “Holding the Mother of God by the hair...his fingers pulled absent-
Pinkie’s treatment mindedly", symbolic of Pinkie’s superficial view of women, women = toys or blessed virgins.
of the Mother of Foreshadowing of Spicer’s desire to leave the Gang: When meeting up after the murder of Hale, “Spicer’s pale
God figurine face progressed up the tea-room... dropping into the chair, dark and pallid and spotty” - “only Spicer wouldn't
reveal about his eat”, despite Pinkies orders Spicer is nauseous from the events of the day and as a result has no appetite, despite
view of women? the rest of the group sucking it up and eating, Spicer rebels, illustrating his subconscious desire to leave the gang.
How does Spicer’s Misogynistic language: Ida is referred to as a “Polony” and a “Buer”, showing Pinkie’s sexist attitudes towards
behavior women, especially the sexual and rule-breaking nature of Ida.
foreshadow his Pinkie’s anger issues: Continues to have spurts of anger “felt anger grinding at his guts” pg.22, “vicious anger
desire to leave rose” pg.25
the gang? Introduction to Rose: Shown to be subservient and submissive “apologised abjectly”, Pinkie “despised quiet, her
How is Pinkie’s pallor, her desire to please”
anger depicted in
Summary: Pinkie meets with the rest of the mob following the murder of Hale, they congregate at a tearoom and Pinkie
this chapter?
orders them to eat but Spicer’s nausea means he doesn't, Pinkie associates him with cowardice and weakness. Spicer
How does Pinkie
oversaw putting out the rest of the KK cards, saying he’d put one under the tablecloth at Snows, but Pinkie believes this
feel about Rose,
action will get them caught. He goes back to Snow’s sitting at the same table commanding service, whilst simultaneously
and what does
reaching his hand under the cloth to search for the card. He is met by Rose, who tells him that she’d found the card 10
this suggest about
minutes ago, and remarked that the man who put it there didn’t look like his picture and she’s “got a memory for faces”,
his personality?
Pinkie then decided to court her and asks her one evening.
What does Ida's Chapter 3: pg. 28
early morning
drinking reveal Ida’s character: It is “eleven o’clock in the morning” illustrating that Ida is not one to shy away from drinking
about her? early in the morning. Loves betting “you never know when you’ll be up or down, I like it” - juxtaposes the typical
In what ways does Golden Age Detective. Greene details Ida’s belief system, “She wasn’t religious. She didn’t believe in Heaven or
Ida's belief system Hell, only in ghosts, Ouija boards” - Pinkie’s Catholicism is contrasted by Ida’s spiritualism
differ from Morality: Greene brings into question whether morality is a result of religion, Ida “took life with a deadly
Pinkie’s seriousness”, illustrating her belief that life is sacred, contrasting Pinkie and his everlasting violence.
Catholicism? Belief system: Ida’s belief in “An eye for an eye” begins to bring her to want to avenge Hale. “Right and wrong... I
How does Greene believe in right and wrong... It’s going to be exciting; it’s going to be fun, it’s going to be a bit of life”
contrast Ida's
Summary: At eleven in the morning, Ida heads to her local pub, where she learns that Charles Hale, whom she knew as
morality with
"Fred," has died under suspicious circumstances. Disturbed by the flippant funeral and convinced something is wrong with
Pinkie
the official story, she decides to investigate, driven by a deep sense of justice and belief in the supernatural. Ida uses a Ouija
board to contact Hale's spirit, interpreting its messages as confirmation of her mission to avenge his death.
Part 2 – Brighton Rock
, Key Ideas Main Notes
Chapter 1: pg. 47
Setting: Greene uses pathetic fallacy at the very start of this chapter stating, “the dark wash of sea” and “The
How does Greene lightning went off above the horizon and the rain dripped”, depicting Pinkie’s dark and evil nature and the
use pathetic ominous atmosphere present
fallacy to Pinkie’s psychopathic characteristics: “The word murder conveyed no more meaning to him than the word
establish Pinkie’s ‘box’”, illustrating his disregard to the sacred nature of life, contrasting Ida’s beliefs. Violence provides Pinkie
nature? with a sensual thrill as “a faint secret sensual pleasure he felt, touching the bottle of vitriol”. He “grins” when he
How is Rose “thrust the bottle under her nose”- “pinching the skin of her wrist until his nails nearly met” portrays his sadistic
portrayed in her nature
interactions with Rose: Again, depicted as utterly subservient as she says to Pinkie “Anything you say.” Ignorant, lack of knowledge
Pinkie? “She didn’t know the name of a drink.”
What does the Budding relationship between Pinkie and Rose: “The eyes which had never been young stared with grey
relationship contempt into the eyes which had only just begun to learn a thing or two”
between Pinkie Contrasting views of Catholicism: Pinkie “Of course there’s Hell, Flames and damnation,’... ‘And Heaven too,’
and Rose reveal Rose retorted” - their faiths align with their character, Rose = innocent and pure, Pinkie = devilish and evil
about their Poverty: “The Boy went to his bed and swept off the crumbs of Cubitt’s sausage roll.”
personalities and Passage of time: Despite the death of Hale, reference to time continues, “a clock struck eleven” and “a clock
power dynamics? struck midnight”
How do Pinkie
and Rose’s Summary: Pinkie warns Spicer against revisiting the scene of Hale's murder and reveals he carries a bottle of vitriol, which
contrasting views he shows to Rose to intimidate her while on a date. Pinkie later returns home to find his gang discussing unpaid protection
on Catholicism fees, leading to a confrontation with Brewer, who admits to paying their rival Colleoni out of fear. Pinkie and Dallow
reflect their inner violently extract money from Brewer, and upon returning home, Pinkie dismisses concerns about Rose being questioned,
characters? sending Spicer on a holiday and contemplating his next move in the looming gang conflict.
What is the
significance of the
repeated
references to time
after Hale’s
death?
How does Greene Chapter 2: pg. 63
illustrate the
poverty of the Poverty of the gang: “The bed was sprinkled with flakes of pastry”
gang? Pinkie: “He had no dreams”, illustrating his inhuman and unnatural nature
How does Greene Pride: Pinkie “had too much pride to worry about appearances” links to Hale – Hale's hamartia, Pinkie left
contrast this with Colleoni’s “ready for more deaths”, showing how he believes murder to be a way in which he can prove
Colleoni? himself.
How are the law Misogynistic language: The women at Colleoni’s referred to as “Little bitches” further reinforcing Pinkie’s
enforcement unhealthy views of women
depicted as Contrast of Colleoni’s gang: Juxtaposes the poor background of Pinkie as,” Colleoni came across an acre of
corrupted by carpet” pg. 64 “He wore a grey double-breasted waistcoat,” - “The armchairs, stately red velvet couches
criminality? stamped with crowns in gold and silver thread”- shows Colleoni’s wealth and success, Pinkie strives for this.
Colleoni’s power is portrayed as “he looked as a man might look who owned the world.... the cash registers,
policemen and prostitutes, Parliament and the laws”, illustrate the web of corruption hidden in Brighton,
whilst also referencing the corrupt nature of the justice system and the law enforcers.
Pinkie’s youth: Colleoni expected someone “a great deal older”, patronising Pinkie on his age and resulting
lack of experience, Pinkie is called “my child” - structure Colleoni speaks in long sentences whereas Pinkie’s
are short
Pinkie scared: The first time we see him experience emotion other than anger - “The Boy’s heart missed a
beat: for almost the first time it occurred to him that the law could hang him.”
Corruption of the justice system: A policeman states, “I don’t mind you carving each other up in a quiet
way”
Summary: Pinkie receives an invitation from Colleoni to meet at the Cosmopolitan, despite warnings from Dallow to decline.
At the meeting, Colleoni subtly asserts his power and suggests Pinkie join forces with him, but Pinkie refuses, feeling
humiliated yet determined to prove his worth. Afterward, Pinkie is briefly detained by the police for slicing Brewer’s cheek,
but he remains defiant, vowing to outsmart both Colleoni and the authorities, fuelled by his belief that he was "born in hell"
and is unafraid of death.
Part 3 – Brighton Rock
Key Ideas Main Notes
How does the Chapter 1: pg. 3
setting influence
the story? Setting: The story begins in Brighton, England, during the 1960s. The town is depicted as a bustling, and busy
What do Pinkie's beautiful town “like a pale Victorian watercolour”, contrasting the urgent and desperate depiction of Hale -
actions reveal “drank his gin and tonic hastily as a clock struck eleven” - “manner cynical and nervous”
about him? Introduction to Pinkie Brown: Pinkie is introduced as a young gangster, described with a sense of menace and
How does the control. His demeanour and actions hint at his ruthless nature. “A boy of about seventeen...a face starved of
initial conflict set intensity, and a kind of hideous and unnatural pride”
the stage for the Initial Conflict: Hinting towards the conflict between Hale and Pinkie, leading to Hale’s inevitable fate
novel? Characters: Hale and his pride -” But the old desperate pride persisted”, Intro to Ida - =” You thought of sucking
What themes are babies when you looked at her”,
introduced, and Themes: The theme of violence is introduced early, hinting to the lack of care of the police “A mounted
how are they policeman came up the road...like an expensive toy a millionaire buys for his children .... it never occurred to you
reflected in the that the toy was for use” - the poorness of Pinkie’s gang “The old 1925 Morris... with its split and flapping hood,
characters' its bent fender and cracked and discoloured windscreen”
actions? Summary: Charles Hale, on assignment in Brighton for the Messenger newspaper, is distributing Kolley Kibber cards and
trying to avoid being identified by readers who could win a grand prize. Amidst the holiday crowds, Hale, feeling paranoid
and convinced he will be murdered soon, encounters the shabbily dressed Pinkie Brown in a pub, who watches him with
hostility. As Hale attempts to evade his potential killers and finds himself rejected by women on the pier, he reluctantly
spends time with Lily, who is later revealed to be Ida, and confides in her about his fears while keeping his true identity
hidden.
How is Pinkie Chapter 2: pg. 20
portrayed as a
representation of Pinkie as a physical representation of the Devil: “The slatey eyes were touched with the annihilating eternity
the Devil? from which he had come to and to which he went” - showing how Pinkey’s fate to be in Hell is inevitable, whilst
What does also suggesting he has come from it. “Holding the Mother of God by the hair...his fingers pulled absent-
Pinkie’s treatment mindedly", symbolic of Pinkie’s superficial view of women, women = toys or blessed virgins.
of the Mother of Foreshadowing of Spicer’s desire to leave the Gang: When meeting up after the murder of Hale, “Spicer’s pale
God figurine face progressed up the tea-room... dropping into the chair, dark and pallid and spotty” - “only Spicer wouldn't
reveal about his eat”, despite Pinkies orders Spicer is nauseous from the events of the day and as a result has no appetite, despite
view of women? the rest of the group sucking it up and eating, Spicer rebels, illustrating his subconscious desire to leave the gang.
How does Spicer’s Misogynistic language: Ida is referred to as a “Polony” and a “Buer”, showing Pinkie’s sexist attitudes towards
behavior women, especially the sexual and rule-breaking nature of Ida.
foreshadow his Pinkie’s anger issues: Continues to have spurts of anger “felt anger grinding at his guts” pg.22, “vicious anger
desire to leave rose” pg.25
the gang? Introduction to Rose: Shown to be subservient and submissive “apologised abjectly”, Pinkie “despised quiet, her
How is Pinkie’s pallor, her desire to please”
anger depicted in
Summary: Pinkie meets with the rest of the mob following the murder of Hale, they congregate at a tearoom and Pinkie
this chapter?
orders them to eat but Spicer’s nausea means he doesn't, Pinkie associates him with cowardice and weakness. Spicer
How does Pinkie
oversaw putting out the rest of the KK cards, saying he’d put one under the tablecloth at Snows, but Pinkie believes this
feel about Rose,
action will get them caught. He goes back to Snow’s sitting at the same table commanding service, whilst simultaneously
and what does
reaching his hand under the cloth to search for the card. He is met by Rose, who tells him that she’d found the card 10
this suggest about
minutes ago, and remarked that the man who put it there didn’t look like his picture and she’s “got a memory for faces”,
his personality?
Pinkie then decided to court her and asks her one evening.
What does Ida's Chapter 3: pg. 28
early morning
drinking reveal Ida’s character: It is “eleven o’clock in the morning” illustrating that Ida is not one to shy away from drinking
about her? early in the morning. Loves betting “you never know when you’ll be up or down, I like it” - juxtaposes the typical
In what ways does Golden Age Detective. Greene details Ida’s belief system, “She wasn’t religious. She didn’t believe in Heaven or
Ida's belief system Hell, only in ghosts, Ouija boards” - Pinkie’s Catholicism is contrasted by Ida’s spiritualism
differ from Morality: Greene brings into question whether morality is a result of religion, Ida “took life with a deadly
Pinkie’s seriousness”, illustrating her belief that life is sacred, contrasting Pinkie and his everlasting violence.
Catholicism? Belief system: Ida’s belief in “An eye for an eye” begins to bring her to want to avenge Hale. “Right and wrong... I
How does Greene believe in right and wrong... It’s going to be exciting; it’s going to be fun, it’s going to be a bit of life”
contrast Ida's
Summary: At eleven in the morning, Ida heads to her local pub, where she learns that Charles Hale, whom she knew as
morality with
"Fred," has died under suspicious circumstances. Disturbed by the flippant funeral and convinced something is wrong with
Pinkie
the official story, she decides to investigate, driven by a deep sense of justice and belief in the supernatural. Ida uses a Ouija
board to contact Hale's spirit, interpreting its messages as confirmation of her mission to avenge his death.
Part 2 – Brighton Rock
, Key Ideas Main Notes
Chapter 1: pg. 47
Setting: Greene uses pathetic fallacy at the very start of this chapter stating, “the dark wash of sea” and “The
How does Greene lightning went off above the horizon and the rain dripped”, depicting Pinkie’s dark and evil nature and the
use pathetic ominous atmosphere present
fallacy to Pinkie’s psychopathic characteristics: “The word murder conveyed no more meaning to him than the word
establish Pinkie’s ‘box’”, illustrating his disregard to the sacred nature of life, contrasting Ida’s beliefs. Violence provides Pinkie
nature? with a sensual thrill as “a faint secret sensual pleasure he felt, touching the bottle of vitriol”. He “grins” when he
How is Rose “thrust the bottle under her nose”- “pinching the skin of her wrist until his nails nearly met” portrays his sadistic
portrayed in her nature
interactions with Rose: Again, depicted as utterly subservient as she says to Pinkie “Anything you say.” Ignorant, lack of knowledge
Pinkie? “She didn’t know the name of a drink.”
What does the Budding relationship between Pinkie and Rose: “The eyes which had never been young stared with grey
relationship contempt into the eyes which had only just begun to learn a thing or two”
between Pinkie Contrasting views of Catholicism: Pinkie “Of course there’s Hell, Flames and damnation,’... ‘And Heaven too,’
and Rose reveal Rose retorted” - their faiths align with their character, Rose = innocent and pure, Pinkie = devilish and evil
about their Poverty: “The Boy went to his bed and swept off the crumbs of Cubitt’s sausage roll.”
personalities and Passage of time: Despite the death of Hale, reference to time continues, “a clock struck eleven” and “a clock
power dynamics? struck midnight”
How do Pinkie
and Rose’s Summary: Pinkie warns Spicer against revisiting the scene of Hale's murder and reveals he carries a bottle of vitriol, which
contrasting views he shows to Rose to intimidate her while on a date. Pinkie later returns home to find his gang discussing unpaid protection
on Catholicism fees, leading to a confrontation with Brewer, who admits to paying their rival Colleoni out of fear. Pinkie and Dallow
reflect their inner violently extract money from Brewer, and upon returning home, Pinkie dismisses concerns about Rose being questioned,
characters? sending Spicer on a holiday and contemplating his next move in the looming gang conflict.
What is the
significance of the
repeated
references to time
after Hale’s
death?
How does Greene Chapter 2: pg. 63
illustrate the
poverty of the Poverty of the gang: “The bed was sprinkled with flakes of pastry”
gang? Pinkie: “He had no dreams”, illustrating his inhuman and unnatural nature
How does Greene Pride: Pinkie “had too much pride to worry about appearances” links to Hale – Hale's hamartia, Pinkie left
contrast this with Colleoni’s “ready for more deaths”, showing how he believes murder to be a way in which he can prove
Colleoni? himself.
How are the law Misogynistic language: The women at Colleoni’s referred to as “Little bitches” further reinforcing Pinkie’s
enforcement unhealthy views of women
depicted as Contrast of Colleoni’s gang: Juxtaposes the poor background of Pinkie as,” Colleoni came across an acre of
corrupted by carpet” pg. 64 “He wore a grey double-breasted waistcoat,” - “The armchairs, stately red velvet couches
criminality? stamped with crowns in gold and silver thread”- shows Colleoni’s wealth and success, Pinkie strives for this.
Colleoni’s power is portrayed as “he looked as a man might look who owned the world.... the cash registers,
policemen and prostitutes, Parliament and the laws”, illustrate the web of corruption hidden in Brighton,
whilst also referencing the corrupt nature of the justice system and the law enforcers.
Pinkie’s youth: Colleoni expected someone “a great deal older”, patronising Pinkie on his age and resulting
lack of experience, Pinkie is called “my child” - structure Colleoni speaks in long sentences whereas Pinkie’s
are short
Pinkie scared: The first time we see him experience emotion other than anger - “The Boy’s heart missed a
beat: for almost the first time it occurred to him that the law could hang him.”
Corruption of the justice system: A policeman states, “I don’t mind you carving each other up in a quiet
way”
Summary: Pinkie receives an invitation from Colleoni to meet at the Cosmopolitan, despite warnings from Dallow to decline.
At the meeting, Colleoni subtly asserts his power and suggests Pinkie join forces with him, but Pinkie refuses, feeling
humiliated yet determined to prove his worth. Afterward, Pinkie is briefly detained by the police for slicing Brewer’s cheek,
but he remains defiant, vowing to outsmart both Colleoni and the authorities, fuelled by his belief that he was "born in hell"
and is unafraid of death.
Part 3 – Brighton Rock
