The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

Personal Study       Alice King

The techniques used to characterise/portray the main character ‘Miss Jean Brodie’ in the novel ‘The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie’ by Muriel Spark.

      In ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ by Muriel Spark th characters are all portrayed very skilfully and cleverly throughout, especially Jean Brodie. She is the main character in the book and her role in the novel is an elementary school teacher and leader of the ‘Brodie Set’- six girl pupils of Miss Brodie called Sandy, Monica, Rose, Jenny, Mary and Eunice. All of the Brodie Set have their own individual styles, personalities and special qualities which makes them all so unique and they are repeated throughout the book. They are noticed by everyone else in the school as being very different from the other pupils and stand out because of their uniqueness and their close relationship to the teacher. The author uses clever techniques in the book   which are very effective such as contrast and repetition. Themes such as betrayal and manipulation occur in the book also. The structure of this novel is complicated but very clever as flash forwards and flash backs are used are used which keep the reader in suspense. Even though this is a short concise novel   there is so much in it which makes it so enjoyable and exciting to read.
          The novel is set in the 1930’s at a Private girl’s school called Marcia Blaine in Edinburgh. Miss Brodie is a teacher at the school and teaches the lower school pupils. The ‘Brodie Set’ are in her class and they are known as the Brodie Set because of their close connections with Miss Jean Brodie. Jean finds out early on in the book that there is a plot to force her to resign but she is determined to stay. She is such a big influence on the girls and they all look up to her. Miss Brodie wants them to follow in her footsteps and take her advice when she gives them it. Throughout the novel Miss Brodie’s past and present lovers are revealed. Hugh was her...