In spite of his vivid imagination and the rich workings of his mind, Stephen seems to become inarticulate when he has to interact with most of the other characters in the book.
Stephen´s difficulty with expression can be clearly seen when Mrs Hayward comes to Braemar to talk to him in chapter 5 .
He doesn't know how to act or what to say: "I don't know what to do with myself" "Where do you look for a start, when there's nowhere to look except of her". Stephen seems to be unable to pronounce even simple words like “yes” or “no”. The only thing he can do is move his head to answer her questions. However, although he seems unable to utter any words, we notice how quick and rich his thoughts are. He can analyse the Mrs Hayward´s intentions and he can even read between the lines. For example, when Mrs Hayward told Stephen "(...) games can sometimes get a bit out of hand. It would be a terrible shame if you upset one of the neighbours" he concludes she has seen them spying on her, and he asks himself why she is telling this to him and not to Keith. Later, when she says "Sometimes people have things to do in private", he understands immediately that she is talking about herself and that she didn't want them to spy on her anymore. Even though Mrs Hayward's´questions and words don't spur any uttered answer, they trigger a very rich train of thoughts inside Stephen´s mind, as he analyses everything she says in great detail.
He doesn't know how to act or what to say: "I don't know what to do with myself" "Where do you look for a start, when there's nowhere to look except of her". Stephen seems to be unable to pronounce even simple words like “yes” or “no”. The only thing he can do is move his head to answer her questions. However, although he seems unable to utter any words, we notice how quick and rich his thoughts are. He can analyse the Mrs Hayward´s intentions and he can even read between the lines. For example, when Mrs Hayward told Stephen "(...) games can sometimes get a bit out of hand. It would be a terrible shame if you upset one of the neighbours" he concludes she has seen them spying on her, and he asks himself why she is telling this to him and not to Keith. Later, when she says "Sometimes people have things to do in private", he understands immediately that she is talking about herself and that she didn't want them to spy on her anymore. Even though Mrs Hayward's´questions and words don't spur any uttered answer, they trigger a very rich train of thoughts inside Stephen´s mind, as he analyses everything she says in great detail.
The same seems to happen in chapter 6, when Stephen comes home after his night excursion. As his family questions him about what he was doing, he reverts to “total uncommunicativeness”. He just limits himself to shake his head, and he does this only when he fears the consequences of not answering at all. Once again we see the terrible contrast between his lack of words and his detailed thoughts.
In conclusion, Stephen seems to be a shy and introspective boy. As the story is told from his perspective, we have access to the rich world of his mind. However, his thoughts and ideas are not shared with the rest of the characters as when he has the opportunity to explain his behaviour and defend his view, he reverts to silence.
Great analysis
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