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The language Alec uses to describe his surroundings often conveys the atmosphere and his mood.

For example, his description of the sumptuous surroundings in his house reflects the metaphorical coldness of his parents’ relationship and his family life.

He describes the dining room as “unwelcoming” with light that “lay on the walls and furniture without kindness”.

Compare this with his recollection of “lying on my mattress in West Outre” when at war.

In these basic and grim surroundings he describes how it was “warm and I could smell bacon frying” and that “rain thudded on the roof, but it was almost pleasant”.

Even in these horrible frontline conditions Alec is more relaxed in his description of the setting.

This reinforces how unhappy and tense his childhood was.