From the various episodes in the novel of `A Kestrel for a Knave' by Barry Hines, we learn that Billy is a character who is entirely on his own; no help is given from anyone, not even his family, hence we are aware of how badly Billy has been neglected. Billy's characterization shows that the injustices and prejudices he has to struggle against are very much a part of his life and emphasizes that fact that there is almost no way he can make something of himself. Barry Hines clearly evokes sympathy and respect for Billy through his word choice, character development and situations throughout the novel.

From the first sentence, " There were no curtains up" the reader is introduced to the hard poverty of Billy's life and the lack of comforts which most people take for granted. This makes us sympathize...