Simon Gray’s play “Butley”, a profound examination of the life of an English professor named Ben Butley, is a tour-de-force in character study. Set over the course of a single day, it delves into Butley’s unraveling life both professionally and personally. Among the several characters that orbit around Butley and play crucial roles in driving the narrative forward, Joseph Keyston stands out as a significant figure. This article takes a closer look at Joseph Keyston’s character and his relationship with the titular protagonist.
The Basics of Keyston
Joseph Keyston is a younger colleague of Ben Butley at the university where they both teach. Professionalism aside, their relationship is intensified by the fact that they share a close personal bond. Keyston is Butley’s former student, protégé, and, importantly, his lover.
The Mirror to Butley’s Desolation
Throughout the play, Keyston’s character serves as a reflection of Butley’s own disintegration. Where Butley is caustic, self-destructive, and increasingly isolated, Keyston represents a contrast. He seeks clarity, stability, and is looking for a way out of the toxic cycle that his relationship with Butley has become.
The Catalyst for Change
One of the significant turning points in “Butley” is Keyston’s decision to end his relationship with Butley, both professionally and personally. This choice is not just about their romantic involvement but also a symbolic departure from Butley’s overarching influence. Keyston’s decision pushes Butley further into his downward spiral, amplifying his feelings of abandonment and isolation.
A Symbol of Moving On
Keyston’s character embodies the possibility of growth and the importance of self-preservation. His choices throughout the play, particularly his decision to establish a relationship with another man and his intention to distance himself from Butley, symbolize the idea of moving on from destructive patterns.
Complexity in Simplicity
On the surface, Keyston might seem like a straightforward character – the younger lover choosing to step away from a harmful relationship. However, Gray imbues the character with a depth that makes him a mirror, a catalyst, and a symbol throughout the play. Keyston’s internal conflicts, his moments of vulnerability, and his ultimate choices add layers to the character, making him as integral to the narrative as Butley himself.
Joseph Keyston, in “Butley”, is not merely a supporting character but a pivotal figure that drives the story’s emotional and narrative arcs. His interactions with Butley, coupled with his personal decisions, provide audiences with a deeper insight into the play’s themes of alienation, desolation, and the human desire for connection. Through Keyston, Gray paints a portrait of the complexities inherent in personal relationships and the often painful choices one must make to find clarity and peace.
