Phil Corkery Character Analysis in Brighton Rock

Phil Corkery is, in Ida’s opinion, a weak and passionless man, not the kind of lover she would typically pursue, but, while on the hunt for Hale’s killer, she finally accepts his attentions, mostly because he agrees to help her in her investigation. Gradually, though, he grows weary of the search and tells Ida that solving Hale’s murder should really be left to the authorities.

Phil Corkery Character Timeline in Brighton Rock

The timeline below shows where the character Phil Corkery appears in Brighton Rock. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Having reached her apartment building, Ida finds a postcard from Phil Corkery on the hall table. He sent her postcards annually from modest vacation spots, hoping... (full context)

...in a Brighton boarding house, the reminders of the previous drunken night at Sherry’s with Phil Corkery all around her. The room isn’t as nice in the morning light as she... (full context)

...him, but the razor slipped, he says. Ida looks at the clock. She is meeting Phil Corkery at one, so she has time for another port and some more gossip. The... (full context)

Ida walks to Snow’s and gets a table for her and Phil Corkery. She asks around for the waitress who got the Kolley Kibber card and changes... (full context)

Phil Corkery arrives, looking worn out by the passions he’d never have the opportunity to express.... (full context)

Phil doesn’t understand why Ida is getting so involved in a case that really should mean... (full context)

Ida arrives at the station, exuding confidence and goodwill. Phil follows close behind. Ida asks a sergeant if she might see the inspector. She would... (full context)

Ida and Phil are talking about money and doctors. Ida says she hopes to make money on a... (full context)

...from before. Pinkie assumes he’s a cop, but Rose doesn’t think so. His name is Phil. (full context)

Ida and Phil are at the Cosmopolitan in a café called the Pompadour Boudoir. Ida is eating an... (full context)

...disappointed. She could have gone to the movies and gotten more out of the afternoon. Phil is asleep on the bed beside her. She begins to think about Hale and her... (full context)

...two of them will take a walk outside. In truth, she goes in search of Phil, since she wants a witness. When they get back to the bar, though, Cubitt is... (full context)

...sea rolls in and out. It’s like bath water to her. It sets her singing. Phil Corkery joins her. He’s miserable and cold. He points out that Rose and Pinkie are... (full context)

Phil wonders how he ever had the courage to send Ida those postcards. She’s too much... (full context)

Ida is still determined to save Rose, and, while Phil goes to buy her another Guinness, she considers all the people she’s saved over the... (full context)

...of them can take another turn at the Ouija board. There are no postcards from Phil Corkery waiting for her. She supposes she won’t get one of those again, but there... (full context)