The Cone Gatherers Theme Nature References The Cone

The Cone Gatherers Theme : Nature

References: • The Cone Gatherers, Scotnotes by Iain Critchton Smith, published by ASLS • http: //www. bbc. co. uk/education/guides/z ykjq 6 f/revision/4 • The Cone Gatherers by Robin Jenkins, published by Macdonald; London 1955 Calum suffers in sympathy with the animals, as demonstrated by him trying to free the rabbit in the trap and during the deer drive Though nature can be beautiful it can also be cruel, it also resembles the predator and victim relationship which is represented in the characters of Duror and Calum Nature Characters are also compared to animals throughout the book: • Calum is compared to a monkey being proficient in the trees and mentally primitive • Dr Matheson is compared to a “greedy old pig” • Neil and Calum are said to be treated like dogs Duror is needlessly wicked; even his dogs are afraid of him, as demonstrated by his “savage” cutting of the deer’s throat The attitude to nature sometimes defines their characters Nature causes key incidents such as the storm which leads to the beach hut scene, where we experience Lady Runcie Campbell’s true character. The weather also displays the atmosphere within the novel at various points Perhaps the most significant symbolism in the novel is the idea that the cones represent life after the war, resurrection and rebirth Lady Runcie Campbell values her dogs over her employees