Cone Gatherers Chapter 1
Setting Quotations
“It was a good tree by the sea loch, with many cones and much sunshine; it was homely too, with rests among its topmost branches as comfortable as chairs.”
-First sentence creates a positive atmosphere of the forest in all its splendour. Lulls the reader into a false sense of security.
“A destroyer had steamed seawards, with a sailor singing cheerfully.”
-Highlights the time period. War ships are just off the coast of the estate. Word ‘destroyer’ has negative connotations and foreshadow upcoming violence. The fact that the sailor is ‘singing cheerfully’ shows that some people can be naïve in the face of danger.
“In the silence that followed gunshots had cracked far off in the wood.”
-Maintains idea that violence is alive in the woods.
“The time came when, thrilling as a pipe lament across the water, daylight announced it must go: there was a last blaze of light, an uncanny clarity, a splendour and puissance; and then the abdication began.”
-As night falls darkness appears. This emphasises the idea of good vs. evil.
“but it wouldn’t hurt them to let us stay in the summer-house…No we would spoil it for them.”
-Social class and setting of the estate.
“Several rabbits were caught, all dead except one; it pounded on the grass and made chocking noises.”
-Shows the barbarity of the forest where animals are caught and killed. Highlights nature’s savagery and bring forward the theme of good vs evil. It also shows the reader Calum’s tender, innocent side.
“The seed was necessary, as the usual imports were cut off by the war. Lady Runcie-Campbell had given permission as her patriotic duty.”
-Shows why Neil and Calum are there and word choice of ‘given permission’ highlights the social hierarchy.
“Already, after only a week, the ground round about was filthy with their refuse and ordure. They were to be allowed to pollute every tree in the wood except the silver firs near the big house.”
-Duror believes that the forest is beautiful and alive but he also believes that Neil and Calum are contaminating it with their presence. Shows his opinion of the forest and of the two men. In addition, it highlights social class differences. The fancy silver firs are to be kept perfect as they are near the big house and are what the aristocrats see. It is not acceptable that the people in the big house should see anything but perfection. Duror and the two cone gatherers, on the other hand, can have worn and disgusting landscapes to look at as they are deemed less important.