Iain Crighton Smith (Iain Mac a' Ghobhainn) The Telegram Iain Crighton Smith (Iain Mac a' Ghobhainn)

Iain Crighton Smith January 1, 1928 - October 15, 1998) wrote in both English and Scottish Gaelic, and a prolific author in both languages He was born in Glasgow, but moved to the isle of Lewis at the age of two Crichton Smith was brought up in a Scottish Gaelic speaking community, learning English as a second language once he attended school.

Themes The author portrays the theme by his use of setting, plot development, character comparison and his effective surprise ending. 3 major themes ( you are going to figure them out by the ending of the story)

Example

Task Chart Create a chart to make note of the similarities and differences of the 2 women

1. What do the two women look like? 2. When and where does the story take place? 3. On p.86, what is the telegram compared to? 4. What sort of atmosphere can you feel in the village? 5. In what way are class and social differences expressed? 6. Study the description of the two boys. In what way are they different?

7. In what way are both women different 7. In what way are both women different? Draw a chart to sum up all differences you can spot (questions 5-6-7) 8. What is in the fat woman's mind during the whole episode of the waiting to see who the telegram is meant for? How do we enter her thoughts? Write a few quotations which illustrate your points. • Conclusion: in what way is the relationship between the two women different at the end of the story? What role has the telegram played in it?