The Cone Gatherers Revision Quiz

Themes What are the two major themes of the novel? ( remember to express them as “ The battle between………..” and “The effects of …………..” If you were writing an essay about the first theme, which two characters would you primarily discuss? If you were writing an essay about the second theme, which three characters would you discuss? For theme one, name at least two key incidents which you could analyse to provide evidence. For theme two name at least two key incidents which you could analyse as evidence.

Characterisation- Chapter One, the exposition of the novel. Which three main characters are introduced in Chapter One? Which character is established as representing goodness and how is this done? Why does the character of Neil feel bitterness as he looks at the big house? Can you write down a quotation which establishes his feelings? Where is the character of Duror when he is first described and what is he doing? Why has the presence of the cone gatherers caused such conflict for Duror? Give two reasons. Give evidence in the form of a quotation to establish Duror’s feelings about Calum in particular.

Characterisation of Duror Chapter Two What are the doctor’s thoughts about what goes on in Duror’s mind? In Chapter two, what important aspect of Duror’s life do we learn about and why is it important to our understanding of him as a character? How is Peggy described in order for us to understand what she looks like? How does Mrs Lochie treat Duror and why? What is Duror’s decision to involve Calum and Neil in the deer drive significantly described as? Why does Duror, strangely, envy the cone gatherers

Chapter Four Why is this such a significant chapter? Give three reasons. What effective imagery is used to describe how Duror feels while planning to involve lady Runcie Campbell in his scheme? What important theme is conveyed at this point and how? When Lady Runcie Campbell speaks to Mr Tulloch, how and why does her attitude change during the second phone call? What important theme is being conveyed here and how?

Chapter Five How is the language in the first two paragraphs of this chapter significant in creating atmosphere? How does Duror’s arrival shatter the previously happy atmosphere? What are Neil’s feelings about being forced to do the deer drive, and what important theme do they convey? How does Duror feel after his descent from the tree? Why does Calum insist that he will do the deer drive?

Chapter Six- The Deer Drive In terms of plot development, why is this such a key incident? What nightmare did Duror suffer from, about Peggy? How does Duror’s appearance and behaviour (while issuing orders) contrast with his normal appearance and behaviour? What does Calum do to cause horror and disgust in Lady Runcie Campbell? Quote two words or phrases used to describe Duror’s behaviour which help the reader to understand the disturbing and violent nature of his actions. When Duror opens his eyes, what does he say? What is Mr Tulloch representative of in this chapter? Think of how he handles the situation.

Chapter Six-continued. What does Roderick say to his mother about her wish to send the cone gatherers away, and why is this important to our understanding of him as a character? What realisation and then decision does Duror come to? Why is this so significant to the rest of the novel?

Chapters 7-9 In terms of Setting, why are these chapters so significant? How are the cone gatherers treated by the people of Lendrick and why is this so important? Chapter 8 sees Roderick behaving in a way which amazes his mother and causes conflict. What does he do? What advice does the doctor offer Duror? At the beginning of Chapter 9, how is Duror’s mood described? He thinks of throwing himself into the harbour but stops, and laughs. Why?