The Cone-Gatherers Chapter 3

Duror Chapter 2 ended with Duror feeling desperate, afraid and isolated. Chapter 3 opens with a more positive Duror: “despair itself was lulled.” (p30) The word “lulled” suggests that Duror’s despair is less strong but it indicates that it is not gone.

Duror The setting is also used to reflect Duror’s mood. “The sky was vast and bright”(p30) “the very air glittered” (p30) The writer’s word-choice indicates a beautiful and fresh morning.

Duror – what do other people think? “’I knew I could rely on you’”(Captain Forgan, p32) Duror is viewed as reliable and decent, even by the most affluent and respectable characters. “’we all know you’re more than willing to do your bit. You’re a stalwart of the Home Guard.’”(p33) The word stalwart was also used by the doctor to describe Duror in chapter 2. This word means loyal and hard-working.

Duror – what do other people think? Mrs Morton’s opinion of Duror is also made clear: “he seemed to her a more distinguished man than Sir Colin himself. Never had she heard him say an indecent or false word.”(p36) Mrs Morton’s opinion of Duror is ironic as he is actually lying to her . The only character, apart from Calum, who seems to dislike Duror is Roderick. This is highly significant. “He had never liked Duror.” (p30)

Duror – attitude to upper class. “walked respectfully…His dogs too recognised the presence of superiors.”(p31) Duror clearly believes in the recognised social order. “’May I be allowed to wish you a good journey…’”(p33) He actually asks permission to be polite to the captain. This is also ironic – while Duror is being respectful to his “betters” he is also lying to them and involving them in his evil plans.

Duror - determination We have already witnessed Duror’s wish to be involved in the war. It becomes clear that he is both determined and desperate to play a part: “’I’ve tried three times.’”(p32) “’I’ll try again, Sir.’” (p33)

Duror – involvement of other people This is the chapter where Duror begins to implement his plans and involve other characters. He is also aware that he can’t turn back now and that he must pursue this course of action that he has chosen: “His tragedy was now to be played in public: it must, therefore, have a crisis and an end.”(p34) This is extremely important as it shows that Duror’s actions are always pre-meditated.

Duror – involvement of other people “surely the next step in the drama should be his involvement of her.”(p35) Clearly Duror is planning his actions in stages. Although his planning is meticulous, there seems to be a surreal aspect to his actions.