1. The Cone Gatherers Chapter 3

2. Chapter Summary P36  The beginning of the chapter shows a change of mood in Duror. Now that he has hatched his plan to get rid of the cone gatherers, he is in a joyful mood.  The writer uses the setting to reflect this mood : “The sky itself was vast and bright; the withered leaves underfoot were iridescent with melting frost; the very air glittered.”  Note the Biblical symbolism: the writer makes reference to the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, which represented the move from innocence to knowledge, or good to evil. Duror feels that he has been returned to a time of innocence, before he was destroyed by evil.  This is ironic, because he is about to commit an evil act, yet he is ‘smiling’.

3. Chapter Summary Roderick Clumsy and awkward “his awkwardness, physical and mental” Not good at sport but enthusiastic “at the finish he had been clumsier and keener than at the beginning” Not outwardly attractive “with startled deer’s eyes and hare’s teeth” Physically and emotionally fragile “weak in body and complicated in mind” Sensitive, perceptive – senses a reason to dislike Duror Sheila Confident and self assured “courageous and as assured as any lady” Beautiful Physically strong and healthy “although his sister, Sheila, two years younger, was beautiful, healthy…”

4. Development of Duror’s character  Duror is respectful of his social superiors. This is shown in the way he addresses Captain Forgan. His deferential attitude helps us to understand the social class differences of the time.  Capain Forgan claims to envy Duror because he is able to stay at home and enjoy the beauty of the setting: “ ‘This is a real honey of a morning, Duror,’ he said, ’and no mistake. Air like champagne.’ “ P38  Captain Forgan, on the other hand will be returning to military duties soon.  Duror, at the same time, envies Captain Forgan who will be able to escape from the forest, unlike Duror who has to stay and endure the torment of the cone gatherers.

5. Development of Duror’s character  The conversation between Duror and Mrs Morton shows us another side of Duror’s character: his sexual repression.  The lack of intimacy between Duror and Peggy has led to a repression of his sexuality and has crippled him emotionally.  Mrs Morton is attracted to Duror – sees him as handsome, but also as someone to be pitied. “She had always thought that suffering had brought to him distinction of body and mind. With his black hair now thickly powdered with white at the sides, and his lean brown meditative face, he seemed to her a more distinguished man than Sir Colin himself.” P43  Mrs Morton imagines a future with Duror, perhaps marriage: “if he asked her, she did not think she would refuse.”

6. Development of Duror’s character  Duror manipulates Mrs Morton. He flirts with her P42-43, but also shocks her by being coarse and blunt, suggesting there have been rumours about an affair between the two of them.  His final thoughts about Mrs Morton (P49) show that he has no feelings for her other than lust.  His evil side is further emphasised when he makes up stories about Calum, suggesting that he is a pervert and is dangerous P47  Mrs Morton is sceptical: there has been no suggestion of misconduct before. P46  She also reveals a sympathetic attitude to the brothers, which is in total contrast to Duror’s attitude of hatred. P48