ROBIN JENKINS

‘THE CONE-GATHERERS’CHAPTERS 1&2

INTRODUCTION

‘The Cone-Gatherers’ by Robin Jenkins is set in Scotland during World War II. It is set on the estate of the Runcie-Campbells, a wealthy Scottish family.

The action takes place over a few days in Autumn in the forest on the estate. The trees are to be cut down to provide wood for the war effort.

The cones from the trees are to be collected before the forest is destroyed so that the trees can be replaced.

Brothers Calum and Neil have been sent to do this hard, demanding work.

THEMES

• The main themes in the book are:• Good versus Evil• Class conflict• War

• Jenkins cleverly uses imagery to convey depth of meaning below the surface:• Trees • Weather • Seasons • People

CHAPTER ONE

• In the opening chapter we are introduced to Calum and Neil who are high in the trees gathering cones. It is set during WWII and the forest is to be cut down for wood and needs to be replaced. Thus the reason for gathering cones. • We also find out that Calum is very

compassionate to animals and is very sensitive to their pain. He has released rabbits from their traps which angers Duror, the main character in the novel. • The reader begins to learn of Duror’s shocking

opinions. He hates the brothers, particularly Calum because of his deformity and wants him out of his wood.

GOOD - CALUM

• Calum has a childlike innocence and an affinity with nature• Calum cannot understand why animals kill each

other• He successfully blocks out the war• The extent of Calum’s love of animals is realised

when he sees a rabbit in distress• Calum is skilled in carving – nature

EVIL - DUROR

• Calum’s compassion for the rabbits angers Duror• He vows to get rid of the brothers • Duror spies on the brothers – his hatred revealed • Duror thinks that his obsession with the brothers is a ‘noose

of disgust’ • Shocking revelation from Duror’s childhood. His revulsion of

anything imperfect stems from childhood. • There is an indication that Duror may act on his feelings of

hatred• He is obsessed with the brothers and cannot help spying on

them• Shockingly, Duror supports the Nazi regime • He fantasises about murder• We become aware that the hatred in Duror will not leave

him without tragic consequences

CLASS

• The brothers live in squalid conditions• Neil is aware of the vast differences between

them and the Runcie-Campbells• He questions their living accommodation when

there are more suitable, humane solutions

SETTING

• Significance of the war – good versus evil, Duror, Calum• The silver firs – class• The cone-gatherer’s hut – class

CHAPTER TWO

In chapter two we meet Dr. Matheson as Duror is walking home form the woods. He offers Duror a lift home, which for Duror is an inconvenience as he will have to make small talk with the doctor.

The doctor seems to be more interested in the lack of food due to the war and is not at all happy about it as he is used to fine food such as venison and whisky.

Duror returns home to a desperately unhappy home life. His wife, Peggy, is morbidly overweight and is bedridden. We also meet the dour, hostile mother-in-law Mrs Lochie. She blames Duror for her daughter’s misfortune and wants him to spend more time with her.

We are of course, aware that Duror is repelled by anything that is deformed.

CHAPTER TWODUROR

• Duror meets Dr. Matheson. We can tell he is not happy about having to talk to the doctor

• Duror’s wife Peggy is morbidly obese. Why is this so significant?

• When asked about Peggy he is compared to a tree. What does this tell us about his relationship?

• The doctor is suspicious that despite Duror’s stalwart and stoic appearance, something dark lurks in his mind

• The doctor admires Duror’s stoic nature• Duror is desperately unhappy at home yet he

hides his suffering • Duror thinks of the cone-gatherers and how he is

becoming obsessed• Has Duror known that his sanity would, at one

time, escape him?

DUROR’S UNHAPPY HOME LIFE

• Duror wishes that he could be in the ‘miserable hut’ rather than be at home

Mrs Lochie• She, like Duror will never show her suffering • Mrs Lochie is aware of, and not afraid to

comment on, Duror’s dissatisfaction with his married life

Peggy• Duror likens Peggy with Calum• Peggy and Duror were, at one time, happy

DUROR’S MADNESS

• Duror has a strong bond with his dogs• His dogs then sense the inner turmoil in

their master’s mind as he fantasises about thrashing them – he manages to regain control• We first hear of the deer drive and the

hatching of the evil plan to create immense suffering for the brothers