The Cone Gatherers: A Tale of Compassion and Hatred during WWII
The Cone Gatherers by Robin Jenkins is a novel set in Scotland during World War II, revolving around the contrasting characters of Calum and Duror. Calum, with his childlike innocence and love for nature, stands in stark opposition to Duror, whose deep-seated hatred and disturbing past lead to a tale of tragedy and consequences. As the story unfolds, the themes of class disparities, compassion, and evil intertwine in a gripping narrative that explores the depths of human nature.
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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.
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
Chapter 2 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 2 -Duror 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?
Durorsunhappy 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
DurorsMadness 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
Chapter 3 In this chapter we are introduced to Lady Runcie Campbell s rather clumsy son, Roderick. We are also introduced to his sister Sheila and their uncle Captain Forgan. It is in this chapter that Duror involves Mrs. Morton, the cook-housekeeper, and Lady RC in his plan to destroy the cone-gatherers.
DurorsLies Mrs Morton is used by Duror and becomes involved in his plot. She has shown no hostility towards the brothers Duror tells Mrs Morton that he saw Calum exposing himself in the woods and is a threat to young girls like Sheila Mrs Morton and Duror have feelings for each other but perhaps now Duror is incapable of love Duror admits to Mrs Morton that he needs help
Chapter 4 Day two in a discussion with Lady RC, Duror suggests that Calum and Neil be used as beaters. She asks Mr Tulloch and he agrees that they can be used. However, he phones back to explain that Calum has scruples over being a beater. Lady RC asks Duror for advice and her Christian values are overcome by her aristocratic values. Later though she proposes a compromise that only Neil be used. Duror will have none of it. Thus the fateful deer hunt is to go ahead.
Lady Runcie Campbell -Class Lady Runcie Campbell struggles with her Christian Values, she should be compassionate to those less fortunate than her. However, her aristocratic status often contradicts this. The theme of class often explores this contradiction (note how she was so easily persuaded by Duror to make them stay in the hut) Lady RC cannot understand Roderick s admiration for Neil Lady RC does not want the brothers near her home Tulloch explains Calum s squeamishness to Lady RC and she refuses to understand (conflict between Christianity and class) CALUM Lady RC directly compares him to Christ
Duror-Evil Duror knows that his actions are wrong and will implicate Lady RC in his evil plan Imagery is used to convey the fact that he is aware he is overcome with evil (filth) Roderick s dislike of Duror Duror considers another opportunity for evil he imagines that Roderick has a terrible accident and dies He does not understand why he responded the way he did Imagery used to describe the terrible lies Another admission from Duror that he is totally aware of all the evil he is doing: Peggy, Mrs Morton, to destroy the CGs.
Chapter 5 In this chapter we learn of Neil s worries over Calum. He is fearful of Calum s fate should anything happen to him. Duror tries to climb the tree but suffers from dizziness. The brothers learn that they must take part in the deer hunt. Neil, furious on behalf of Calum, tells Duror that they are free men and that they will not take part. Calum, out of love for his brother, agrees to try his best to take part.
Class The hut is a symbol of humiliation for Neil Neil is humble and believes that the RCs represent the power of the world Neil is aware of the hatred that Duror has for him and his brother but cannot understand it
Extended Metaphor of trees There is another example here of the extended metaphor of the trees: He was like a tree still straight, still showing green leaves; but underground death was creeping along the roots. This is also where Duror has his first thoughts of suicide.
Extended Metaphor of trees Throughout the novel, the image of a tree is repeatedly connected to Duror s character, and very effectively shows his development as a character. We first learn of this tree relatively early on in the book, but Jenkins refers back to it throughout. He builds on the image creating a very detailed timeline that show us his mental state gradually deteriorating until, eventually, it is entirely rotten.
Extended Metaphor of trees I think that this metaphor of the tree growing inside Duror can be broken up into three main stages; His connection with the Elm Tree, how he found comfort in it and almost companionship from looking at it and being around it. The Tree of Hatred that has taken root in his mind, and how it continues to grow and fruit throughout the duration of the novel. When he is compared to an entirely rotten tree, and how this shows us just the extent of his illness, and how it has entirely corrupted the man he once was. Each of these images symbolises a different stage of his mental health, the first being his sanity and how he is able to cope with him situation, the second being mental illness, his gradual decline in his rationality and mental stability, and the third being a complete loss of reality and a total mental collapse.
The Great Elm To Duror, the Great Elm tree that grows outside his house is extremely significant to him. To him, it is a physical manifestation of everything he believes in and stands for, and as a result, he felt a very strong emotional connection to it. Whenever he was feeling particularly down, or just wanted some company, he would go to this elm tree, and look at it, or even merely put his hand on it. That action in itself would be enough to comfort and solace him. He looks at this tree as a perfect example of the way nature should be: Living in the way ordained, resisting the buffets and tempests, and repairing with its own strength the damage suffered. To Duror, this tree is a living representation of endurance, a figure able to withstand anything and merely move on with life unscathed, even when it is hurt. This tree is everything that Duror aspires to be, especially given his situation with his wife, and how he no longer feels or receives the intimacy that he once did from her. He feels the need to be able to bear through his situation in the hopes that will get better, and ultimately just like the elm tree, repair the damage and move on with his life.
The Great Elm And for a period of time, he can do just that. The tree helps him endure through his pain, and he satisfied with himself. But with the introduction of the war, and more so the Cone Gatherers to the forest, he feels tainted, as though his mental health has deteriorated to such an extent that now, he no longer deserves to share that bond he had with the tree. To so much as glance at it would be to betray it, and in the process taint it with his corruption. It is at this point, that his mental health starts to decline at an increasing rate. We also find that Duror feels as though he himself has a tree growing inside him, but not a tree like the great elm, rather a tree of hatred and malice.
The Tree of Hatred within Duror We first learn of Duror s Tree of hatred very early on in the novel, when he is fantasising about the cone gatherers falling out of a tree and dying. He explains to us that he is fully aware of the tree of revultion growing inside him and could name every item, Fruit, leaf and branch , but does not understand the cause of it, and suggests to us that he has no control over it. It is as if the great elm tree that he once found as a physical embolism of his mental state has begun to decay, and this tree inside him is the result. This is the start of his mental decline, and also his realisation of his hatred of Calum.
The Tree of Hatred within Duror Slightly later in the novel, he is requested by Lady Runcie Campbell to inform the Cone Gatherers that they are required to beat at the deer drive, and had thought it to be a good idea to climb up the tree to tell them. He finds out in this chapter, that he is however afraid of heights and as a result is frustrated in himself that he cannot do what Calum does many times every day. As a result, he comes to the conclusion that he must be Far more ill and decayed than he first thought. . This shows us that he understands his gradual decline of sanity, but the fact that he says decayed suggests to us that he does think of this as a tree inside of him, rather than his mental health.
The Tree of Hatred within Duror He goes on to describe himself as a large tree, stood straight, whom on the outside looks fit and healthy, but Underground death was creeping along the roots . This is an apt comparison as it effectively sums up how the people of the estate view him. Nobody has ever questioned his sanity, or even his health in general before, as they have all thought him to be a very stoic, resilient man, and previously he was, as he had the help of his elm tree. But now, with this corruption and decay spreading through his roots, on the outside he looks fine, but on the inside this malice and hatred are creeping through him, consuming him and taking over his life like an obsession.
The Rotten Tree Finally, Duror s mental health degrades to such a point where he has descended entirely into madness. His obsession with both this tree that he has become, and the Cone Gatherers has led him to the point where he has lost his grip on reality, and no longer has any real control over what he is doing. During the final chapter, Graham s reference to the tree metaphor shows us the final outcome of Duror s struggle. When running through the woods to inform Lady Runcie Campbell of Neil s decision not to help, he comes across Duror standing next to a completely rotten tree. He describes Duror as being, As still as the dead tree itself. This shows us just the extent of Duror s corruption, and how despite originally his decline was a primarily internal struggle, it has got to the point where he has become so decayed that it is outwardly noticeable.
The Rotten Tree His once great elm tree, the standing memento of resilience and endurance has now become a rotten husk of its former self, entirely corrupted by isolation and illness. Graham then goes on to explain to Duror about the situation with Roderick, and how the gatherers have refused to help out. As he is speaking, a large chunk of the rotten tree falls off and lands by his feet. It is at this point, that Duror s mental state finally snaps. That piece of falling wood symbolises the last push that Duror needed to become truly and absolutely insane, and from that moment onwards he is in complete madness. As Duror leaves the scene, Graham remarks that It was as if the rotten tree itself had moved
Other Points Duror used to feel that the forest was his sanctuary. A place that he felt safe, and comfortable in, and a place that he often visited to help him with his issues. But now, with the introduction of the Cone Gatherers to his forest, he feels as though this place that he once loved has become tainted with them, and now the mere thought of his forest leads to hatred towards the men. I feel that this is significant, as it mirrors Duror s relationship with Peggy. Just like he used to find solace and comfort with her, and how he once loved her, now she has become tainted by her disability and her obesity. Now, as a result of this, even the thought of her disgusts him, and fuels his hatred towards her.
Other Points Calum is always said to be exceptionally good at climbing trees. This angers Duror, as he finds trees comforting, almost like friends, and to have someone that he despises to climb on them is almost insulting to him. He feels as though the trees are being infringed upon, and that it is his duty to stop this, and do something about it. This could be one of the factors that continue to fuel his hatred towards Calum throughout the novel.
Tree Quotations A large elm tree stood outside his house. Many times just by staring at it, his mind had been soothed, his faith in his ability to endure to the end had sustained (page 22) He must therefore be far more ill and decayed than he had first thought. (page 71) He was like a tree still straight, still showing green leaves, but underground death was creeping along the roots (page 71) The dead ash clawed at the sky with branches as white as bones (page 81) He could not move; he was as powerless as the elm beside him and for those two or three minutes he had felt his sap, poisoned, flowing out of him into the dark earth. (page 117) Duror seemed to be as still as the tree itself (page 211) As he spoke, a piece of the tree broke off, and dropped by his feet. (page 212) Duror was stalking away towards the Point, it was as if the rotting tree itself had moved. (page 212)
Chapter 5 Duror continues to decline the plot of the Deer Drive He had not anticipated the sickening of his very will to hate It seemed to him that he must therefore be far more ill and decayed than he had thought. He was like a tree still straight, still showing green leaves; but underground death was creeping along the roots. The word choice and imagery show: The decline in Duror he is sickening, becoming ill The growing root of evil That the end result is inevitably death
Chapter 6 The Deer Drive Lady Runcie-Campbell organises a deer hunt in honour of her brother, Captain Forgan, who is on leave from serving in WWII. Neil is outraged on behalf of Calum that they have been asked to act a beaters. Neil insists that they do not take part. It is in this chapter that Duror reveals to others the psychological problems he has been experiencing.
Chapter 6 The Deer Drive Chapter 6 forms a turning point in the novel Duror s plan to get rid of Calum in the deer drive comes to a head Duror s growing madness comes out in public in front of nearly all of the key characters. Calum throws himself on the deer, Duror throws Calum off and violently slits the throat of the deer, as he thinks it is Peggy this links back to Chapter 2 and the revelation that the root of his problem is sexual frustration caused by his wife s illness Rushing upon the stricken deer and the frantic hunchback, he threw the latter off with furious force, and then, seizing the former s head with one hand cut the throat savagely with the other. Note the word savagely which shows Duror s change from human to savage - this links to the idea of turning point as Duror has changed
Chapter 6 The Deer Drive Peggy? he asked. What s happened to Peggy? This shows what was actually in Duror s mind when he slit the deer s throat. The root of the anger is connected to Peggy and deformity But when he looks at Calum Duror realises something about himself: He understood for the first time why he hated the hunchback so profoundly and yet was so fascinated by him. For many years his life had been stunted, misshapen, obscene and hideous and this misbegotten creature was its personification. This is Duror s insight (useful for Higher questions on characters who experience insight) Calum's outward appearance is like Duror s inward appearance. This unsettles Duror as it provokes him to madness with fatal consequences. The killing of the Deer also foreshadows the conclusion of the novel when a further violent incident will take place.
Chapter 6 The Deer Drive This chapter is a turning point for many reasons. Up to this point it has only been the reader who has been aware of the evil within Duror. At the deer hunt his deterioration is exploited publicly. It is also the point at which it is clear that the cone- gatherers will no longer be able to remain in the woods. Furthermore, after the deer hunt, we are to a large extent, shut off from Duror s thoughts. We do not see him very often in the rest of the novel and often only through the eyes of other characters.
Chapter 6 The Deer Drive Duror Duror s nightmare he reveals his mental state to others His plan to kill Calum is connected to the fact that he has come to hate his wife and longs to be rid of her Duror has repressed his feelings which is why he appears stoic and stalwart Duror s intense hatred of Calum continues to grow and it is shocking to the reader to discover that his evil plan to rid them from the wood is far from over (reference to Christ)
Climax of The Deer Drive Calum, with overwhelming sympathy for the deer flings himself upon the deer, regardless of his own safety Duror laughs like a madman He carries out the savage attack on the deer He asks for Peggy in a state of confusion He furiously attacks Calum It seems that both Duror and Lady RC blame Calum for the horrific events Duror s misery returns with the realisation that his wife is not dead
Chapter 8 As a consequence of the scene at the Deer Drive, Duror has a doctor s appointment .The theme of internal conflict is revisited in the scene with Duror and Dr Matheson. Duror gets a diagnosis of the roots of his illness. Dr Matheson continues to be the reliable witness so his conclusion is right: This is the reason for Duror s madness: Since your wife s illness you have never had relations with her? Therefore you have lived like a monk ever since. This has set up stresses and now it is affecting you physically. (p.102) The doctor looks at ways in which Duror can address this problem: Other women (break religious and social rules, and affair was unacceptable in this community) Religious acceptance (have faith but Duror does not believe in God) Endurance this is the doctor s advice, they drink a toast to it: Aye, to endurance. (p.103)
Chapter 9 -Duror Duror returns from his consultation with Dr. Matheson Here we witness Duror's inner turmoil. This is how he really feels he is a man on the brink, as his physical positioning at the edge of the pier highlights. The actions which he considers are not only brutal, but final. Furthermore, there is a direct contrast here between his outward appearance and his inner feelings. Duror stared at the water which would indicate that he is looking for himself, seeking an answer in his reflection. However, because it is night, he can see nothing below him but darkness. Thus there is no hope for him, no salvation. Duror appears to realise that he has reached the end. However the fact that he "halted" would suggest that he is unable to end his own suffering. Duror's longing for the end encourages sympathy from the reader. There is an inherent sadness here, and the realisation that death would be preferable to life is expressed through the use of the word "wish".
Chapter 9 -Duror Chapter 9 is the second turning point in the novel. It marks the end of hope and the beginning of the end. Duror rejects the doctor s advice and goes drinking. The result was a revulsion against the doctor s reiterated philosophy of endurance (the doctor s bag is rejected) (p.104) Note word choice revulsion : a powerful disgust Duror totally rejects the idea of endurance there is no way he can live with this He (Duror) felt in a mood for murder, rape or suicide (p.104) This reveals Duror s true emotional state and foreshadows the end of the novel.
Chapter 9 -Duror Why murder? Duror believes that getting rid of the cone gatherer will resolve the terrible feelings inside of him, Calum s appearance in the wood unsettled him, his removal should settle him down again. Duror will ultimately kill Calum. Why rape? this reinforces the root of sexual frustration but this is directed towards Calum, are the lies about Calum masturbating really projections of what Duror himself was doing? Duror will sexually assault something. Why suicide? this reinforces Duror as an isolated character. He feels alone in this and has lost the will to live. Duror will kill himself. The chapter begins with Duror contemplating suicide, but at this point in time he has no means to do it. He continues to feel there is no solution so he goes drinking alone
Chapter 9 The Pub The men in the pub feel a degree of sympathy for Duror s predicament with Peggy. A soldier in the pub tells a joke about fighter pilot and an ape. We learn that the brothers mother committed suicide after the birth of Calum. In the pub a soldier tells a joke about a pet ape. The faux pas (mistake) of the joke brings everybody onto the cone gatherers side They are a pair of harmless decent men (p.109) all except Duror he is alone/isolated in his hatred of them: he put down his glass and left (p.109)
The Beach Hut Chapters 11-12 The Beach Hut scene is crucial to our understanding of the novel. Having offended LRC at the Deer Drive and having promised to keep out of her way circumstances and the need for survival force the cone gatherers to take shelter in the Beach Hut during the most ferocious storm of all. This begins the process of the final casting out of Calum and Neil from the wood: their sin is to break a social convention and the instruction not to bother LRC, it is ultimately because of class division that they are ordered to leave.
The Beach Hut Chapters 11-12 they were in a good position to watch the approach of the storm. Storm is the use of pathetic fallacy to add a dangerous atmosphere to the story and to foreshadow another storm in the chapter. Sometimes we ve got to choose between two things, neither of them to our liking. (Neil speaking to Calum, p.125) this reflects the debate Neil has with Calum whether sheltering in the Beach Hut was necessary. If the storm got into Neil s rheumatism he could perish and there would be no one to look after Calum. Neil feels that they have a right to shelter.
The Beach Hut Chapters 11-12 Chapter starts with a storm approaching. This has two purposes, a literal and a figurative. Literally, storms are violent so the storm is a metaphor for violence. indigo clouds had been mustering reflects early hints at inevitability of outcome whilst black clouds were now overhead. Thunder snarled pg 121 represents the growing animosity of Duror. It is an indication of what s about to happen with Duror. yet peace and brightness persisted pg 122 could be seen as Calum s goodness not yet extinguished or Roderick s growing sense of justice and compassion for the men.
The Beach Hut Chapters 11-12 LRC s appearance in this scene is described like this: The door was flung open to the accompaniment of the loudest peal of thunder since the start of the storm. (p.128) The pathetic fallacy adds mood. loudest peal tells us that this is an event of the greatest importance the storm is at its highest Real storm in the chapter is between LRC and the Cone Gatherers, they offended her previously (The Deer Drive) now they do so again. She does not let them stay (as her Christian conscience would have allowed) she forces them out into the dreadful weather her social upbringing leads her to take a decision which removes sympathy from her and places it on the cone gatherers.
The Beach Hut Chapters 11-12 Inside the Beach Hut they find some discarded toys: it was a small wooden doll, naked, with a comical red cheeked face; one leg was missing. Calum held it tenderly. (p.127) A symbol of innocence The doll symbolises how Calum feels about himself. The nakedness of the doll reminds us of the accusations against Calum. The doll foreshadows a reappearance later in the story.
The Beach Hut Chapters 11-12 There are various points emphasising the gulf of wealth between Lady Runcie Campbell and Neil and Calum e.g. toys broken being replaced. Neil knows Calum would pick the toy, which is broken, because it is disfigured like him. It is a human figure feels it might be hurt. Calum s inherent goodness is shown once more through his initial apprehension and reluctance to enter the hut, and his desire to protect Neil and take the blame for their astonishing impudence . The toys are a physical representation of Neil s resentments of the RCs. The broken toys represent their carelessness and easy disregard for others.
Chapter 13 The key event in this chapter is the phone call between Mrs. Lochie and LRC. Aye he was always clean-mouthed, I ll say that for him. But this morning he came in with a doll. (p.147) The doll is a device which shows outwardly the change of in Duror which has happened inwardly. The doll (innocence) in his hands is ruined (raped). When speaking about he speaks in foul terms about seed suggesting that Calum has masturbated over the doll where the reader can infer (dramatic irony) that it was, in fact, Duror. Thus innocence has been lost and the characters spiral down to their inevitable fates. This doll is used as a device to develop the story and the characters.
Chapter 14 - Durors second appointment with LRC and the revelations about the doll Note the beautiful setting at the start of the chapter: Of all the bonny corners in the wood, this was the bonniest (p.149) This is the place where Neil and Calum are at their happiest. It is therefore ironic that the most dreadful conclusion of the book will happen at the most beautiful place. The use of contrast brings out the horror of the end of the book. The use of the colloquial bonny adds to the friendliness and attractiveness of the location. The doll is used as the device to bring matters to a climax it demonstrates that Duror s madness is reaching its climax and it offers LRC s the reason she has been looking for to get the cone gatherers out of her wood. In Duror s repetitious incoherence the word seed kept recurring (p.158) suggests semen and that Duror was accusing Calum of masturbating over the doll. For a second time (the first was the Doctor s appointment) the roots of Duror s madness are considered. This time Tulloch and LRC explore the roots of Duror s madness: Why had Duror taken a spite against Calum? (p.159)
