Historical Context

Historical Context of Sunset Song

Setting

• Sunset Song is set in Kinraddie, a small fictional farming community in north east Scotland.

• The setting timeframe is between 1911 and 1916, overlapping with the outbreak of World War I which significantly changes the life of the villagers.

Period Features and Scottish Subculture

• Many traditional Scottish dialect words are embedded in the text, reflecting the geographical and cultural context of the time.

• Sunset Song exposes the strict Presbyterian values that shape the attitudes and behaviours of the community. Chris’ family’s focus on hard work and discipline exemplifies this belief system.

Impact of the First World War

• In 1914, the First World War broke out which resulted in massive human losses and immense societal changes. It had a profound effect on the village community presented in Sunset Song.

• The rural peace is shattered with the arrival of the war, causing split opinions about the necessity of the war itself amongst the villagers.

• Sunset Song depicts how war brought in new mechanised farming technology that replaced the traditional methods, marking the onset of modernity in rural Scotland.

Class and Social Structures

• The story showcases a community that was largely divided along the lines of social and economic class. The tension between the landed gentry, the ministers, and crofters are evident throughout the text.

• The struggles and plight of the working-class are highlighted in the lives of the Guthrie family, illuminating the tough living conditions of the rural proletariat at the turn of the century.

In light of this, Sunset Song provides a snapshot of rural Scottish life and its transformation brought about by societal and historical changes, particularly World War I and its aftermath. The harsh conditions and the struggle between traditional and modern ways of life play a crucial role in the narrative, influencing the characters and their relationships.