A Time to Keep: Character: Ingi

Overview:

In ‘A Time to Keep’, one of George Mackay Brown’s short stories, the character Ingi is central.
Set in the Orkney Islands, the narrative spans multiple generations, offering a vivid portrait of Ingi’s life and the changes in Orkney over time.

Character Analysis:

Ingi:

Ingi is depicted as a steadfast and hardworking character, reflecting the typical characteristics of the Orkney inhabitants.
He undergoes a personal journey, mirroring the societal and cultural changes happening in Orkney.
Ingi’s deep attachment to the land and traditional lifestyle forms a contrast with the increasing modernisation around him.

Themes:

Tradition and Change:

Ingi embodies the theme of tradition, with his unwavering commitment to his heritage and his reluctance to change.
The societal and cultural transformation of Orkney represents the ongoing theme of change in the narrative.

Persistence and Resilience:

Ingi’s determination in facing adversities and challenges paints the theme of persistence.
His ability to adapt and survive amidst changes showcases resilience, a recurring theme throughout the story.

Techniques and Effects:

Mackay Brown uses vivid descriptions to characterize Ingi and create a sense of place, depicting the Orkney Islands and its people in minute detail.
The author employs symbolism, with Ingi’s steadfastness symbolizing the endurance of traditions amidst the pressures of modernisation.
The contrast between the past and present, traditional and modern, rural and urban, is a central technique used to highlight Ingi’s struggle.

Quotes and Analysis:

“Ingi, the keeper of the past, watched the present overtaken by the future.” - This line reflects Ingi’s struggle, and his feeling of being left behind as the world around him changes.
“No matter the storm or the long winter night, Ingi remained, unyielding as the ancient stones of Orkney.” - This quote epitomizes Ingi’s resilience and echoes the theme of persistence, while also creating a strong image of Ingi as a personification of Orkney itself.

As you delve deeper into the text, pay attention to how these themes and character traits are explored, and use relevant quotes to strengthen your analysis and understanding.