A Time to Keep: Historical Context

Overview:

“A Time to Keep” by George Mackay Brown encapsulates the historical context of Orkney during the early to mid-twentieth century. The narrative unfolds from the author’s perspective, drawing upon his roots and experiences growing up in the remote Scottish Islands.

Orkney’s Past:

Orkney’s history is portrayed as an intricate tapestry comprising Norse mythology, farming practices, and cultural traditions.
Mackay Brown illuminates the island’s past, infusing his writing with a sense of endemic antiquity.

Transition and Loss:

The narrative captures the slow and unsettling transition from old ways to industrialisation.
Mackay Brown expresses a nostalgic yearning for Orkney’s gradually disappearing way of life owing to modern influences.

Interplay of Myth and Reality:

The writer interlaces real-world changes with stories from Norse mythology, demonstrating their intertwined existence in the collective Orkney consciousness.
The comparison of modern Orkney to its mythological roots adds a profound depth to understanding the island’s transformation.

War and its Impact:

The narrative subtly reflects the trauma of both World Wars, showcasing their far-reaching effects on the quaint island community.
Detailed moments of loss and change brought about by the war draw attention to the destructive impact of global conflicts on local societies.

Techniques and Effects:

Mackay Brown employs emotive language and vivid description to capture the changing dynamics of Orkney.
The use of mythological allusions facilitates a deeper comprehension of the island’s historical and cultural context.

Quotes and Analysis:

“There is a thread of melancholy in the island air; the great days are over.” – This quote encapsulates the nostalgia for an older, simpler time, and the sadness brought on by modernisation.