A Time to Keep: Section Eleven

Overview:

“A Time to Keep: Section Eleven” is a short story by George Mackay Brown showcasing his masterful storytelling and evocative imagery.
The main character is a grieving mother, rocked by the tragic death of her young child.
The tale is steeped in the traditional life and superstitions of the Orkney Islands, creating a vivid backdrop to the story.

Themes:

Grief and Loss:

The primary theme of the narrative is the grief and loss felt by the mother losing her child. This alleged unnatural passing provokes an intense period of mourning.
Through the depiction of her sorrow and despair, we are confronted with the harsh reality of life and death.

Tradition and Superstition:

The piece captures the deeply ingrained traditions and superstitions of the Orkney Island community.
This folkloristic narrative style imparts a feeling of authenticity as it mirrors real beliefs held by these communities.

Character Analysis:

The Mother:

She is the focal character, and our empathy for her is profound due to the gravity of her grief.
Her folkloristic journey to reclaim her child’s soul demonstrates her despair, love and courage.

The People of the Village:

The villagers’ reactions to the child’s death reveal their shared superstitions and the comfort they derive from tradition.
They act collectively, highlighting the strong sense of community integral to the narrative.

Techniques and Effects:

Use of symbolism as the mother’s walk to the graveyard can be interpreted as representative of her journey through grief.
Mackay Brown employs folkloristic narrative style to highlight key themes and add a layer of authenticity to the story.
His ability to create a sense of place is achieved through his use of descriptive language and detail, evoking the unique Orkney Islands atmosphere.

Quotes and Analysis:

“Do you think my bairn will be lonesome?” - This quote encapsulates the mother’s escalating fear and grief effectively emphasising the powerful maternal bond.
“The years will be a storm she must walk through alone.” - The repeated reference to walking symbolises her progression through grief and the storm metaphor illustrates the harshness of her journey.

In the context of assessment, ensure to weave together discussions about themes and characters, using extracted quotes to support your findings and thoughts while analysively highlighting narrative techniques.