A Time to Keep: Section Four

“A Time to Keep: Section Four - Literary Techniques and Analysis”

Descriptive Language:

  • Mackay Brown’s unique descriptive prowess shines in this section, providing vivid depictions of Orkney’s rugged landscapes and weather, and lending a tangible sense of place.
  • Details about the characters’ actions, gestures, and clothing further contribute to the realistic world-building and provide additional depth to their personalities and lives.
  • The writer’s command over naturalistic description adds a film-like quality to the narration, which is one of the defining aspects of his prose.

Symbolism:

  • Various symbolic elements are discernible in this section, often relating to Christian iconography and the harsh seasonal cycle of Orkney.
  • The symbolism in ‘A Time to Keep’ provides a useful tool to study the implicit themes, beliefs and cultural nuances inferred in section four.

Themes:

  • Section Four dwells heavily on themes surrounding the struggles of community life, the ephemerality of existence, and the relentless passage of time.
  • By examining the characters’ interactions and conflicts, it also explores interpersonal relationships within the community.

Characterisation:

  • Characters in this section are depicted as holding tightly to their traditions and way of life, amidst the inevitable change and hardships.
  • Each character has been fleshed out through their reactions, dialogues and their manoeuvring in the hostile Orkney environment, making them crucial to the text’s overall narrative and thematic structure.

“A Time to Keep: Section Four - Use of Dialect and Authenticity”

Orkadian Dialect:

  • Mackay Brown skillfully weaves the distinctive Orcadian dialect into the dialogue, providing cultural richness and authenticity.
  • The dialect not only lends charm, but also weaves a broader social and cultural tapestry of the Orkney community.

Authentic Representation:

  • By using their local language and inhabiting their challenges, aspirations, and ways of life, an authentic depiction of Orcadians is provided.
  • As a reader, one is able to gain a deeper understanding of the societal norms, values, and practices of the Orkney community.

Character Development:

  • The Orcadian dialect reveals nuances of character and the dynamics of their interaction.
  • This enhanced understanding of characterisation provides valuable insights into the characters’ internal conflicts, social values, and their evolving relationships.