A Time to Keep: Section Ten

Overview:

“A Time to Keep: Section Ten” by George Mackay Brown is a poignant depiction of a struggling artist in the small Orkney island community. It highlights the interaction of art, faith, tradition and the inescapable passage of time.

Character Analysis: Danny

Danny, the protagonist, is an artist who strives to capture the essence of the island and its people in his work.
He struggles with maintaining his faith and managing personal relationships, especially after the death of his mother.
His character represents the tension between personal ambition and spiritual duty.

Danny’s Role in A Time to Keep: Section Ten:

Danny’s internal struggle between his art and the demands of his surroundings forms the heart of the narrative.
His art is his only escape from the harsh realities of island life, and becomes his form of prayer when traditional faith eludes him.
His journey, personal and artistic, adds depth and human frailty to the narrative.

Quotes and Analysis:

“His mother had died, and the old woman who dusts the chapel… It seemed his duty to go back.” - This quote illustrates Danny’s sense of responsibility towards his community and the spiritual forces that tie him to the island.
“He sank to his knees, facing his easel, and his prayer was a brush with which he tried to state the real.” - This passage reveals the profound connection between Danny’s art and spirituality, suggesting his art is his expression of faith.

Themes through Characters (Danny):

Danny’s character and experiences bring forth key themes of artistic struggle, faith, duty, and the idea of ‘home’.
The conflicts he battles symbolize the universal themes of individual ambition versus community obligations.
His faith crisis and his use of art as a refuge and a form of prayer create a nuanced portrayal of spirituality and personal belief systems.

Techniques and Effects:

The intimate characterisation of Danny allows readers to empathise with his struggles and aspirations, enhancing the narrative depth.
The descriptive language employed by Mackay Brown beautifully illuminates the rustic charm of the Orkney islands and the intricate emotions of their inhabitants.
The narrative’s emphasis on art, duty, faith, and tradition enriches the text with an overarching sense of gravity and philosophical contemplation.

Knowledge of the character Danny and his role in “A Time to Keep: Section Ten” is key to appreciating George Mackay Brown’s exploration of complex human emotions, faith and the inherent value of art, all set against the backdrop of a traditional Scottish island community.