A Time to Keep: Section Three

Overview:

“A Time to Keep: Section Three” is part of George Mackay Brown’s collection of short stories centered on the Orkney Islands and their inhabitants.

Themes and Concepts:

Isolation and Solitude

Both physical isolation of the island and emotional solitude of the characters are evident
For some characters, isolation is a comfort, for others a source of despair

Balance of Life and Death

Mackay Brown represents death as a natural element of life
Acceptance or rejection of this paradigm reflects on the character’s connection to the island

Interplay of Past and Present

The narrative switches between moments of the past and the present, emphasising the overlapping of time periods

Characterisation

Characters, like Thorfinn, Ragna, and Unna, are illustrated with substantial depth despite the brevity of the story
Their experiences provide valuable insights into the life and culture of the Orkney community

Techniques Used:

Narrative structure

Flashbacks and past memories are intertwined with the present events, contributing to a layered narrative structure

Symbolism

Symbols such as the ‘bone house’ and characters like the ‘waif’ are used to comment on life, death, community, and isolation

Imagery

Mackay Brown’s use of evocative and often harsh imagery captures the atmosphere of rural Orkney life, and its stark beauty

Quotes and Analysis:

“He rebuilt the old house, stone by stone. It was a good occupation for a man with no hand.” This quote characterises Thorfinn’s determination to live, despite his disability and isolation
“The world was changing, he thought, and changing for the worse.” This quote reflects Thorfinn’s nostalgia for the past and his rejection of the modern world

Below content provides a comprehensive understanding of “A Time to Keep: Section Three” by George Mackay Brown. It is important to appreciate how he uses various literary techniques to convey the real essence of life on the Orkney Islands.