A Time to Keep: Theme; Agricultural Cycle

“A Time to Keep: Theme; Agricultural Cycle”

Understanding the Agricultural Cycle:

• The agricultural cycle plays a significant part in the short stories of ‘A Time to Keep’. It is integral to the rhythm of life in Orkney and shapes the daily lives of the characters.
• The sturdy determination of the farming community, as they face nature’s adversities head-on in their pursuit of basic survival, is a key element of Mackay Brown’s narratives.

Significance of Seasons:

• Each season carries its own set of challenges and tasks in the agricultural cycle: spring is a period of hopeful sowing, summer brings growth, autumn is the season of harvest, and winter requires store-keeping against harsh conditions.
• Mackay Brown uses each season to study human resilience against the backdrop of time and shepherds the reader through a year in the lives of the islanders.

Role of Festivals:

• The traditional festivals and customs tied to the agricultural cycle enrich the Orcadian narrative and highlight the balance between human labour and nature’s bounty.
• They also serve as social avenues for community bonding and celebration, adding a layer of humanity and compassion to the rugged lifestyle.

Nature and Human Endeavour:

• Mackay Brown uses the agricultural cycle to represent the unavoidable interplay between nature and human endeavour. People on the islands must adapt to nature’s whims to ensure their livelihood.
• The repeated cycles emphasise the persistence of life and survival, despite heavy odds.

Impact on Characterisation:

• The agricultural cycle is not just a context but a character-shaping device. The cycle meets characters with challenge and reward and can mould their attitudes, personal growth and development.
• Characters who endure the agricultural cycle often display perseverance, determination, and a sense of community, impacting their relationships and interactions with others.