Andrina: Style and Technique: Language

Overview

“Andrina” is a captivating story in George Mackay Brown’s anthology. With a blend of superb usage of language and a deep understanding of the human spirit, Brown brings to life the tale set against the backdrop of the stark beauty of the Orkney islands.

Language and Imagery

Brown’s usage of evocative language creates a vivid picture of the Orkney. His intricate descriptions of the changing seasons and natural elements like the sea and wind breathes life into the location.
He masterfully uses metaphors and similes to depict the harshness of the island and its impact on its inhabitants. For instance, the island is described as a ‘solitary bird’ flying into the winds of winter. This comparison not only emphasises Orkney’s isolation but also its strength.
Use of poetic language in the narrative often blurs the line between prose and poetry. Particularly the recurring sea imagery provokes emotional responses from readers.

Dialogue

Dialogue in “Andrina” is noticeably sparse. But when used, they are meaningful and have a subtle impact in revealing the characters and the plot to the reader.
Brown perfectly captures the local dialect of the Orkney islands in his characters’ speech, enhancing the authenticity of the narrative.

Symbols and Themes

Brown’s principle narrative technique is symbolism, particularly, the use of light and dark imagery throughout the story. It often symbolises hope and despair respectively in the protagonist’s life.
The character ‘Andrina’ herself symbolises many things: comfort, hope, love, and the past.
The author’s choice of seasons and its changes is an important technique used in “Andrina”. It often symbolises significant shifts in Mat’s life, with winter being the most bleak and harsh.

Quotable Quotes for Analysis

“The waves broke and seethed on the rocks under the wall”, the active and harsh imagery of this quote draws a parallel with the tumultuous emotions and difficult stages of Mat’s life.
“A glimmer of a smile that promised innumerable secret riches”–this quote describing Andrina symbolises the hope that she brings into Mat’s life.

In “Andrina”, as ever, Brown’s usage of language is steeped in rich and artistic prose. His command of the dialect and mastery of narrative techniques all contribute towards the atmospheric storytelling, making “Andrina” a compelling read and a worthy topic of study for its language and techniques alike.