Andrina: "The Beginning"

Andrina: “The Beginning”

“Andrina: ‘The Beginning’“

Introduction and Setting:

• “Andrina” is the opening story in George Mackay Brown’s collection, “A Time to Keep”.
• The story is set on the remote Orkney islands, where the author was born and lived all his life.
• The protagonist, an unnamed elderly man, grapples with solitude and the encroaching shadows of old age and illness.

Characterisation of Andrina:

• Andrina is portrayed as a mysterious, almost magical character. Her appearances coincide with the phases of the moon, strengthening her supernatural aura.
• She is also described with angelic attributes, taking on a messiah-like role for the lonely old man.
• Andrina’s caring and nurturing nature brings warmth and comfort to the protagonist’s bleak and lonely life.

Narrative Technique:

• Mackay Brown uses a first-person perspective that allows readers to see Andrina from the viewpoint of the protagonist and to share his emotional journey.
• The non-linear storytelling complements the elliptical nature of time as perceived by the protagonist, revealing key aspects of his past in fragments.

Theme of Time:

• ‘The Beginning’ delves into themes of time and memory. The protagonist reflects on his life, tracing the passage of time through his musings.
• The cyclical nature of time, represented by the lunar cycles and Andrina’s visits, forms a key thematic undercurrent in this story.

Symbolism in Andrina’s Character:

• Andrina symbolises the yesteryears and forgotten relationships of the protagonist’s past, particularly his lost love, Margaret.
• Her character also embodies hope and rejuvenation, echoing the powerful symbol of the moon that waxes and wanes but always returns.

Depiction of Isolation:

• The isolated setting mirrors the protagonist’s emotional state, reinforcing his loneliness and longing for companionship.
• His solitary life underscores the pervasive loneliness and disconnectedness in modern society, a recurrent theme in George Mackay Brown’s work.