Character: Calum

Character Overview: Calum

Calum is one of the two cone gatherers in Robin Jenkins’ novel, a hunchback who possesses a pure, childlike nature, often symbolising innocence.
He is the younger brother of Neil and has a deep love for all living creatures. His disability, instead of being a limitation, becomes a window to his unique perspective.
Calum is mentally disabled, innocent, and unable to comprehend the malicious nature of other characters.
He represents goodness and purity, contrasting sharply with the malevolence displayed by some of the other characters, such as Duror.
His relationship with his older brother, Neil, is central to the novel, highlighting themes of loyalty, protection and dependency.

Calum’s Innocence and Goodness

Calum’s innocence and goodness are demonstrated through his profound love for nature and animals; he mourns a wounded rabbit and even shows compassion for a trapped deer, risking punishment.
His love for nature and animals represents his purity and simplicity; he is vastly different from and uncontaminated by the rest of the society.
Despite the hatred he faces due to his deformity, his innocence remains unbroken, demonstrating his resilience and inner strength.

Calum’s Relationship with Neil

There is a profound sibling bond between Calum and Neil. Despite their hardships, they support and defend each other.
Neil often feels protective towards Calum, demonstrating a sense of responsibility and worry for his brother’s well-being.
Interactions between the brothers provide key insights into the difficulties faced by society’s marginalised individuals, as well as reflecting the broader class and societal disparities prevalent during the time.

Calum’s Relationship with Duror

Duror’s irrational hatred for Calum is a significant aspect of the novel, illuminating the themes of prejudice, fear, and hatred.
Calum, oblivious of Duror’s hatred, signifies innocence in the face of malevolence.
Duror’s obsession with killing Calum darkens the narrative, underscoring the destructive impact of unfounded hatred and discrimination.

The Death of Calum

Calum’s tragic death at the hands of Duror represents the crushing of innocence and goodness by evil.
The elements of sacrifice and martyrdom in Calum’s death highlight the profound themes of moral and philosophical contemplation throughout the novel.
His death serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated prejudice and discrimination of society towards those who are different.

Remember, analysing Calum’s character thoroughly will provide essential insights to help you understand and discuss the themes of innocence, good and evil, prejudice, sacrifice, and societal discrimination which are fundamental to understanding ‘The Cone Gatherers’.