The Cone Gatherers

Setting

Background to Setting:

• The novel is primarily set on the Runcie-Campbell estate, specifically in the woods.
• It takes place in autumn, symbolising death and decay, as an old way of life transitions to a new one.
• The wartime setting introduces the theme of conflict and brings the cone-gatherers to the estate as they collect pine-cone seed for replanting when the forest is cut down for the war effort.
• Times are challenging, marked by rationing, unemployment, and social upheaval, threatening traditional hierarchies.

A Refuge:

• The wood is portrayed as almost a paradise. The opening line describes a "good tree by the sea-loch" with "much sunshine" and a homely, sheltering quality.
• The scenery offers moments of solace, like a splendid sun-filled morning that lifts Duror's despair.
• The vast sky symbolises hope, while the iridescent leaves suggest healing and innocence.
• The woods almost become magical, with glittering air and connotations of wealth and benevolence, akin to Lady Runcie-Campbell.

Evil:

• The woods can transform into a sinister place as characters' inner conflicts deepen.
• Duror's presence is felt when the dead ash tree's branches resemble claws, creating a sinister mood.
• Roderick's journey into the woods becomes cold and frightening as he senses Duror's malevolent presence.

---

Prose

• The forest becomes polluted by Duror's malevolence, leading to Roderick's internal struggle and feelings of being trapped.

Other Locations:

• The Cone-Gatherers' Hut: The hut is primitive, reflecting the cone-gatherers' treatment as subhumans, although it has a tranquillity that Duror envies.

• Duror's House: Despite providing warmth, Duror's house torments him due to his internal struggles. His attachment to a tree outside the house is broken.

• The Mansion: Lady Runcie-Campbell's grand mansion represents social class divisions, with barriers separating the cone-gatherers from the privileged family.

• Lendrick: The local village is friendly to its residents but distrustful of outsiders, reflecting outdated values and social obstacles.