Presentation

1. EXAMINE HOW THE NARRATIVE
STRUCTURE AND TIMESCALE IN
WHICH THE NOVEL IS SET HELPS TO
INTENSIFY THE ACTION OF THE
PLOT.

2. Narrative Structure
Narrative structure in a book is made up of 6 elements:
• Structure – this is not the same as the order in which
things to happen to characters but it is the order in
which they are revealed to us.
• Point of view – character insight, 3rd person.
• Characterisation – how we view characters.
• Setting – how this helps build..
• .. Genre/type.
• Authorial voice and style – this is when we hear or see
parts of Jenkins within the novel through setting or
characters such as Duror.

3. Structure and Time
•Todorov, a famous writer, produced a form of narrative
structure which he believes is the case in almost every story
told.
1. Introduction (Exposition)
2. Inciting Incident
3. Rising Action
4. Crisis
5. Climax
6. Falling Action
7. Resolution (denouement)
In the case of the Cone Gatherers, it fits Todorovs form well.
However, It is more difficult to identify each section clearly as the
book is only set over 6 days, despite seeming much longer.

4. 1. Introduction (Day 1)
• At the beginning, Jenkins sets the scene in order to tell us when and where this
novel is set. For example, he makes reference to a ‘sea-loch’ in the first paragraph
which relates to areas in Scotland. It tells us about the time period on page 3 which
says: ‘all over the world in the war now being fought men, women, and children
were being slaughtered in thousands.’ This has reference to the war, giving us a clear
idea of when this novel has taken place.
• The introduction is also likely to introduce important, main characters. In the first 2
chapters Neil and Calum are described to us in opinion from the 3rd person narrative.
• Neil is shown as the wiser of brothers and makes him seem mysterious: ‘Neil, the
elder of the brothers… gazed at the great house with a calm yet bitter intentness
and anticipation.. Waiting for it to change.’ (p.2) ‘intentness’ is creating this idea
that Neil is focused and never distracted from his task. ‘elder’ which is used in
replace of older creates the idea that he is wise and more knowledgeable.
• Calum is shown as being more child-like, innocent and adventurous. For example,
Jenkins uses the first image of Calum up in the top of tree, where he fits in well: ‘For
Calum the tree-top was interest enough; in it he was indigenious as a squirrel or
bird.. He was a much faster gatherer… reached far out to where the brittle branches
drooped and creaked under his weight.’ (p.2) ‘indigenous’ shows that he should be
up there all the time and it is natural for him to be there. The alliteration of ‘brittle
branches’ directs the attention to how adventurous he is as ‘brittle’ is likely to be
used about bones that will snap easily without much pressure.

5. Inciting Incident (Day 2)
Incite – to stir up unlawful behaviour.
After seeing in the first two chapters that Duror is not at all fond of
the brothers we start to feel a slight tension. This is proven when on
day 2 Duror tells Mrs Morton about what he has heard and saw
Calumdo in the wood: ‘I’m referring, of course, to assaults on wee
lassies.’ (pg.47) Duror uses the word ‘assault’ which is sugar-coating
what he is thinking about happening. It still is an intense word where
it implies a sudden attack by Calum. ‘Wee’ always makes things seem
smaller than the word little. This makes any attacks on ‘wee lassies’
seem more immoral and unlawful. Duror later goes onto say: ‘I saw
that imbecile exposing himself… and worse’ With there being no
other witness than Duror it is difficult to believe his conviction. He
uses the word ‘worse’ in replace of an extra added bit to the story,
making the conversation less formal however, leaving the rest up to
the imagination.

6. Rising Action (Day 3)
• The rising action begins when Calum, the most innocent of
characters is forced into a deer drive for Lady Runcie-Campbell and
her family. With him not having a choice, it makes the situation
climactic as it builds up tension.
• This is the first main scene of action.
• It starts by showing us and the other characters an insight to Durors
mental stability. Despite this being unusual the main focus to
eveyone is that Calum disturbed the drive.
• "He seems to have a spite against you. Is there any reason for it?...
She blames Calum for spoiling the deer hunt."
• LRC is aware that Duror isn't well and she favours him, making it
difficult for the cone gatherers to stand up against him.

7. A settlement
• Within the novel there are certain areas that settle down and become
more normal. For example, we see LRC visiting Peggy for the first time in
the novel. This is seen to be familiar as we are told that she used to visit her
before.
• We also see LRC becoming more caring towards the cone gatherers at
certain points as she realises she has not been true to herself and questions
whether she has acted immoral.
• "As his wife, and the cherisher of his title, she had to agree with him; but as
an ambitious Christian, and as her father's daughter, she could not help
seeing ow barran and impious was that argument."
• We also see Duror going out his way to get some help and guidance from
the Doctor.

8. Crisis – Beach hut (Day 5)
• After Calum and Neil are caught by LRC in the beach hut we see the
opinions of everyone in the situation.
• The point of view in this chapter makes the scene chaotic as things
seem the change and fall apart.
• Neil becomes ashamed of Calum in his appearance and personality,
proving that he isn't as strong as he makes out. He lets LRC walk
over her and he can't stand up for himself, leaving Calum to pick up
his mess.
• After LRC throwing them out into the storm, Roderick becomes
ashamed and angry at his mother. He believes that she is in the
wrong and that they should be treated equally.

9. Climax (Day 6)
• Throughout the novel we see a build of tension in a short period of
time. This build up leads to the major piece of action when Roderick
climbs up the tallest tree in order to be the same as the cone
gatherers.
• With a lot of LRC's workers being older they aren't able to retrieve
him from the tree.
• During this day Jenkins shows the actions of almost every character
that is trying to help Roderick. Which helps create a crazed scene.
• The main point of climax is when Grahem reaches the Scour Point
and Neil refuses to help Roderick unless LRC asks them herself.
• 'We are not her servants.'
• 'If she wishes our help, let her come and ask for it'

10. Falling action (Day 6)
•With Neil refusing, it shows him acting slightly more
confident than the night before and standing up for Calum.
•LRC understands why Neil has refused and becomes quite
selfish. She does give in to go and ask Neil however, it's not
for his sake but for her own good. She may seem like she is
doing it to respect Neil's wishes but this is not the case.
• By this time we feel that things will get resolved as she is
acting how Neil wishes.
• 'Lady Runcie-Campbell tried to make her anger against the
cone-gatherers grow.'

11. Resolution (Day 6)
• At the end of this novel we are left with an incomplete resolution.
This means that the ending has been left open, this could be for us
to imagine what would happen next, could introduce a sequel or for
us to solve an enigma.
• With the thought of Duror heading towards the brothers with his
gun, LRC regrets every decision she made about the brothers.
• With the climax, falling action and the resolution all happening in
the last chapter it makes the ending seem rushed however it helps
keep the structure and intensifies the plot.
• The fact that Duror has deterioated very quickly in just 6 days
makes us aware of his mental decline and this is the reason the
novel feels like it is over a longer timescale.