Structure
The Question:
One of the significant features of the structure of this novel is its use of flashback. Discuss the impact made by the flashback chapters. Go on to discuss at least one other aspect of structure which, in your view, also made an impact. You should make close reference to the text in explaining the effect of the technique(s) used.
Our Response:
You should have included some of the following information in your answer. Remember, if you're unsure about an aspect of structure you can go back to that section in the site to revise it again.
First, the question asks you to discuss the impact made by the flashback chapters. Among the effects of flashback are the following:
- It allows the author to catch the reader's interest with the dramatic news of the evictions which wouldn't have been possible with a chronological structure.
- It provides valuable background information about Highland culture and specific information about Mrs Scott and her roots in Strathnaver.
- This information has an effect on the reader's attitude to Mrs. Scott.
You're then asked to choose another aspect of structure to discuss. Either pace or turning points would have been a good choice. Here are some of the points you could raise for each of these.
Pace
You should have mentioned:
- Technique(s) used to create a particular pace.
- At least two clear examples of how Crichton Smith uses these technique(s) to create pace.
- The link between the pace and what is happening in the examples you have used. e.g. Does it help show the awkwardness felt by the characters? Does it emphasise how much time has passed? Does it help reveal aspects of character?
Turning Points
Using Chapter 9 as an example, here are some of the ways in which a turning point makes an impact.
From Chapter 9 onwards, there are important changes in Mrs. Scott's attitude to:
- The Church
- Leaving Strathnaver
- The Macleods
- The Duke and his officers
In addition, from here onwards:
- The reader's views about Mrs. Scott will change again
- The reader will be prompted to consider what life will be like for Mrs. Scott after she leaves Strathnaver.
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