Chae Strachan

1. Chae Strachan

2. Chae’s Role Farmer in early 20th century Scotland Minor character but has importance in key events: • Opening of the novel – confrontation with rich motorist – contrasting with friendship of Long Rob – accepts difference of opinion but not ‘class’ • Gives Chris fatherly advice on her wedding day – as if to look after her for John –as they were good friends • Peesie’s Knapp goes on fire – cattle – connection with the land • One of the first in Kinraddie to join the army – later tells Chris the truth about the killing of Ewan

3. Highlighted Themes and Ideas • He wants the world to change – equality • Represents the old way of life • Belief of education – supports women • Sends his daughter Margaret to Aberdeen for schooling • His views are respected (Shows change in society) • He is well travelled – plenty of experience, wise • The burning of his house highlights the community coming together

4. Family • Chae’s family consists of himself, his wife, Kirsty and their three children • Although Chae had duties on the farm to provide for his family, he joined the army without hesitation • This shows his character as being strong-willed and loyal to his country even if it means having to leave his family behind

5. Reaction to War • He is keen to fight for his country – patriotism • Values other’s opinions about war, he does not try to recruit anyone • His personality has changed when he comes home on leave – traumatised • Typical soldier in that he does not speak about the horrors of war. He keeps them bottled up • Changes from his more laid back attitude to quite aggressive, for example – his strong reaction to the cutting down of the trees

6. War Role • Chae was one of the first to join the army • He began as a soldier and moved up the ranks to a sergeant – a middle rank in the army. • His role was to inform Chris of the truth behind Ewan’s death and he delivered the news in a personal, sensitive way. • He died 1 hour before Armistice – He represented the end of the old Scot’s way of life that died with the end of the war

7. Chae’s Quotes • “Keep a civil tongue in your head.” • “There was no justice under capitalism” • “A revolution would soon sweep away… corrupted lackeys.” • “Chae covered his ears and cried Oh God, that’s old Clytie, Clytie was his little horse, his sheltie.” • “Never doubt your Ewan, Chris, or let him know that you do. That’s the hell of married life. Praise him up and tell him he’s fine…and he’ll want to cuddle you till the day he dies.” • “It would end the armies and fighting forever, the day of socialism at last would dawn.” • “Better always to know what truths in a thing…I swore to myself that I’d tell you it all, that you’d never be vexed with some twisted bit in the years to come.”