Theories Behind Duror’s Crimes Calum’s Death Duror’s Motivations Duror and Lady Runcie Campbell

2. Theories Behind Duror’s Crimes • Calum’s Death • Duror’s Motivations • Duror and Lady Runcie Campbell • Characterisation of Neil and Calum • The Deer Hunt • In the Beach House • Roderick’s Opinion • Conclusion

3. Theories Behind Duror's Crimes Duration: 02:20 Waiting in Lady Runcie Campbell's grand house, Wallace expresses his rage and disgust at Duror's murder of Calum. He presents his theory that Duror was out for any excuse to kill Calum, and found one when Calum's brother Neil disobeyed an order from the upper class Lady Runcie Campbell. Back to Contents Consider the way in which class is presented, particularly focusing on Wallace's analysis of Lady Runcie Campbell forcing the cone gatherers to leave the beach hut. Why did she do this? Also consider the way in which Duror views class. Does this help explain why he killed Calum?

4. Calum's Death Duration: 00:53 Lady Runcie Campbell talks to the inspector about her experience of discovering Calum's body. She sees Calum's death as a sacrifice bringing potential for a new and better beginning. Back to Contents Consider the way in which Lady Runcie Campbell regards Calum. Consider the symbolic reason for blood covering her hands. Does this suggest she is partly to blame for Calum's death? She also describes a sense of pity and happiness - why does she feel these contrasting emotions? Consider the religious symbolism suggested in the death of Calum whose innocence and sacrifice can be compared to Christ's. Once he gave up his life for others, our sins were forgiven bringing new joy. Lady Runcie Campbell is also seen as kneeling. What does this position suggest? Has she changed in her view towards others?

5. Duror’s Motivations Duration: 01:39 The inspector tells Wallace his theories as to why the gamekeeper, Duror, dislikes the cone gatherers (especially Calum). The theory that Duror projects aspects of himself that he despises on to Calum is considered. They go to Mrs Lochie who tells them how Duror began to resent his wife after she became ill and lost her looks, as he hates deformity. Back to Contents • Write a list of all of the different reasons suggested by the inspector and Mrs Lochie as to why Duror dislikes the cone gatherers – and especially Calum.

6. Duror and Lady Runcie Campbell Duration: 04:08 A montage of Duror's attraction towards Lady Runcie Campbell, whom he sees as perfect (in contrast to so much else around him that is ugly), is accompanied by a voiceover from the inspector, discussing his state of mind. Back to the drama, Lady Runcie Campbell then describes being disturbed by how Duror talked to her, and how she found Calum dead up a tree after Duror killed him. Back to Contents • Make a list of all the ways Duror is surrounded by imperfection. • What does he find solace in? • How would Duror feel if his only salvation (Lady Runcie Campbell) was threatened? Does this help us to understand his actions?

7. Characterisation of Calum and Neil Duration: 03:18 Neil and Calum argue over an injured rabbit. Neil becomes impatient and angry at Calum's sympathetic heart, and knows that interfering with the gamekeeper Duror's snares could land them in trouble. Mr Tulloch expresses his overview of Neil and Calum's personalities. Back to Contents • Consider themes of war and the destruction of innocence. Link Calum with innocence. • Consider the relationship between the two brothers. Why is Neil quickly irritated? • Why does Calum promise to leave animals alone? • Consider Duror as the 'threatening force'. Who is he pointing the gun at?

8. The Deer Drive Duration: 02:10 Tulloch relates what he saw on the deer drive to Wallace and the inspector. He tells them how Calum was distressed and tried to save the deer Duror had shot, and how Duror went into a frenzy, stabbing at the deer over and over. He believes Duror was mentally attacking something else, such as Calum, his wife Peggy and what he saw as ugly in the world. Back to Contents • Contrast the different viewpoints of Calum. • What significance does Mr Tulloch attribute to this event? • In what ways might this scene be considered a turning-point in the novel?

9. In the Beach House Duration: 00:59 Neil and Calum sit in the beach house, sheltering from the rain. They inspect some abandoned toys and discuss how attitudes towards them differ between the classes. Calum wants to take home and repair a broken doll but Neil sees this as stealing. Lady Runcie Campbell arrives and demands that they leave. Back to Contents • Identify where class division is highlighted. • How do the characters posture and tone to each other reveal their attitudes to class? • What is symbolic about the doll being broken? Think about why Calum likes the doll. Explain how this once again shows Calum as an outsider.

10. Roderick's Opinion Duration: 04:04 Detective Wallace and the inspector quiz Roderick about his perceptions of the cone gatherers, Neil and Calum. Roderick expresses his admiration for the two brothers, his friendship with them and his dislike of Duror's and his mother's poor treatment of them. His mother, Lady Runcie Campbell, can't understand his compassionate point of view towards lower-class men, especially Calum. Wallace, however, can relate to Roderick's view.. Back to Contents • Consider the ways in which Roderick differs to his mother, especially in his view of the cone gatherers. • Examine the ways in which he sympathises with the cone gatherers and how he views Duror's behaviour towards them. • How far do you agree with Wallace's assessment of Roderick's behaviour?

11. Conclusion Duration: 01:28 Wallace reiterates the idea that Duror killed Calum to try to cleanse his own twisted hatred of the world, as he saw Calum as embodying ugliness, which Duror couldn't stand. When this didn't work, Duror turns his gun on himself. The two detectives then leave to return to Glasgow. Back to Contents • Duror's motivation for killing himself and conclusion. • List the reasons given as to why Duror killed himself and whether the novel's climax leaves a positive or negative message. • Consider the relevance of this text to your own life. You might look at topics such as prejudice, injustice, disability, discrimination, responsibility and respect for others.