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The Telegram by Iain Crichton Smith - Summary, Themes, and Quotes for Higher English

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Tom Gordon

8/7/2022

English

Higher English - The Telegram

The Telegram by Iain Crichton Smith - Summary, Themes, and Quotes for Higher English

The Telegram by Iain Crichton Smith is a poignant short story set during World War II that explores themes of social class, ambition, and the universal impact of war. The narrative revolves around two contrasting women and an elder in a small rural village, highlighting their fears and tensions as they await news of their sons at war.

• The story masterfully portrays the unpredictability of life and the unifying effect of shared fear.
• It emphasizes how war affects everyone, regardless of social status or personal differences.
• The unexpected ending underscores the story's message about life's uncertainties and the far-reaching consequences of war.

...

8/7/2022

605

The Telegram
MAIN CHARACTERS
Thin woman:
The thin woman was an unpopular widow in the village
with high ambitions to send her son to univers

View

The Telegram: Plot and Themes

The plot of "The Telegram" unfolds as the two women, despite their differences, find themselves united in their fear for their sons' lives. As they drink tea and gaze out of the window, they spot Elder Macleod approaching with a telegram in hand.

The tension builds as the Elder passes by everyone else's homes, leaving the women to wonder whose son has fallen victim to the war. This shared anxiety momentarily bridges the gap between the thin and fat woman, highlighting how the fear of loss can transcend social boundaries.

Example: The women's anxiety is palpable as they watch the Elder's progress through the village, each hoping the telegram is not for them.

One of the primary themes in the story is conflict, both external and internal. The personal conflict between the women is evident in their inability to form a friendship despite their shared circumstances.

Quote: "No matter how hard you tried, you could never like the thin woman."

This quote, using free indirect speech, reveals the fat woman's judgments and the underlying class tensions between them.

The theme of social class is also prominent, illustrated by the different ranks of their sons in the navy and the contrasting attitudes towards education and ambition.

Highlight: The thin woman's sacrifices to send her son to university are viewed with suspicion by the village, highlighting the clash between ambition and traditional rural values.

The story also explores the insular nature of rural life, using animal imagery to emphasize the contrasts between characters.

Quote: "They were like two birds, one a fat domestic bird, the other more aquiline, more gaunt, or to be precise, more like a buzzard."

This imagery not only accentuates the differences between the women but also ties into the broader theme of the unpredictability of life and the universal impact of war.

The Telegram
MAIN CHARACTERS
Thin woman:
The thin woman was an unpopular widow in the village
with high ambitions to send her son to univers

View

The Telegram: Purpose and Conclusion

Iain Crichton Smith's purpose in writing "The Telegram" appears to be multifaceted. Primarily, he aims to convey the unpredictability of life and the universal impact of war, regardless of social status or personal differences.

The anti-climactic ending, where it's revealed that the telegram is for Elder Macleod himself, serves to emphasize this unpredictability. It forces readers to confront the reality that no one is immune to the ravages of war, not even those who have been bearers of bad news to others.

Highlight: The Elder's reaction to receiving the telegram about his own son's death - walking six miles to the next village in denial - powerfully illustrates the devastating impact of war on individuals.

The story also serves to highlight how shared fear can unite people despite their differences. The thin and fat women, despite their mutual dislike and social disparities, are brought together by their common anxiety for their sons' safety.

Definition: Anti-climax - An event, conclusion, or resolution that is far less important, powerful, or striking than expected.

In conclusion, "The Telegram" is a poignant exploration of human nature in times of crisis. It reminds us that in the face of universal threats like war, our personal differences and social distinctions become insignificant. The story's themes of conflict, social class, and the unpredictability of life resonate strongly, making it a valuable text for Higher English students studying critical reading and analysis.

Quote: "The elder walked on." This simple yet powerful ending encapsulates the confusion and devastation of war, leaving readers to contemplate the far-reaching consequences of conflict on individuals and communities alike.

The Telegram
MAIN CHARACTERS
Thin woman:
The thin woman was an unpopular widow in the village
with high ambitions to send her son to univers

View

The Telegram: Analysis and Key Quotes

"The Telegram" by Iain Crichton Smith is rich in literary devices and symbolism, making it an excellent subject for Higher English analysis. The story's structure and use of imagery contribute significantly to its themes and overall impact.

The use of animal imagery is particularly striking throughout the story. The women are initially described as birds, with the fat woman being a "domestic bird" and the thin woman "more like a buzzard". This imagery serves multiple purposes:

  1. It emphasizes the contrast between the characters
  2. It suggests the confined nature of their lives in the village
  3. It hints at their different approaches to life domesticvs.predatory/ambitiousdomestic vs. predatory/ambitious

Quote: "If she were pecking away at something she had pecked for many years."

This quote further develops the bird imagery, comparing the thin woman's resentment about her social status to a bird's persistent pecking. It underscores the ongoing nature of social tensions in the village.

The telegram itself serves as a powerful symbol throughout the story. It represents:

  1. The looming threat of death
  2. The unpredictability of war
  3. The connection between the village and the wider world

Highlight: The Elder's role as the bearer of telegrams casts him as a grim reaper figure, bringing a "plague" to the village.

The story's structure, building tension as the Elder moves through the village, only to reveal an unexpected recipient of the telegram, is masterful. This structure serves to:

  1. Keep readers engaged and on edge
  2. Emphasize the randomness of war's impact
  3. Challenge readers' expectations and assumptions

Quote: "The elder walked on."

This simple yet powerful ending leaves readers with a sense of the ongoing nature of war and its indiscriminate effects.

For students preparing for Higher English essays or exams, analyzing these elements of symbolism, imagery, and structure in "The Telegram" can provide rich material for discussion and critical analysis.

The Telegram
MAIN CHARACTERS
Thin woman:
The thin woman was an unpopular widow in the village
with high ambitions to send her son to univers

View

The Telegram: Relevance to Higher English

"The Telegram" by Iain Crichton Smith is a valuable text for students studying Higher English, particularly for the Critical Reading component. Its rich themes, complex characters, and skillful use of literary devices make it an excellent subject for analysis and discussion.

Key areas for study include:

  1. Character Analysis: The contrasting personalities of the thin woman, fat woman, and Elder Macleod offer ample opportunity for in-depth character study.
  2. Thematic Exploration: The story's themes of social class, conflict, ambition, and the impact of war are relevant to many other texts and can be compared and contrasted effectively.
  3. Literary Techniques: Smith's use of imagery, symbolism, and structure can be analyzed to understand how they contribute to the story's overall effect.
  4. Historical Context: The World War II setting provides an opportunity to discuss how historical events influence literature.

Example: Students could compare "The Telegram" with other war-themed texts in their course, analyzing how different authors approach similar themes.

For essay writing, students could focus on:

  • How Smith uses characterization to explore social divisions
  • The role of symbolism in conveying the story's themes
  • The effectiveness of the story's structure in building and subverting tension

Highlight: The story's unexpected ending provides an excellent opportunity to discuss how authors use plot twists to convey deeper meanings.

When preparing for exams or essays, students should be ready to quote key passages and explain their significance. They should also be prepared to discuss how "The Telegram" fits into broader themes of Scottish literature or war literature.

By thoroughly engaging with this text, students can develop their critical reading and analytical skills, essential for success in Higher English.

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Aug 7, 2022

5 pages

The Telegram by Iain Crichton Smith - Summary, Themes, and Quotes for Higher English

T

Tom Gordon

@tomgordon_eqof

The Telegram by Iain Crichton Smith is a poignant short storyset during World War II that explores themes of social class, ambition, and the universal impact of war. The narrative revolves around two contrasting women and an elder in... Show more

The Telegram
MAIN CHARACTERS
Thin woman:
The thin woman was an unpopular widow in the village
with high ambitions to send her son to univers

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The Telegram: Plot and Themes

The plot of "The Telegram" unfolds as the two women, despite their differences, find themselves united in their fear for their sons' lives. As they drink tea and gaze out of the window, they spot Elder Macleod approaching with a telegram in hand.

The tension builds as the Elder passes by everyone else's homes, leaving the women to wonder whose son has fallen victim to the war. This shared anxiety momentarily bridges the gap between the thin and fat woman, highlighting how the fear of loss can transcend social boundaries.

Example: The women's anxiety is palpable as they watch the Elder's progress through the village, each hoping the telegram is not for them.

One of the primary themes in the story is conflict, both external and internal. The personal conflict between the women is evident in their inability to form a friendship despite their shared circumstances.

Quote: "No matter how hard you tried, you could never like the thin woman."

This quote, using free indirect speech, reveals the fat woman's judgments and the underlying class tensions between them.

The theme of social class is also prominent, illustrated by the different ranks of their sons in the navy and the contrasting attitudes towards education and ambition.

Highlight: The thin woman's sacrifices to send her son to university are viewed with suspicion by the village, highlighting the clash between ambition and traditional rural values.

The story also explores the insular nature of rural life, using animal imagery to emphasize the contrasts between characters.

Quote: "They were like two birds, one a fat domestic bird, the other more aquiline, more gaunt, or to be precise, more like a buzzard."

This imagery not only accentuates the differences between the women but also ties into the broader theme of the unpredictability of life and the universal impact of war.

The Telegram
MAIN CHARACTERS
Thin woman:
The thin woman was an unpopular widow in the village
with high ambitions to send her son to univers

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Telegram: Purpose and Conclusion

Iain Crichton Smith's purpose in writing "The Telegram" appears to be multifaceted. Primarily, he aims to convey the unpredictability of life and the universal impact of war, regardless of social status or personal differences.

The anti-climactic ending, where it's revealed that the telegram is for Elder Macleod himself, serves to emphasize this unpredictability. It forces readers to confront the reality that no one is immune to the ravages of war, not even those who have been bearers of bad news to others.

Highlight: The Elder's reaction to receiving the telegram about his own son's death - walking six miles to the next village in denial - powerfully illustrates the devastating impact of war on individuals.

The story also serves to highlight how shared fear can unite people despite their differences. The thin and fat women, despite their mutual dislike and social disparities, are brought together by their common anxiety for their sons' safety.

Definition: Anti-climax - An event, conclusion, or resolution that is far less important, powerful, or striking than expected.

In conclusion, "The Telegram" is a poignant exploration of human nature in times of crisis. It reminds us that in the face of universal threats like war, our personal differences and social distinctions become insignificant. The story's themes of conflict, social class, and the unpredictability of life resonate strongly, making it a valuable text for Higher English students studying critical reading and analysis.

Quote: "The elder walked on." This simple yet powerful ending encapsulates the confusion and devastation of war, leaving readers to contemplate the far-reaching consequences of conflict on individuals and communities alike.

The Telegram
MAIN CHARACTERS
Thin woman:
The thin woman was an unpopular widow in the village
with high ambitions to send her son to univers

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Telegram: Analysis and Key Quotes

"The Telegram" by Iain Crichton Smith is rich in literary devices and symbolism, making it an excellent subject for Higher English analysis. The story's structure and use of imagery contribute significantly to its themes and overall impact.

The use of animal imagery is particularly striking throughout the story. The women are initially described as birds, with the fat woman being a "domestic bird" and the thin woman "more like a buzzard". This imagery serves multiple purposes:

  1. It emphasizes the contrast between the characters
  2. It suggests the confined nature of their lives in the village
  3. It hints at their different approaches to life domesticvs.predatory/ambitiousdomestic vs. predatory/ambitious

Quote: "If she were pecking away at something she had pecked for many years."

This quote further develops the bird imagery, comparing the thin woman's resentment about her social status to a bird's persistent pecking. It underscores the ongoing nature of social tensions in the village.

The telegram itself serves as a powerful symbol throughout the story. It represents:

  1. The looming threat of death
  2. The unpredictability of war
  3. The connection between the village and the wider world

Highlight: The Elder's role as the bearer of telegrams casts him as a grim reaper figure, bringing a "plague" to the village.

The story's structure, building tension as the Elder moves through the village, only to reveal an unexpected recipient of the telegram, is masterful. This structure serves to:

  1. Keep readers engaged and on edge
  2. Emphasize the randomness of war's impact
  3. Challenge readers' expectations and assumptions

Quote: "The elder walked on."

This simple yet powerful ending leaves readers with a sense of the ongoing nature of war and its indiscriminate effects.

For students preparing for Higher English essays or exams, analyzing these elements of symbolism, imagery, and structure in "The Telegram" can provide rich material for discussion and critical analysis.

The Telegram
MAIN CHARACTERS
Thin woman:
The thin woman was an unpopular widow in the village
with high ambitions to send her son to univers

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Telegram: Relevance to Higher English

"The Telegram" by Iain Crichton Smith is a valuable text for students studying Higher English, particularly for the Critical Reading component. Its rich themes, complex characters, and skillful use of literary devices make it an excellent subject for analysis and discussion.

Key areas for study include:

  1. Character Analysis: The contrasting personalities of the thin woman, fat woman, and Elder Macleod offer ample opportunity for in-depth character study.
  2. Thematic Exploration: The story's themes of social class, conflict, ambition, and the impact of war are relevant to many other texts and can be compared and contrasted effectively.
  3. Literary Techniques: Smith's use of imagery, symbolism, and structure can be analyzed to understand how they contribute to the story's overall effect.
  4. Historical Context: The World War II setting provides an opportunity to discuss how historical events influence literature.

Example: Students could compare "The Telegram" with other war-themed texts in their course, analyzing how different authors approach similar themes.

For essay writing, students could focus on:

  • How Smith uses characterization to explore social divisions
  • The role of symbolism in conveying the story's themes
  • The effectiveness of the story's structure in building and subverting tension

Highlight: The story's unexpected ending provides an excellent opportunity to discuss how authors use plot twists to convey deeper meanings.

When preparing for exams or essays, students should be ready to quote key passages and explain their significance. They should also be prepared to discuss how "The Telegram" fits into broader themes of Scottish literature or war literature.

By thoroughly engaging with this text, students can develop their critical reading and analytical skills, essential for success in Higher English.

The Telegram
MAIN CHARACTERS
Thin woman:
The thin woman was an unpopular widow in the village
with high ambitions to send her son to univers

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Telegram: Characters and Setting

"The Telegram" by Iain Crichton Smith introduces us to a cast of characters in a small rural village during World War II. The story primarily focuses on three main characters: the thin woman, the fat woman, and Elder Macleod.

The thin woman is described as an unpopular widow with high ambitions for her son. She is characterized as "more aquiline, more gaunt, or to be precise, more like a buzzard". This description gives us insight into her determined and goal-oriented nature.

Highlight: The thin woman's son is a sublieutenant in the navy, reflecting her ambition and sacrifice to send him to university.

In contrast, the fat woman is portrayed as a native of the village who lacks ambition and is reluctant to make sacrifices for her son. She is described as a "fat domestic bird", suggesting a home-loving nature and a life that serves little purpose beyond the domestic sphere.

Quote: "The fat woman's son was an ordinary seaman."

Elder Macleod is introduced as the village's bearer of bad news, delivering telegrams to families who have lost loved ones in the war. He is described as a "tall man in black clothes", evoking an image of the grim reaper.

Vocabulary: Sublieutenant - A junior commissioned officer in the navy, ranking above midshipman but below lieutenant.

The setting of the story is crucial to understanding the dynamics between the characters and the impact of war on small communities. The rural village serves as a microcosm of society, highlighting the social divisions and shared fears that exist even in close-knit communities.

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

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Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

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Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

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Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

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This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

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