The complex dynamics between two women in a WWII-era Scottish... Show more
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13
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T
Tom Gordon
9/30/2025
English
Higher English - The Telegram Critical Essay
457
•
Sep 30, 2025
•
How WWII Stories Show Friendship and Symbols: Secrets in The Telegram
T
Tom Gordon
@tomgordon_eqof
1 / 3
Page 2: Narrative Techniques and Character Dynamics
Smith's narrative style in "The Telegram" plays a crucial role in deepening our understanding of the women's relationship and its significance. The author employs free indirect speech and third-person omniscient narration to provide a nuanced portrayal of the characters' inner worlds.
The use of free indirect speech allows for a complex character creation, revealing the hidden internal judgments of both women. This technique exposes the true nature of their relationship, which is far from the superficial pleasantries they might exchange over tea.
Example: The fat woman's thoughts about the thin woman: "she was always putting on airs... mayor indeed... why did she have to be better than everyone else"
This internal monologue reveals the fat woman's deep-seated resentment and jealousy towards the thin woman, even in moments when the latter is expressing genuine concern about her son.
The third-person omniscient narrative further enhances our understanding of the characters' emotional states. Smith allows readers to access the inner thoughts and feelings of both women, providing a more comprehensive view of their conflict.
Quote: "her heart was beating and she was frightened"
This quote, referring to the thin woman's anxiety as she awaits news of her son, illustrates the intense emotional turmoil experienced by both characters. It highlights how the ever-present threat of war amplifies their personal conflicts and tensions.
The narrative style employed by Smith emphasizes the symbolism in Iain Crichton Smith's The Telegram, particularly in how the women's relationship mirrors broader societal issues. Their inability to find common ground or offer genuine support to each other, even in the face of potential tragedy, symbolizes the divisive nature of social class and personal prejudices.
Highlight: The women's relationship is portrayed as counterfeit, lacking in genuine empathy or connection despite their shared circumstances.
This portrayal adds depth to the story's exploration of human nature and the impact of societal pressures on interpersonal relationships. It demonstrates how external factors, such as war and social expectations, can exacerbate existing tensions and prevent meaningful connections between individuals.
The significance of their relationship lies in its representation of broader social issues and human behavior. Through their interactions and internal monologues, Smith critiques the superficiality of social norms and the destructive nature of envy and prejudice, even in times of crisis.
Page 2: Social Class Tensions and Internal Conflict
The second page delves deeper into the complex social dynamics between the women, revealing how class differences fuel their internal judgments and resentments.
Quote: "She was always putting on airs... mayor indeed... why did she have to be better than everyone else."
Highlight: The third-person omniscient narrative reveals the psychological depth of their conflict, particularly through the thin woman's anxiety about her son.
Vocabulary: "Counterfeit relationship" refers to their superficial connection that lacks genuine emotional bonds.
Page 1: The Significance of Relationships in "The Telegram"
Iain Crichton Smith's short story "The Telegram" explores the complex relationship between two women in a rural village during World War II. The story's central focus is on how their relationship reflects broader societal issues and personal conflicts.
Smith employs various literary techniques to portray the significance of the women's relationship. The author uses vivid imagery and contrasts to establish the characters' physical and social differences.
Example: Smith describes the women as "one a fat domestic bird perhaps, the other more aquiline, more gaunt, or to be precise, more like a buzzard".
This initial characterization sets the stage for the exploration of their conflicting perspectives and social standings.
The narrative delves into the social class impact on character relationships in literature, revealing how these differences shape their interactions and perceptions of each other. The fat woman's judgmental attitude towards the thin woman is particularly noteworthy, even in moments of potential tragedy.
Highlight: Smith's use of free indirect speech allows readers to access the characters' inner thoughts, revealing their hidden judgments and resentments.
The author's use of similes further emphasizes the bitterness in their relationship. For instance, the fat woman's perception of the thin woman is described as "pecking away at something she had pecked at for many years," highlighting the long-standing nature of their conflict.
Vocabulary: Free indirect speech - A narrative technique that presents a character's thoughts or speech without quotation marks, blending it with the narrator's voice.
The story also explores themes of ambition and sacrifice, particularly through the thin woman's character. Her determination to provide her son with a university education, despite living on a widow's pension, is met with disdain and envy from the fat woman and other villagers.
Quote: "lived on a widows pension"
This quote underscores the thin woman's financial struggles and the sacrifices she makes for her son's future, adding depth to her character and the social dynamics at play.
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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
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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.
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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
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
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
Aubrey
iOS user
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.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
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!
Paul T
iOS user
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❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
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
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
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
Aubrey
iOS user
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.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
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!
Paul T
iOS user
How WWII Stories Show Friendship and Symbols: Secrets in The Telegram
T
Tom Gordon
@tomgordon_eqof
The complex dynamics between two women in a WWII-era Scottish village reveal deep-seated prejudices and social tensions in Iain Crichton Smith's "The Telegram."
- Relationship dynamics in WWII short storiesare explored through contrasting characters of a fat and thin woman... Show more
Page 2: Narrative Techniques and Character Dynamics
Smith's narrative style in "The Telegram" plays a crucial role in deepening our understanding of the women's relationship and its significance. The author employs free indirect speech and third-person omniscient narration to provide a nuanced portrayal of the characters' inner worlds.
The use of free indirect speech allows for a complex character creation, revealing the hidden internal judgments of both women. This technique exposes the true nature of their relationship, which is far from the superficial pleasantries they might exchange over tea.
Example: The fat woman's thoughts about the thin woman: "she was always putting on airs... mayor indeed... why did she have to be better than everyone else"
This internal monologue reveals the fat woman's deep-seated resentment and jealousy towards the thin woman, even in moments when the latter is expressing genuine concern about her son.
The third-person omniscient narrative further enhances our understanding of the characters' emotional states. Smith allows readers to access the inner thoughts and feelings of both women, providing a more comprehensive view of their conflict.
Quote: "her heart was beating and she was frightened"
This quote, referring to the thin woman's anxiety as she awaits news of her son, illustrates the intense emotional turmoil experienced by both characters. It highlights how the ever-present threat of war amplifies their personal conflicts and tensions.
The narrative style employed by Smith emphasizes the symbolism in Iain Crichton Smith's The Telegram, particularly in how the women's relationship mirrors broader societal issues. Their inability to find common ground or offer genuine support to each other, even in the face of potential tragedy, symbolizes the divisive nature of social class and personal prejudices.
Highlight: The women's relationship is portrayed as counterfeit, lacking in genuine empathy or connection despite their shared circumstances.
This portrayal adds depth to the story's exploration of human nature and the impact of societal pressures on interpersonal relationships. It demonstrates how external factors, such as war and social expectations, can exacerbate existing tensions and prevent meaningful connections between individuals.
The significance of their relationship lies in its representation of broader social issues and human behavior. Through their interactions and internal monologues, Smith critiques the superficiality of social norms and the destructive nature of envy and prejudice, even in times of crisis.
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Page 2: Social Class Tensions and Internal Conflict
The second page delves deeper into the complex social dynamics between the women, revealing how class differences fuel their internal judgments and resentments.
Quote: "She was always putting on airs... mayor indeed... why did she have to be better than everyone else."
Highlight: The third-person omniscient narrative reveals the psychological depth of their conflict, particularly through the thin woman's anxiety about her son.
Vocabulary: "Counterfeit relationship" refers to their superficial connection that lacks genuine emotional bonds.
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
Page 1: The Significance of Relationships in "The Telegram"
Iain Crichton Smith's short story "The Telegram" explores the complex relationship between two women in a rural village during World War II. The story's central focus is on how their relationship reflects broader societal issues and personal conflicts.
Smith employs various literary techniques to portray the significance of the women's relationship. The author uses vivid imagery and contrasts to establish the characters' physical and social differences.
Example: Smith describes the women as "one a fat domestic bird perhaps, the other more aquiline, more gaunt, or to be precise, more like a buzzard".
This initial characterization sets the stage for the exploration of their conflicting perspectives and social standings.
The narrative delves into the social class impact on character relationships in literature, revealing how these differences shape their interactions and perceptions of each other. The fat woman's judgmental attitude towards the thin woman is particularly noteworthy, even in moments of potential tragedy.
Highlight: Smith's use of free indirect speech allows readers to access the characters' inner thoughts, revealing their hidden judgments and resentments.
The author's use of similes further emphasizes the bitterness in their relationship. For instance, the fat woman's perception of the thin woman is described as "pecking away at something she had pecked at for many years," highlighting the long-standing nature of their conflict.
Vocabulary: Free indirect speech - A narrative technique that presents a character's thoughts or speech without quotation marks, blending it with the narrator's voice.
The story also explores themes of ambition and sacrifice, particularly through the thin woman's character. Her determination to provide her son with a university education, despite living on a widow's pension, is met with disdain and envy from the fat woman and other villagers.
Quote: "lived on a widows pension"
This quote underscores the thin woman's financial struggles and the sacrifices she makes for her son's future, adding depth to her character and the social dynamics at play.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Google Play
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❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
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
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
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
Aubrey
iOS user
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.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
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!
Paul T
iOS user
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❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
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
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
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
Aubrey
iOS user
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.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
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!
Paul T
iOS user