A Time to Keep

Theme

Natural Cycle of Life

• The story's structure, divided into twelve sections representing the twelve months of the year, reflects the natural cycle of life and the agricultural seasons.
• The characters' lives are deeply intertwined with the agricultural cycle, and their well-being depends on it.
• The natural world, represented by the valley and the sea, is both a provider and a source of challenges for the islanders.

Religious Beliefs

• The title "A Time to Keep" is a biblical reference, highlighting the cyclical nature of life and the need to accept it.
• Religious beliefs play a significant role in the story, with Ingi coming from a religious background, while Bill rejects religious rituals and is described as an atheist.
• Bill's atheism leads to his isolation from the religious community, and his outspoken rejection of religion causes friction with others.

Death

• The theme of death is explored in the story, particularly through the death of Ingi.
• Different characters respond to death in various ways, with Mr. Sinclair believing in an afterlife, while Bill sees death as a harsh reality.
• The story underscores the idea that life must go on, and characters like Bill are resilient in the face of death.

---

Prose

Social Status

• There is a clear distinction in social class between Bill and Ingi, with Ingi coming from a wealthier background.
• Social class differences create tension, particularly in Bill's relationship with Mr. Sinclair, who accuses Bill of bringing shame and poverty to Ingi.
• The theme of social class is also evident in the interactions between Bill and the Laird, with Bill feeling oppressed and treated unfairly by those in higher social positions.

Alcohol

• Alcohol is a recurring theme in the story, as it plays a central role in the community's socialising.
• Characters often gather in the ale-house, and alcohol consumption is common both on land and at sea.
• While less overt than in some of Brown's other stories, alcohol affects decision-making and contributes to unsafe situations, such as Bill feeling brave at sea due to Gaelic whisky.