A Study Of Binary Opposition And Moral Issues In The Cone-Gatherers

As a novelist, Robin Jenkins occupies a significant position in contemporary Scottish literature. Many of his novels are well known for his further thinking about the moral issues presented in his work, among which his finest one The Cone-Gatherers is a typical example. This thesis is aimed to explore binary oppositions and moral issues of The Cone-Gatherers and excavate the content of the novel on a deeper level.As a fundamental theory of Structuralism, binary opposition not only functions as a form, but also serves to explore the deep implication of the text by virtue of the form. The Cone-Gatherers is full of binary oppositions in its settings, characters and themes and at the same time, a series of contradictory values and narrative factors are presented to show writer's thinking about moral issues. The form and content is closely related to each other. In the novel, two antagonists'struggle is throughout the novel, which reflects Jenkins' consideration about good and evil rooted in humans'mind. Jenkins'thinking about morality is far beyond the surface struggle between characters of the novel and it extends to the wider world--the Second World War. In this setting, humanity versus inhumanity is shown vividly and it comes to an unification between binary opposition of structure and exploration of moral issues. Additionally, the influence of Christian morality and social rank on moral choice, especially embodied in the character of Lady Runcie-Campbell displays Jenkins' reflection on religion and social morality. The lady's dilemma and difficult choice manifests there is no possibility to balance Christianity and privilege.In the novel, several pairs of binary oppositions reflected in setting, characters and theme echo with the writer's thinking about good and evil, about humanity and religion, which demonstrates the complexity of morality and humanity. But it's certain that the power of goodness will bring mankind hope and enlightenment in the end.