Cone Gatherers

The evil inside Duror is the novel’s focus, although other themes do run throughout. Evil is described as a “presence like air, infecting everyone”. This evil influence or force is one of the main reasons behind the disruption of Duror’s life resulting in Calum’s death. Evil, is one of the forces in the novel that drives Duror into insanity. The evil in the novel is a force that compels Duror into thinking and undertaking devious and immoral doings. This sinister power acting upon Duror is not only portrayed through direct speech and thoughts but also through imagery of the tree growing inside his mind.

Although at the beginning of the novel Duror is moderately sane, it is quite clear to see the disruption in his life in the latter stages of “The Cone Gatherers”, thus leading to his madness and the disruption of Calum’s life.

The early signs of the evil force affecting Duror’s life by leading him down the path of insanity, is evident from the reader’s first encoun

The impact of Duror’s obsessional thoughts regarding Calum, on his everyday life, is shown clearly in Duror’s inability to think clearly and have a conversation without making reference to Calum.

It is quite clear to see that the force of his devious obsession is powerful and is forever on his mind, thus disrupting his everyday life. This is again clearly portrayed when Duror wants to contribute to a conversation about the war but the evil force inside his head prevails him from doing so.

During his examination with the Doctor he asks “as if casually “Have you ever had any dealings, doctor, with a couple of brothers from Ardmore?”

“It’s too late,” he muttered.”

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