Do not want others to see them as anything other than perfect. William did not conform because that was not the truth. Very small minded people .
THE RED DOOR.
Murdo lives a dull repetitive lonely life. The stories' first half centres on Murdo's humdrum life and features for eg, lists of dull detail such as what he eats, and drinks "porridge, scones and tea".
He has never grown away from the low self-confidence of his schooldays. He has aimed only at being accepted. He yearns for something else.under 'harvest moon' when the world seems strange and mysterious.
On the morning after Halloween, Murdo discovers his door has been painted bright redÂ- the only red door in the village. In the drab village all the doors are green or yellow apart from Murdo's mysteriously red door.
The red door causes 'strange flutterings' within him. It is like a work of art for him- "lovingly painted .with a deep inward shine". It makes him question his attitudes , appreciate everyday sites, dare to be himself- and to set off to visit Mary, the poetic, creative red-dressed "spinster" whom he already feels drawn to. .
She never appears but is described twice. First, more generally she is considered 'slightly odd', and linked to books and poetry. She is also linked to the Red Door as she wears red. The second description, after Murdo has reflected on his life, focuses on her personality and why he likes her. 'her elegance'. her lack of interest in the opinions of the village or gossip in general. ; her independence; her night walks; her 'sudden bursts of rage' and her love of poetry and mask making. She is an individual, a creative person and Murdo is attracted to her.
A transformation is beginning " his Wellingtons creaked among the sparkling frost". He is now dissatisfied with the Wellingtons ( symbol of his own life) the world is a beautiful place for him and the Red Door(colour of passion, danger ) symbolic of his new attitude to life.
