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‘Laidlaw ‘ Themes
***Crime and the Criminal
1. The novel is really concerned with the notion that the clear-cut separation
between the criminal and ‘us’ – is in fact not as clear-cut as people might think
or like to think. The novel seems to underline the fact that none of us is saint
in life though most like to see themselves so in contrast to the criminal.
Laidlaw is not such a person. He recognises his tendency to be violent and the
possibility that under different circumstances he might have turned out
criminal. Few characters in the novel are wholly evil or wholly innocent –
true of both the criminal and police characters. Eg Think of Matt Mason ;
Milligan ; Minty McGregor ; Also what of Bud Lawson and Mrs. Bryson
whom we would normally expect to see presented in a totally sympatheitic
way?
2. The novel suggests that to some extent many circumstances help to create the
criminal and his act and that includes murder. One contributory factor lies in
other people. In ‘Laidlaw’ Bud Lawson’s own responsibility for his
daughter’s death is highlighted as is that of those around Tommy Bryson and
their attitude to his being different – possibly homosexual :– even Tommy’s
mother to some extent was ‘present’ at the murder. She ( as well as society)
provides Tommy’s motive for murder.
3. Also t he social environment itself the novel suggests can lead a person to
choose the criminal path and this Laidlaw understands though his colleague,
Milligan, has no such perception. Laidlaw does not pardon the choice or the
criminal but he understands something of what made the criminal what he is
and realises that the seeds of evil also exist in him.
4 Novel really deals with evil in society and how it should be dealt with. There
are those in the novel who believe that the only way for justice to be achieved is
via eye for eye. Others like Laidlaw – and eventually Harkness - see that that
does not deal with the problems which created the set of circumstances that led to
that crime.
By what means are these themes conveyed ?
A study of Bud Lawson’s character and attitudes (Dialogue, His actions )
Tommy Bryson’s mother (Dialogue – Interview with Laidlaw
Other references in dialogue to society’s treatment of the homosexual (Harry
Rayburn)
Authorial comment on the act of killing Jennifer Lawson
The setting in which so much of the lives of the criminals are lived
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*** Personal Identity
This novel is riddled with characters who one way or another are uncertain about
who they really are or who present to the world an image that is not really a true
reflection of who they are. Consider those listed below and remember class
discussion on them related to how they see themselves or the difference between
the image each offers and the truth.
Lennie Wilson
Harry Rayburn
Matt Mason
Minty McGregor
Tommy Bryson
Laidlaw (Self-doubt + Personal life. What awareness of others
doesthis lead to in Laidlaw?)
Harkness (Mary and potential in-laws)
In contrast with John Rhodes or Milligan who are more ‘fixed’ characters
By what means is above theme conveyed? :
Characterisation
Dialogue
*** Family Life
In human being there is tremendous yearning and respect for the happy home life.
This novel – as with the characters – presents some surprising families and
families that appear to be one thing but are in truth very different.
Consider all we discussed about :
John Rhodes
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Matt Mason
The Lawsons
Laidlaw’s wife and family life
Harkness (Mary’s family)
The Bryson Housexhol
By what means is above theme explored ?
Characterisation
Use of contrast
Dialougue