1. ‘Andrina’
George Mackay Brown

2. Basic Notes
On the following slides are some basic notes before you start working on ‘Andrina’.
You should copy down whatever you feel is relevant before you begin reading.

3. Plot- Spoiler Alert! Set in Selskay during the 1960s
Old sea Captain, Torvald, is visited by the title character, Andrina.
Andrina is a young girl who he entertains with tales of his past as a sailor until he lets slip a disappointing turth.
Fifty years earlier, Torvald abandoned his fiancee, Sigrid, when she became pregnant.

4. Genre
Ghost story
The whole story is littered with references to ghosts and ghostly imagery.
The story within a story: The Love Story- written and related as though it is from the fairytale genre. Powerful sense of nostalgia.

5. Structure ‘Andrina’ is a tale-within-a-tale
The framing story is concerned with Captain Torvald, his illness and subsequent search for the mysterious Andrina, ending with the letter from Sigrid.
The inner story tells of fifty years ago when Torvald betrayed his lover Sigrid by deserting her.

6. Narrative Perspective
1st person narrative, told by Captain Torvald
Interestingly he still reveals the true nature of his own character as the story unfolds

7. Reading Read and annotate the tale.
As you read, highlight any ghostly descriptions/imagery.
Also pay particular attention to the narrative stance. A switch in narrative stance will signal the movement into another tale.

8. The Author’s Message
George Mackay Brown’s key message in ‘Andrina’ is that there is pain to be found in life as well as happiness. We must accept both in order to progress and move through life successfully.
Life moves on. It is unstoppable. Brown shows us that we must learn from our mistakes.

9. Questions- Effective Opening
Paragraphs 1-5
The story is written in first person narrative. Why is this effective?
Who is Torvald’s focus on from the beginning?
How do we know that Andrina is conscientious? (hardworking and reliable)
What time does Andrina usually arrive? Why could this be seen as a hint for what’s to come?
What are some of the actions Andrina performs for Torvald? What technique is used by the author here to describe them in paragraph 1?

10. Questions- Effective Opening
The quotation “mix myself” (paragraph 2) demonstrates that Torvald can meet his own needs. What is your opinion of his character at this point? What technique is used to draw attention to this?
Why does the narrator mention the writer Conrad to the reader?
What season does this story take place? What are the connotations of this season?
Look at paragraph 4. What techniques does the narrator use to emphasise his discomfort to the reader? You should provide evidence in your answer.
What do the first and last words of the opening section have in common?

11. Non-Appearance of Andrina- Heightens Tension
Comment on the following quotations. You should state any techniques present and why that quotation is important. What does it demonstrate? Paragraphs 6-11
1. “Andrina did not come that afternoon”
2. “I expected I accepted”
3. “head throbbingly wooden . . feet flashing with cold pain teeth actually clacked”
4. “She did not come.”

12. Illness and Recovery Paragraphs 12-15
Why is the first sentence of paragraph 12 important? Comment, in particular, on the ghost imagery used.
How does the writer create a dark, oppressive atmosphere in paragraph 12?
Quote the first clear example of Torvald’s guilt. Explain what the writer is trying to demonstrate here.
How do we know that Torvald is quite judgemental in this section of the short story? Quote to prove your answer.

13. Andrina Changing Paragraphs 15-24
Why is the quotation, “It was as if I had been betrayed – deliberately kicked when I was down Why had my friend left me in my bad time?” ironic?
How does the writer increase the sense of mystery surrounding Andrina?
Why does the narrator try to present himself as a brave explorer?
The description of Andrina changes towards the end of this section. Explain in what way her description changes and why this is important. Quote to prove.

14. The Love Story Paragraphs 25-35
The narrative stance changes here. What does it change to and why is this important?
Torvald is looking back on previous events. What tone is he using here?
a) What season does this tale begin in? Quote to prove. b) What are the connotations of this? c) What season does it end with? Quote to prove.

15. The Ending 1. Why is Tina Stewart an important figure?
2. Why is Issac Irving important?
3. Comment on the quotation: “March airs were moving over the island”

16. Final Paragraph
Torvald appears comforted in the final paragraph. Quote to prove this.
Explain why the final sentence can be seen to be very positive and optimistic.

17. Torvald
Characterisation

18. Find quotations to prove the following:
Torvald is:
Concerned with appearances- wants to present himself as someone important
Willing to hide the truth
Guilty and shameful
Arrogant

19. Find quotations to prove the following:
Sigrid:
Simple girl
Forgiving
Considerate
Kind and generous

20. Find quotations to prove the following:
Andrina
Loving and caring
Concerned for others
Disillusioned
Mysterious

21. Andrina
Is an important symbol of love, beauty, goodness, innocence as well as being Torvald’s only living family. She is therefore a symbol of his life living on. You could discuss Andrina (the character) therefore in a ‘symbolism’ question.

22. Betrayal
Key Theme

23. Connotations of betrayal?
What is it?
When does it happen?
Who betrays?

24. Key theme- Betrayal
How to structure an essay on betrayal:

25. Betrayal
Key Note: The ghost story genre is most appropriate to the story’s main theme of betrayal and regret because the main character, Captain Torvald, is evidently haunted by his own past betrayal of Sigrid fifty years before.
Question: Find evidence from the text that proves Torvald is haunted by his past.
Hint: try to look for an example of ghost imagery.

26. Possible answers
“Love had been killed but many ghosts had been awakened.”
“one certain episode…like an ancient gramaphone record being put on time after time, and a rusty needle scuttling over warm wax.”

27. 1st Betrayal- Torvald Who does Torvald feel betrayed by?
What is happening in his life that has caused him to rely on someone?
Why does Torvald feel betrayed?
Is this justified?
Find evidence to add to your notes. This evidence must demonstrate how Torvald feels about being betrayed.

28. 2nd Betrayal- Sigrid Who is Sigrid betrayed by? How is she betrayed?
Why did she need someone at this point in her life?
Why was she betrayed?
Find a quotation to prove this. (look in Love Story)

29. 3rd Betrayal
Torvald realises that he has betrayed himself of the opportunity to have a happy and fulfilled life.
Find a quote to prove this.
In the end however, Torvald accepts his guilt and tries to focus on moving forward.

30. Betrayal Notes- For reference
Both Sigrid and Torvald, then, are abandoned abruptly at the very times when each most needs support:
Sigrid when she is pregnant
Torvald when he is old and ill.
In the end Torvald realises that he has betrayed himself as well as Sigrid. Only once he realises and accepts this, can his life move forward.

31. Conclusion Possible remarks: Return to author’s message
In conclusion George Mackay Brown’s key message in ‘Andrina’ is that there is pain to be found in life as well as happiness, but life still moves on. It is unstoppable. Brown shows us, through the characters of Torvald and Sigrid, that we must learn from our mistakes as well as those of others. If we don’t, life would become too hard to bare. Betrayal is painful, but we must overcome the effects.

32. Recap- Structure Key theme question: Betrayal Intro
Section 1- Torvald being betrayed by Andrina in his time of need (sickness)
Section 2- Sigrid being betrayed by Torvald in her time of need (pregnancy out of wedlock)
Section 3- Torvald betraying himself of a happy and fulfilled life.
Conclusion- mention writer’s message.