Script Notes: Education

Education is the way to a larger world, both geographical and imaginative. Marget Strachan is an example of a positive imagination and an uninhibited natural energy, encouraged by a forward-thinking father, who when the opportunity for escape comes, takes it instantly and without regret. The of her choice and her lack of sentimental attachment is significant. The loss is felt keenly by Chris, as a portent of her imprisonment. There are only a few educated people in the country community, and most are shown to be flawed and frustrated by the narrowness of rural life: the local teachers, the Reverend Gibbon, and even the lawyer, Semple.

Education is also seen as alien, and alienating. Its language is English, it's possession makes you a stranger amidst your family and community.

Chae, Rob and Guthrie all value education: Chae and particularly Rob are self-taught independent thinkers. All those who oppose education( more than a few) are portrayed as stupid, negative, selfish and brutal: at Chae's threshing: Mutch and Munro.

Immediately after her father’s will offers Chris the chance to resume her education, there is a complex, deeply felt and very moving passage in which Chris realizes that she cannot now choose that path. Her final acceptance of this is both frightening and comforting to her, as she realizes the full truth of her position.