Written by JL Carr, A Month in the Country focuses on the story of Tom Birkin; a veteran of the First World War who, after his wife leaves, agrees to restore a medieval painting in the church of a small Yorkshire village called Oxgodby. The author explores the theme of the "outsider" throughout his novel, using it as the basis of the story and integrating it into the protagonist's character. The development of this theme is further aided by the depiction of Oxgodby's community, the characterization of the protagonist as an outsider, and the development of his relationship with fellow veteran Charles Moon. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"? Get an original essay The setting of A Month in the Country depicts the theme of "outsider" through the close-knit community atmosphere of Oxgodby , typical of life in a small village. Presenting Oxgodby in this light further illustrates the outcast status of Tom, Moon, and Reverend Keach, forming Birkin's secondary integration into village society. Birkin observes his isolated situation in the city, reflecting that: "Most country people had a deep-rooted reluctance to sleep away from home and a belief that, obviously, to stay among strangers was to fall among thieves.” This metaphor implies the opinion that "country people" generally have towards outsiders, believing that allowing them into their community will be destructive due to their untrustworthy nature. However, the mood of Birkin's point of view in this narration suggests that he is beginning to accept the country way of life and is beginning his assimilation into Oxgodby, continuing to say: "this steady rhythm of life and work took over me, so that I felt part of Oxgodby. and I had my place". In contrast, Keach shows the effects of separation from the community on his personality and relationships, being portrayed as a very private, serious and cold man with Alice the only person he maintains contact with. real relationships. Unlike Keach's exclusion, A Month in the Country explores the healing process that Tom Birkin must undergo. Consequently, as he builds relationships in Oxgodby, the erosion of his isolation in the community. promotes this healing. Throughout a month in the countryside, Carr conveys the nature of what it means to be an outsider through the characterization of Tom Birkin and the fundamental foundations of his personality. In doing so, the author is able to. personifying the theme as Birkin becomes its embodiment with character development facilitating a deeper exploration of the psychological context of an outsider. The essence of Birkin's personality is that of an observer and therefore he often disconnects from situations. and reality. Instead, he prefers to reflect on his observations, as shown when he arrives at the church and becomes fascinated by the "Bankdown Crowther" stove while he disengages from his conversation with Reverend Keach by stating, "He has maybe said a lot more, but I didn't. "I didn't hear it because I was examining the stove very carefully," continuing to describe it in detail. Birkin further disconnects from the outside world as he falls in love with the wall painting of the church and the painter, claiming that during the many hours he spent discovering the painting, he kept thinking about the "man with no name" who stood where he stood, at one point , he even calls him "my man". Therefore, being an observer often causes the protagonist to lose his train of thought, thus increasing his detachment from people...