The Cone Gatherers - Case Study on Roderick

Character Study On Roderick
Intro and summary
PARA 1
One way in which Roderick plays an important part in the novel is that he can be seen to highlight the theme of bravery. At first we are told that Roderick is scared of climbing trees but at the end of the novel he overcomes his fear to show respect for Calum and to symoblize a new change.
“It wouldn’t take long to fill a bag with those. Not like larch or pine.”
“It yelped at such unfairness, while he pretended to have noticed nothing, so intent was he to point out where Roderick, ninety feet up, clung to the trunk.”
PARA 2
Jenkins also uses the character of Roderick to symbolise kindness and also a sence of purity. Roderick does not judge the cone gatherers like the other characters, one time he even feels like he should apologise to them
“Why don’t we offer them a lift, Mother? Asked Roderick, in the quiet voice she had learned to regard as ominous.”
Roderick also uses his good heart to affect the conscience of his mother : “It’s not a joke’, he said. ‘We didn’t treat them fairly.’ She frowned. Foreboding chilled her.”

PARA 3
Although Roderick is not one of the main characters he plays alarge part in the ending of the novel. When he climbs the tree the overcomes the social class barrier that has created a strong divide throughout the rest of the book.
We are also told that he does not only think of the cone gatherers as equals but he idolizes them in a way.
“You told me yourself never to be quiet if I saw injustice being done”

Even though Roderick is aware of right or wrong at no point does he indicate that he will give up his power.
“When I wish to have your advice, Roderick”, she said coldly, “I shall ask for it.”

Conclusion