1.3 The Red Door Flashcards
Plot
Murdo comes home one day to find out his door has been painted red, making him reconsider his life
He decides not to repaint it despite it making him stand out
The colour makes him change personality as he has gained confidence to knock on Mary’s door
Imagery
“The door was as red as the winter sun” suggests its bold, vibrant colour makes Murdo different to the rest of the village
“its deep caves with all sorts of veins and passages” suggests a sense of exploration that Murdo could discover about himself
Isolation/alienation
“live [his] own life” suggests Murdo’s life is spent mostly by himself far from the community
“he spent working on the land in a dull concentrated manner” suggests he is bored as he is stuck in a routine working on his own
Individuality vs Conformity
“She had a world of her own” suggests Mary is an independent woman who rejects conforming with the villagers
“made no concessions to anybody” suggests her character shows individuality as she ignores the gossip others give her
Setting
“drab landscape” suggests that the red door stands out against the lifeless village colours
“damp patch” suggests Murdo’s home is depressing and isn’t well maintained
Understanding/realisation
“Murdo had never in his life done anything unusual” suggests he realises he has always been cautious and is confused on how to change
“I have never, he thought with wonder, been myself” suggests this sudden epiphany makes him build up courage to knock on Mary’s door
Symbol
“The door was as red as the winter sun” suggests it stands out from the other village doors, symbolising Murdo’s desire to break free from the monotonous life of the village
“was like a magic door out of the village” suggests there is a different path to life behind it, encouraging him to embrace his true self
