The Roots of the Mountains · Question
How does The Roots of the Mountains develop the theme of Community and Kinship?
Answer
The Roots of the Mountains by William Morris develops Community and Kinship across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative emphasizes the bonds of family, clan, and folk, with characters acting out of loyalty to their kindreds (e.g., the House of the Face, the Folk of the Wolf) and the collective good of their dale, often prioritizing communal welfare over individual desires.
The chapter emphasizes the bonds among the people of Burgdale, their friends, and neighbors.
The chapter details the interconnected lives of the Dalesmen, Woodland-Carles, and Shepherd-Folk, highlighting mutual support and kinship ties.
The chapter emphasizes Face-of-god's return to his kindred, the warm greetings from folk, and the family gathering in the House of the Face, highlighting bonds of kinship and community.
Evidence in the book
- The Roots of the Mountains
The chapter emphasizes the bonds among the people of Burgdale, their friends, and neighbors.
- Of Burgstead and Its Folk and Its Neighbours
The chapter details the interconnected lives of the Dalesmen, Woodland-Carles, and Shepherd-Folk, highlighting mutual support and kinship ties.
- Of Face-of-God and His Kindred
The chapter emphasizes Face-of-god's return to his kindred, the warm greetings from folk, and the family gathering in the House of the Face, highlighting bonds of kinship and community.
- They Talk of Divers Matters in the Hall
The feast, the shared drinking of healths, and the familial bonds among Iron-face, Stone-face, Face-of-god, and the Bride highlight the importance of kinship and community.
- Face-of-God Falls in with Menfolk on the Mountain
The bond between the brother and sister is shown through the woman's protective act and their shared invitation to Face-of-god.
- Of Face-of-God and Those Mountain-Dwellers
The mountain folk, though broken and dwellers in the waste, form a close-knit community that welcomes Face-of-god as a guest.
- VII: Face-of-God Talketh with the Friend on the Mountain
Conversations about family—Iron-face, Hall-face, Stone-face—underscore the importance of kinship ties and communal roles.
- New Tidings in the Dale
The Shepherds band together to seek justice for Rusty's slaying and the ransacking, reflecting communal bonds.
