Written by JL Carr, A Month in the Country focuses on the story of Tom Birkin; a World War I veteran who, after his wife leaves him, takes a job restoring 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 a basis for the narrative and integrating it into the character of the protagonist. The development of this theme is further aided by the portrayal of the Oxgodby 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The setting of A Month in the Country portrays the theme of the "outsider" through the community atmosphere of Oxgodby, typical of small village life. Presenting Oxgodby in this light further exemplifies the outcast status of Tom, Moon, and Reverend Keach, forming the integration of Birkin's subplot into village society. Birkin observes his secluded situation in the city by reflecting that: "Most country people had an ingrained reluctance to sleep away from home and the belief that, in any case, to sojourn among strangers was to fall among thieves." This metaphor implies the views that "peasants" typically have towards outsiders, believing that allowing them into their community will be destructive due to their untrustworthy nature. However, the mood of this narrative from Birkin's point of view suggests that she is beginning to accept the country lifestyle and is beginning her assimilation into Oxgodby by continuing to say, "this steady pace of living and working me he came in, so that I felt part of and had my place." In contrast, Keach shows the effects that separation from the community has on his person and his relationships, being depicted as a very reserved, serious and cold man with Alice the only person with whom he has authentic relationships. In contrast to Keach's exclusion, A Month in the Country explores the healing process that Tom Birkin must undergo. So, as he builds relationships in Oxgodby, the erosion of his isolation in the community aids this healing. In A Month in the Country, Carr conveys the nature of what it means to be an outsider through the characterization of Tom Birkin and the basic foundations of his personality. In this way, the author is able to personify the theme as Birkin becomes its embodiment with character development facilitating further exploration into the psychological context of an outsider. The essence of Birkin's personality is that of an observer and as a result he often disconnects from situations and reality. He instead prefers to reflect on his observations, as shown when he first arrives at the church and becomes fascinated by the "Bankdown Crowther" stove as he disengages from his conversation with Reverend Keach by stating, "He could have said a lot more but I didn't fact “I don't feel it because I was examining the stove very carefully,” continuing to describe it in great detail Birkin further disconnects from the outside world when he becomes infatuated with the mural in the church and the painter, claiming that during the many hours he spent discovering. the painting kept thinking about the "nameless man" who remained where he was, at one point even referring to him as "this man of mine". So, being an observer causes the protagonist to often lose his trail of thought, thus increasing his detachment from people and the potential to become an outsider..