The Citadel

Style and Technique

The Citadel by Archibald Cronin is a novel with deep psychological insight, meticulously exploring the inner world of the main characters, their motives, problems, and experiences. The author uses simple and clear language to make his story accessible to a wide range of readers. A distinctive feature of Cronin's style is his ability to convey complex moral and ethical dilemmas through everyday situations and the lives of ordinary people. The structure of the novel is linear, with events unfolding sequentially, helping the reader immerse themselves in the plot and follow the twists and turns of the life of the main character, young doctor Andrew Manson. Cronin actively uses descriptions as a tool to create atmosphere and immerse the reader in the world of the novel. The reader can feel the contrast between life in small mining towns and bustling London in the 1930s. The Citadel carries a strong social focus, criticizing the shortcomings of the medical system and raising questions of professional ethics.