Discussed the economic recession and unemployment issues in Scotland after Thatcher abolished the Scottish Act, as well as how James Kellman's novel "Bus Ticketer Haynes" reflects this historical background. Kelman portrays the plight of ordinary Scots in the midst of industrial decline through the life experiences of the protagonist Rab Haines. The individual, family, and national history in the novel are closely connected, reflecting the self awakening characteristics of contemporary Scottish literature. Kelman attempted to explore the relationship between literature and ideology by revealing the survival difficulties of workers. This article will analyze the intertextuality between historical events, political contexts, and fictional texts in Haines, as well as Kelman's exploration of the special connections between the Soviet and British political systems.

The Historical Scene of the Abolition of the Scottish Act in 1979

In 1978, the British government enacted the Scotland Act, aimed at addressing housing and devolution issues in Scotland. However, after Thatcher came to power in 1979, the act was abolished, leading to difficulties in Scotland's traditional industries and manufacturing, as well as increased unemployment and housing problems for workers. This event not only had a profound impact on the Scottish economy and society, but also became a historical trauma that the Scottish people find difficult to heal. James Kellman's novel "Bus Ticketer Haines" is set against the backdrop of the author's personal experience, reflecting the plight of Scottish workers and the breakdown of their families after the "repeal of the law" incident through the protagonist Haines' experiences. The novel depicts the difficult life of the Haynes couple in the slums of Glasgow, as well as the changes in their family relationship after Haynes lost his job. Kelman reveals the impact of political decisions on the lives of ordinary people through Haines' story, showcasing the survival status of Scottish workers during the transition period of decentralization.

Glasgow Police in 2 Fictional Texts: The Historical Aftermath of the 'Abolition Act' Incident

Explored the role and symbolic significance of Glasgow police in James Kelman's novel "Bus Ticket Seller Haynes". The police are not only narrators of the story, but also play a key role in shaping the fate of the protagonist Haines and revealing Scotland's hidden history. Through the interaction between Haines and the police, the novel depicts the transformation of Glasgow police from enforcers to thieves of social interests, reflecting the instability of Scottish social order after 1979. Haines' experience symbolizes the impact of the 'Abolition Act' event on Scottish society, revealing the economic recession and transportation problems in Glasgow caused by the UK's anti local economic regulation policies. The novel portrays the plight of Scottish workers in unemployment and hunger, as well as their dissatisfaction with the British government's neglect of the livelihoods of the lower classes, through Haines' perspective. Kelman's creation aims to reflect on mainstream British history, explore the marginalized collective history of Scotland through personal memory and dialogue, and restore the living conditions of the Scottish people. Although there is not much direct evaluation of the "Abolition Act" event in the novel, it indirectly portrays the event and its impact on Scottish society through the situation of the Haines family.

3 Return to Natswood: A Journey to Find Myself and Healing Trauma

Explored the psychological state and family relationships of the protagonist Haines in the context of unemployment and social change. Due to long-term unemployment, Haines faced family pressure and his relationship with his wife Sandra broke down. His life was plagued by emotions such as anxiety, anger, and disgust. Faced with future fears and the dilemma of family responsibilities, Haines chooses to return to Naitzwood in search of a new life. At Natswood, he felt the mutual assistance of the community and the radiance of humanity, receiving support from old friends and elders, and understanding true masculinity from Donald's son Angus. Haines gradually became full of fighting spirit towards life, began to face his inner self, repaired his mental trauma, and emerged from the shadow of unemployment. He bravely faces the past and present, becoming a proactive self. When returning to work as a salesperson, Haines handled work-related issues rationally and communicated peacefully with superiors. In the end, Haines received his salary, felt a sense of security and belonging, and ended his journey of healing with a responsible image. Kelman emphasized that he is more concerned about how the Scottish working class can achieve self redemption in the face of social adversity, rather than the macro sense of Scotland. The history in the novel is not only represented by the working class group represented by Haines, but also by the trendsetters and counter trendsetters in the historical trend. Like Haines, they embrace a new life and actively and bravely make historical choices.

4 Family Members' Departure and Retention: Value Identification and Identity Choices of Scottish Ethnicity

Explored the impact of Haines' unemployment on family members and their different choices of Scottish identity in "Bus Ticket Seller Haines". Haines adheres to traditional Scottish values, while his wife Sandra tries to escape Scottish identity, and his sister Laura showcases the contradictions and diversity of contemporary Scots. The novel reflects the different value orientations of Scots towards Scottish culture and history through the diverse choices of the Haines family. The reform of the market economy system in Scotland by the UK has affected the identity of Scots, and the wave of unemployment has undermined the integrity of Scottish identity, leading to a discontinuity in Scottish history. Haines, Sandra, and Laura represent the identity choices of preserving historical memory, escaping from the living environment, and respecting the past to embrace a new life.

5 Conclusion

James Kelman reveals the crisis era of Scotland in the 1980s and 1990s under neoliberal economic policies through "Bus Ticket Seller Haynes", showcasing the survival difficulties of the working class in the face of class hatred, racial discrimination, union bans, and other harsh conditions. Kelman questioned the reliability of British historical compilation, believing that a fair narrator is not an objective object of factual exposition, but a discourse object that needs to be filled with meaning. He advocates reconstructing and concretizing Scottish history in specific historical events, reflecting the author's original intention of holding onto oneself and never compromising.