Aleck Maury, Sportsman: Analysis of Major Characters
"Aleck Maury, Sportsman" explores the life of its titular character, Aleck Maury, a Southern gentleman deeply passionate about fishing and hunting, which he regards as fine arts. Trained in classical education by his father and aunt, Aleck transitions into a teaching career at various small schools and colleges. His family plays a significant role in shaping his character; his uncle James introduces him to fox hunting, while Aunt Vic, a strict yet intellectually stimulating figure, encourages his academic pursuits. Aleck’s relationships extend to his wife, Molly, and their children, Richard and Sarah. Richard, unlike his father, favors swimming and wrestling but tragically meets an untimely death. The narrative also includes a diverse cast of characters, from supportive friends to mentors, such as Mr. Jones, who fosters Aleck's love for fishing, and Colonel Wyndham, a fishing expert. The story intertwines themes of family, loss, and the passion for outdoor sports, thereby providing a multi-dimensional view of Aleck's life as a sportsman and educator.
Aleck Maury, Sportsman: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Caroline Gordon
First published: 1934
Genre: Novel
Locale: Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Missouri
Plot: Social realism
Time: Late nineteenth, early twentieth centuries
Aleck Maury, a Southern sportsman. Trained in the classics by his father and his aunt and further educated at the University of Virginia, he becomes a teacher in several small schools and colleges. His principal loves, however, are fishing and hunting, which he cultivates as fine arts.
James Morris, his uncle, a Virginia planter who introduces Aleck to fox hunting.
Victoria (Aunt Vic) Morris, his aunt, a rigorous disciplinarian and learned woman who broadens and stimulates Aleck in his studies.
Julian Morris, his cousin, who hates studies and loves sports.
Doug Fayerlee, owner of Merry Point.
Sarah Fayerlee,hiswife.
Molly Fayerlee, the Fayerlees' younger daughter, whom Aleck marries. She dies a number of years later after an operation.
Richard Maury, Aleck and Molly's son. He enjoys swimming and wrestling rather than hunting and fishing. He is accidentally drowned.
Sarah (Sally) Maury, Richard's younger sister.
Steve, Sarah's husband, a scholar and author.
Rafe, a handyman in the Maury home, a giant black man who teaches young Aleck to hunt raccoons.
Mr. Jones, a mill owner who takes young Aleck fishing and instills in him a lifelong love of the sport.
Harry Morrow, Aleck's assistant at the seminary and later his superior as president of Rodman College.
William Mason, a friend from whom Aleck gets a hunting dog.
Colonel Wyndham, a fishing expert and friend of Aleck.
Jim Buford, a friend with whom Aleck lives for two years after Molly's death.