Angel Pavement: Analysis of Major Characters
"Angel Pavement: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics among a cast of characters connected to the failing veneer and inlay business, Twigg Dersingham. Central to this narrative is James Golspie, a shrewd and manipulative con man whose arrival at the firm ignites both temporary success and eventual ruin. His interactions with the naïve owner, Howard Brompart Dersingham, reveal themes of greed and incompetence, as Brompart's poor judgment enables Golspie's schemes. The narrative also introduces key figures such as "Pongo" Dersingham, Howard's disenchanted wife, and Harold Turgis, a disillusioned junior clerk with romantic aspirations that lead to frustration.
Lena Golspie, Golspie's self-centered daughter, further complicates the lives of those around her, while the Smeeth family embodies a mix of optimism and apprehension in the face of financial uncertainty. Supporting characters such as the aloof typist Lilian Matfield and the hopeful assistant typist Poppy Sellers provide additional layers to the story, reflecting the varied responses to the challenges posed by Golspie's influence. Overall, the analysis sheds light on the interplay of ambition, desire, and the consequences of deception within a tightly woven social fabric.
Angel Pavement: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: J. B. Priestley
First published: 1930
Genre: Novel
Locale: London, England
Plot: Social realism
Time: The late 1920's, during the Great Depression
James Golspie, the protagonist, a canny, blunt, vulgar, persuasive con man who easily takes advantage of the naïve Howard Brompart Dersingham and brings financial ruin to the firm of Twigg Dersingham, dealers in veneer and inlays for furniture makers. Returning to England after a long absence, Golspie is looking for an outlet for his inexpensive wood products from the Baltic area. He is intrigued by the Angel Pavement address of Dersingham's firm, descends on the unsuspecting group, and literally takes charge. He demands and gets his commissions in advance. Everything Golspie does affects the lives of those connected with the firm for good, at first, but eventually for evil. Medium in height, powerfully built, and nearly bald, Golspie has thick, bushy eyebrows and a huge drooping mustache. He repels and attracts simultaneously.
Howard Brompart Dersingham, the owner, by inheritance, of Twigg Dersingham, a firm that is slowly failing, primarily because of his incompetence. In his late thirties, he is a poor product of the English public school system. His greed, gull-ibility, and ineptness make easy Golspie's destruction of the company.
“Pongo” Dersingham, his wife, in her early thirties. She is the mother of two young children. She pretends to live an exciting and full social life but in fact is rather dull. She does create an optimistic outlook at the end, seeing hope in the financial disaster her husband has created.
Harold Turgis, the junior clerk in the firm, in his early twenties. A sallow, shallow, poorly dressed, and physically unattractive young man, he has dreams of romance, spawned mostly through films and magazines. He fantasizes about romantic interludes with beautiful women. He meets Lena Golspie, who teases, torments, frustrates, and then dismisses him. He tries, in a fit of anger, to kill her, but he is as unsuccessful at that as he is at most things. Like the others, he loses his job as the firm fails.
Lena Golspie, the young, very attractive daughter of James Golspie. She is a flirt and a spendthrift. This well-traveled and popular young lady has main characteristics of selfishness and disregard for others' feelings.
Herbert Norman Smeeth, the cashier and senior clerk of the firm, approximately in his fifties. Apprehensive by nature and conservative by habit, he is continually concerned about his and his family's future financial status. The temporary business success brought about by Golspie only slightly modifies his attitude, which is a cautious approach to life and business not shared by his family or his employer.
Edie Smeeth, his wife, in her early forties. She has two grown children and an obnoxious cousin, Fred Mitty, who irritates her husband. An eternal optimist, she is hopeful about the future despite the firm's failure.
George Smeeth, their twenty-year-old son, a mechanic. He lives a relaxed life that Herbert Smeeth cannot understand.
Edna Smeeth, their eighteen-year-old daughter. She lives for films and cannot hold a job because of her inability to resist complaining.
Lilian Matfield, the typist for the firm of Twigg Dersingham. Aloof and cold to her fellow workers, she dominates them all, even though she is relatively new to the firm and only in her late twenties. She lives at the Burpenfield Club, a residence for working girls and women. Her relationships with her fellow boarders reveals much about her thinking. Incurably romantic, a dreamer of perfection, she is at first annoyed by Golspie, then fascinated by him. She dates him but refuses to spend a weekend at the coast with him. She later agrees to go, only to be left waiting in Victoria Station as he sails for South America.
Poppy Sellers, who is hired as an assistant typist when the business expands under Golspie's direction. She shows an interest in Harold Turgis and is probably his salvation as the novel ends.
Stanley Poole, a fifteen-year-old office boy at Twigg Dersingham who fantasizes about aviation adventures and about becoming a detective.
Mrs. Pelumpton, Turgis' landlady, who is short, broad, constantly busy, and much taken by her own sacrifices in an exasperating world. She is, however, kind to Turgis.
Mr. Pelumpton, her husband, a garrulous, rheumatic old busybody who deals in secondhand, thirdhand, and fourthhand goods. He frequently offers Turgis advice.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Pearson, friends and neighbors of the Dersinghams. Mr. Pearson is retired from business in Singapore.
Miss Verever, Mrs. Dersingham's mother's cousin, a forty-five-year-old, acid-tongued professional virgin.
T. Benenden, Herbert Smeeth's tobacconist at Angel Pavement. He warns Smeeth about the future. At the hospital after being hit by an automobile, he learns that his injuries are the least of his health problems. Smeeth visits him and is shocked by what he sees and hears.
Fred Mitty, Mrs. Smeeth's cousin, a loud, brash, self-proclaimed comic. His antics infuriate Herbert Smeeth and amuse almost no one.