To Be a Pilgrim: Analysis of Major Characters
“To Be a Pilgrim: Analysis of Major Characters” delves into the lives of various individuals connected to Tom Wilcher, the last representative of traditional values at Tolbrook Manor. Tom, a man who sacrificed a religious vocation for familial responsibilities, grapples with the weight of his liberal convictions and his desire to preserve the old ways. His relationships are complex, particularly with his niece Ann, a modern doctor who embodies emancipation, and his nephew Robert, a scientific farmer who ultimately chooses a different path in love. The narrative also explores the contrasting figures of Sara Monday, Tom’s old housekeeper, who rejects the ideals he holds dear, and members of Tom’s family, including his politically inclined brother Edward and his wild sister Lucy, who navigate personal and societal challenges. The backdrop of World War I adds a layer of disillusionment, especially for Tom's son John, who becomes indifferent to the values of his heritage. This character analysis offers insights into the tensions between tradition and modernity, emotional disconnection, and the search for meaning within familial ties.
To Be a Pilgrim: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Joyce Cary
First published: 1942
Genre: Novel
Locale: Tolbrook, England
Plot: Social realism
Time: Late 1930's
Tom Wilcher, the dying owner of Tolbrook Manor, the last representative of the old West County liberal and religious tradition. He is concerned about the future of his family, his property, and his convictions. Tom had sacrificed a religious career to handle the family affairs and, although a liberal, he has grown to revere the political and religious values of the past. As he views the unhappy lives of his family, he determines to marry Sara Monday, his ideal of the old, humane, settled life. She also fails him, however, and he returns home and dies.
Ann Wilcher, Tom's niece, a modern, emancipated young doctor. She treats Tom in his last illness.
Robert Brown, Tom's nephew and Ann's husband. A scientific farmer, he represents a return to the soil. He rejects Ann for Molly, but the three are reunited in one household.
Sara Monday, Tom's old housekeeper, jailed by Tom's family for stealing unused articles. She rejects the ideals for which Tom cherishes her.
Edward Wilcher, Tom's brother and Ann's father, a politician.
Lucy Wilcher, Tom's wild sister and Robert's mother.
Puggy Brown, Lucy's adulterous husband, a hypocritical Benjamite preacher.
Julie Eeles, an actress, Edward's mistress and later Tom's mistress.
Bill Wilcher, Tom's settled brother, a military man.
Amy Sprott, Bill's devoted wife.
Loftus Wilcher, their son.
John Wilcher, another son. Disillusioned by World War I, he has lost his concern for religious and family life, and he lives indifferently until killed by an automobile.
Fred, Sara's latest man.
Molly, a young farm girl.