The Beach of Falesá: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Beach of Falesá" is a narrative that explores the dynamics of trade, power, and cultural conflict through its major characters set in the South Seas. The protagonist, Wiltshire, is a rugged and brave trader who faces immediate challenges from Case, his rival, who manipulates local superstitions to maintain control over the island and its natives. Wiltshire's predicament worsens when he is persuaded to marry Uma, a native girl burdened by a taboo, which alienates him from the local trading community. Uma is portrayed as a modest figure caught in circumstances beyond her control, impacting her standing among her people. Other significant characters include Tarleton, the missionary who officiates Wiltshire and Uma's marriage; Captain Randall, who falsely claims to own a trading post; and Maea, the influential chief who ultimately supports Wiltshire's cause to counter Case's dominance. The narrative highlights the struggle for power and the interplay of personal relationships and cultural beliefs in a colonial context. The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation, reflecting themes of loyalty and betrayal in a complex social landscape.
The Beach of Falesá: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
First published: 1892
Genre: Novel
Locale: Falesá, a South Sea island
Plot: Adventure
Time: Nineteenth century
Wiltshire, a rough, uneducated, but courageous trader who has just come to Falesá. His predecessors having been killed or driven away by Case, a rival trader, Wiltshire immediately finds himself the object of Case's villainy. Pretending friendship, Case persuades him to marry a native girl who is under a taboo. As a result, not a single native will trade with Wiltshire.
Case, a rival who plays on the superstitions of the natives. In order to control the island, he pretends to be in league with a powerful devil. When discovered, he shoots and wounds both Wiltshire and Uma; Wiltshire then kills him with a knife.
Uma, a modest islander married in a false ceremony to Wiltshire. Because she is under a taboo, the natives will not trade with Wiltshire. Her mother is a producer of copra.
Tarleton, the missionary who marries Wiltshire and Uma.
Captain Randall, the supposed owner of a trading post and a friend of Case.
Black Jack, Case's confederate.
Maea, the most powerful chief of Falesá, who eventually gives his trade to Wiltshire in order to break Case's hold on the natives.
Vigours, an earlier trader frightened away by Case.
John Adams, another trader, who dies insane.