Born in Captivity: Analysis of Major Characters
"Born in Captivity: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the lives and dynamics of several key figures, primarily highlighting Charles Lumley, a young man grappling with his identity and ambitions. Lumley, marked by a lack of direction and financial instability, navigates various jobs while often resorting to elaborate tales to cope with his insecurities. His character oscillates between meekness and aggression, particularly when confronted with challenges, reflecting the struggles faced by many in their quest for self-realization.
Alongside Lumley is George Hutchins, a university fellow who embodies ambition and a desire to distance himself from his working-class roots, often leading to conflicts with Lumley. Veronica Roderick, Lumley's love interest, complicates his life further, as her influence drives him into dangerous situations, including drug smuggling. Other characters, such as Edwin Froulish and Ern Ollershaw, offer a mix of support and hindrance, showcasing the varied paths of aspiring artists.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of social expectations, exploring themes of ambition, identity, and the quest for acceptance. Each character's journey reflects the broader struggles of young adults in a shifting societal landscape, making the analysis relevant for those interested in character studies and the complexities of human relationships.
Born in Captivity: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Wain
First published: 1953, in Great Britain as Hurry on Down (U.S. edition, 1954)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Various English towns and a Sussex country estate
Plot: Comic realism
Time: The late 1940's
Charles Lumley, a job seeker. A young man in his twenties whose appearance is as unimpressive as his university degree, Lumley has no money and no idea what to do with his life. Highly imaginative, he often defends himself by making up outlandish tales. At other times, when pressed, he abandons his usual apologetic manner and gentlemanly self-effacement to become verbally abusive or physically violent. In his attempt to avoid living up to his parents' expectations, he takes jobs as a window washer, a driver, a hospital orderly, a bouncer, and a chauffeur before finally becoming a radio gag writer and, despite his best intentions, a financial success.
George Hutchins, a university fellow. In his early twenties, he has a heavy build and a ruddy complexion. Hardworking, humorless, and ambitious, he is ashamed of his working-class parents. To distance himself from his background, he has imitated his professors, acquiring an upper-class accent, a pipe, and the affectation of modesty. His encounters with Lumley always prove disastrous. When he appears at the Braceweight estate as a tutor, he causes an accident that costs Lumley his job as chauffeur. Later, angry because of some harmless prank telegrams, he frames Lumley for theft.
Veronica Roderick, who sometimes calls herself Moll Flanders, Lumley's beloved. A small brunette in her twenties, she pretends to be the niece of her lover, a wealthy businessman. Because of his love for her and his need for money, Charles gets into drug smuggling. Later, even though Veronica has returned to her keeper, Charles's memory of her keeps him from proceeding with his wedding plans. When he becomes prosperous, Veronica comes back into his life.
Edwin Froulish, a would-be novelist. Another university acquaintance of Charles, he is plump, untidy, and nervous. Convinced of his genius, he lives on the allowance of his slat-ternly girlfriend. For a time, Charles lives with them. After Edwin has succeeded as a radio gag writer, he finds Charles a job with his team.
Ern Ollershaw, Charles's partner in a window-cleaning business. A stocky, middle-aged man with missing teeth and a broad Lancashire accent, Ern makes up for his lack of elegance with his loyal and generous nature. He wins Charles's heart by beating up a bully who has attacked him. Later, while he is being led away by the police for involvement in a car theft ring, he makes sure that Charles gets his proper share of the window-cleaning profits.
Bunder, the head of a drug smuggling gang. A tall, awkward young man with prominent white teeth and a mustache, he dresses expensively. After the police raid his operation, he takes Charles on a high-speed chase. When Charles pulls at the hand brake, Bunder pushes him out of the car. As a result, Charles is badly injured and must be hospitalized for some time.
Mr. Braceweight, a rich chocolate manufacturer. In late middle age, he is pale and thin, with a colorless personality. Hospitalized for a tonsillectomy, he meets Charles, who has taken a job as an orderly, and hires him as a chauffeur. Because he is so kind, Charles is extremely unhappy when Mr. Braceweight loses faith in him as a result of George Hutchins' vicious frame.
Walter Braceweight, the son of Mr. Braceweight. Sixteen years old, he is a mechanical genius. It is the vehicle he invented that crashes into the Daimler. By protecting Walter, Charles loses his job as chauffeur but is therefore free to be employed as a gag writer and to become wealthy.