Cambridge: Analysis of Major Characters
"Cambridge: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate lives and relationships of characters set against the backdrop of a West Indian plantation in the 19th century. The narrative centers around Emily Cartwright, a young woman grappling with her impending marriage and the moral complexities of slavery. She encounters various characters, including the abusive overseer Arnold Brown, whose violent nature and personal vendetta shape the harsh realities of plantation life. Cambridge, originally named Olumide, is a former enslaved man whose journey from Africa to England unfolds themes of identity and resilience, culminating in tragedy as he confronts Brown.
Other characters, such as Mr. McDonald, embody the moral dichotomies of the time, balancing their affections for Emily with their roles as observers of the injustices surrounding them. Christiania, Cambridge's wife, represents the cultural and magical elements of resistance against oppression, while Isabella and Stella illustrate the varied experiences of women serving in the plantation environment. This character analysis provides insight into the complex interplay of power, race, and personal struggle, highlighting the historical context in which these individuals navigate their lives. Overall, the character dynamics reflect broader themes of agency, suffering, and the quest for dignity amidst systemic oppression.
Cambridge: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Caryl Phillips
First published: 1991, in Great Britain (first pb. 1992, in U.S.)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Baytown, West Indies, and England
Plot: Historical realism
Time: The early nineteenth century
Emily Cartwright, the thirty-year-old narrator. Sent to a West Indian plantation for three months before her marriage to Thomas Lockwood, Emily struggles with her feelings of superiority and the abusive treatment of the slaves. Not interested in the attentions of Mr. McDonald or Mr. Rogers, Emily surrenders to Arnold Brown, who she originally thinks is disgusting. Extending her trip three additional months to gather material for a lecture and tour in England, Emily discovers the truth about Mr. Wilson. Emily's happiness is destroyed when Cambridge kills Mr. Brown. Her virtue lost, she delivers a stillborn child in the presence of Stella and Mr. McDonald.
Arnold Brown, a ruddy-complexioned man in his thirties and the abusive overseer/manager of the Cartwright plantation. Brown takes over the Cartwright plantation by overthrowing Mr. Wilson. Carrying a personal vendetta, Brown rapes Christiania and later beats Cambridge in front of Emily. After adjusting his appearance, Brown attracts Emily, and they become intimate during a picnic at Hawthorn Cottage. Cambridge hopes to come to a nonviolent agreement with Brown, but during the confrontation, Brown is killed.
Cambridge, a large, gray-haired black man, called Olumide in his home country; Emily refers to him as Hercules. Betrayed by his fellow Guineamen and forced onto a slave ship when he is fifteen years old, Olumide sails to London to his new master's Pall Mall home. On the trip to England, Olumide meets John Williams, who teaches Olumide English and names him Thomas. Tom's master in London sends him to Miss Spencer of Blackheath for a Christian education. Once Tom completes his education, Miss Spencer names him David Henderson. After falling in love with Anna, a white Englishwoman, David marries. David and his wife tour England as missionaries but are ostracized. During a difficult labor, Anna and her baby die. David returns to Miss Spencer's home and discovers that he has inherited four hundred guineas. Deciding to continue his ministry, David sails to Africa, but his money is stolen, and the ship's captain enslaves him. At the Cartwright plantation, David is named Cambridge. He courts and marries the magical Christiania. After an overseer coup, Cambridge declines the title of head driver. Frequently abused, Cambridge prays for a solution on Christmas Day. He confronts Brown and asks to be treated with some decency. After Brown strikes Cambridge, the two men struggle, and Cambridge kills Brown. Cambridge is hanged.
Mr. McDonald, a lawyer and physician, an intelligent, humane Scotsman. Infatuated with Emily, Mr. McDonald cares for her during several illnesses and desires to be her suitor. After discovering that Emily steps out with Mr. Brown, McDonald asks if he may escort her around town. Emily rejects him, but he continues to care for her whenever she needs him. Without making judgmental comments, Mr. McDonald delivers Emily's child.
Mr. Wilson, who was hired to run the Cartwright plantation but is accused of stealing and banished at gunpoint to another island. Overthrown by Mr. Brown, who believes in cruel oppression, Mr. Wilson leaves the plantation until Emily Cart-wright visits. Mr. Wilson returns to Baytown hoping to correct his situation. When Emily says that he has been charged with theft, Mr. Wilson laughs and witnesses that he has never stolen so much as a fruit from a bush. His only crime is caring for the welfare of the slaves.
Christiania, the village obeah and Cambridge's wife. After being mistreated by her first husband, whom she is forced to marry at the age of ten, and after being raped by Mr. Brown, Christiania rejects Christianity and returns to her magical powers. When Emily corrects her for sitting at the table, Christiania casts spells outside Emily's window. Afraid of her powers, the slaves, Brown, and Emily make no effort to retrieve Christiania when she escapes.
Mr. Rogers, a slight, unhealthy, and prejudiced Anglican minister. Mr. Rogers visits Emily with Mr. McDonald. After overeating and indulging in too much drink, Mr. Rogers falls asleep on the veranda. Embarrassed, Mr. Rogers makes Mr. McDonald apologize. Feuding for Emily's favors, Mr. McDonald warns Emily that Mr. Rogers has dishonorable affections for her; however, Emily astutely concludes that Mr. Rogers has never had designs of any kind on a woman.
Isabella, Emily's faithful servant and constant companion for twenty years. Traveling with Emily to Baytown, Isabella becomes ill soon after the voyage begins. Tormented by the fever, Isabella dies and is buried at sea near the Azores.
Stella, a slave who cares for Emily at the Baytown plantation. Although not as civilized as Isabella, Stella dedicates herself to Emily's care.