Changing Places: Analysis of Major Characters
"Changing Places: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the lives of key figures in a narrative centered on academic exchange and personal transformation. The story follows Philip Swallow, a timid English lecturer from the University of Rummidge, who embarks on a journey to the University of Euphoria in the United States. His experiences, including affairs with Morris Zapp's estranged wife, Désirée, and his daughter, Melanie, catalyze a rebirth of self-confidence and engagement in student activism. In contrast, Morris Zapp, an established professor at Euphoria, faces an existential crisis when he finds himself in an unfamiliar academic environment, leading him to a meaningful connection with Hilary Swallow, Philip's wife.
Désirée, overwhelmed by her husband's domineering nature, emerges as a strong character through her involvement in the women's liberation movement, ultimately finding independence. Hilary, initially portrayed as a devoted wife, becomes more self-assured following her husband's infidelities, suggesting potential for a renewed relationship with Philip. The narrative also introduces Charles Boon, a student leader who aids Philip in navigating the cultural landscape at Euphoria, and Melanie, whose youthful allure plays a significant role in Philip's awakening. This interplay among characters reflects broader themes of identity, empowerment, and the complexities of human relationships within the academic context.
Changing Places: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: David Lodge
First published: 1975
Genre: Novel
Locale: Esseph and Rummidge, in England, and Euphoria, in the United States
Plot: Satire
Time: 1969
Philip Swallow, a forty-year-old lecturer in English at the University of Rummidge, a Redbrick college in the English Midlands. At the start of the novel, he lacks confidence, is eager to please, and is very suggestible. Professionally, he lacks ambition and is relatively unknown in scholarly circles, with few publications; however, he is a superlative examiner of undergraduates. A faculty exchange takes him to the campus of the University of Euphoria in the United States and Euphoria's Morris Zapp to Rummidge. Swallow finds his sexual drives rekindled as he has an affair with Melanie Byrd (un-known to him, Morris Zapp's daughter by his first marriage) and with Zapp's estranged wife, Désirée. He also becomes caught up in student protests on the American campus. He is revitalized and acquires self-confidence.
Morris Zapp, a tenured full professor at the University of Euphoria in the United States. He is also forty years old. He published five books (four on Jane Austen) before the age of thirty. His enthusiasm for research was largely a means to an end, and when he became tenured, his enthusiasm for scholarship waned. He is immensely self-confident and assertive, legendary for his sarcasm and intimidating to both students and colleagues. the faculty exchange takes him to a setting where his academic reputation does not count, his colleagues initially ignore him, and students are not impressed by him. His loneliness leads him to attach himself to and then have an affair with Hilary Swallow, Philip's wife. He comes to the fore when his familiarity with student unrest and the politics of academe enable him to solve Rummidge's first problems of student protest. In the end, he is reconciled with Désirée and has become friends with the Swallows.
Désirée Zapp, his wife. At the start of the novel, she feels overwhelmed by Morris' strong personality and wants a divorce but agrees to defer action if he moves out of the house. Freed of his presence when he accepts the faculty exchange, she becomes involved in the early women's liberation movement. She eventually invites Philip Swallow to live with her when the home he is renting is damaged by a hill slide. She and Philip have an affair. Désirée acquires confidence and self-esteem by the conclusion of the novel.
Hilary Broome Swallow, Philip's wife. the two met when Hilary was an English student and Philip was doing postdoctoral work. They married and went to Euphoria on his fellowship. Returning to England, Hilary became a devoted wife and mother to their three children (Amanda, Robert, and Matthew). Their relationship has become very predictable and dull, though Hilary does not realize this. Shocked by Philip's infidelities in Euphoria, she becomes more assertive in her own household and enters into an affair with Zapp. She fully expects Philip to return to her and the children, and at the end of the novel there is hope that their relationship will be better.
Charles Boon, a graduate of Rummidge who is ostensibly pursuing a graduate degree at Euphoria. He is a popular student leader and talk show host in the American college community. He likes Swallow and assists his former tutor in finding acceptance by some of the dissident elements at Euphoria.
Melanie Byrd, Morris Zapp's daughter from his first marriage. She is young, attractive, and part of the youth culture surrounding the American campus community. Swallow rents an apartment in her building and has an affair with her, not knowing her relationship to Zapp. His infatuation helps to open him to new views and feelings.