Chita: Analysis of Major Characters
"Chita: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the rich tapestry of relationships and identities in the story of Chita, a young girl rescued from a stormy sea off the Louisiana coast. Known by her rescuers as Chita, the girl, originally named Lili, navigates her new life on Last Island, unaware of her true origins. Dr. Julien La Brierre, a physician who becomes ill during his visit, is haunted by the resemblance of Chita to his deceased wife, Adele, and tragically dies without realizing she is his daughter. The fisherman Feliu Viosca and his wife, Carmen, take Chita into their home, treating her with the love and care of a daughter. The narrative also introduces Laroussel, a Creole rival of Dr. La Brierre, who unknowingly interacts with Chita, as well as Captain Harris and Captain Abraham Smith, who embody the themes of survival and duty amidst the aftermath of the hurricane. Overall, this character analysis delves into themes of identity, family, and the struggles of post-disaster life, offering insight into the interconnected lives on Last Island.
Chita: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Lafcadio Hearn
First published: 1889
Genre: Novel
Locale: Louisiana coastal waters
Plot: Impressionistic realism
Time: Nineteenth century
Chita, a child rescued from the sea during a storm off the Louisiana coast. She is so young that all she can tell her rescuers on Last Island is that her real name is Lili, her Creole name is Zouzoune, and her mother and father are named Adele and Julien. Called by her new friends Chita, the little girl grows up on the island without knowing any more of her earlier existence.
Dr. Julien La Brierre, a physician from New Orleans who comes to see a patient on Last Island. He falls ill himself, and in his delirium he is reminded of his dead wife by Chita's startling resemblance to the drowned woman. He dies without realizing that the girl is really his daughter.
Feliu Viosca, a fisherman who lives on Last Island. He rescues Chita from the sea and takes her into his home.
Carmen Viosca, the fisherman's wife. She treats the foundling from the sea as though she were her own child.
Laroussel, a Creole who was Dr. La Brierre's rival for his dead wife's hand years before. At one time the doctor and Laroussel fought a duel over Adele, who became the doctor's wife. He questions Chita on Viosca's island and gives her a trinket, but he does not discover that she is Dr. La Brierre's child.
Captain Harris, a sea captain who checks for survivors after the storm. He decides it is best for Chita to remain with the fisherman and his wife, who have given the girl a home.
Captain Abraham Smith, a sea captain who tries to rescue as many people as he can from the hurricane.
Mr. Edwards, the patient whose illness summons Dr. La Brierre to Last Island.