The Clayhanger Trilogy: Analysis of Major Characters
The Clayhanger Trilogy, a series of novels by Arnold Bennett, dives into the lives of its characters, primarily focusing on Edwin Clayhanger, who aspires to be an architect but is constrained by his father's expectations to work in the family printing business. The complex family dynamics are highlighted through characters like Darius Clayhanger, Edwin's domineering father, and Clara and Maggie, his sisters, each navigating their own paths in a rapidly changing society.
Edwin's romantic interest, Hilda Lessways, is portrayed as a multifaceted character whose life choices impact those around her, particularly through her marriage to George Cannon, which leads to significant revelations and emotional turmoil. The narrative also includes supporting characters like Charlie Orgreave, Edwin's childhood friend, and Big James Yarlett, the devoted foreman, who further reflect the societal roles and personal aspirations of the time.
Themes of ambition, love, and the struggles between personal desires and familial obligations are prevalent in the trilogy, making it a rich exploration of early 20th-century life in England. This analysis of major characters offers insight into their motivations and the intricate web of relationships that define their journeys, appealing to readers interested in character-driven literature.
The Clayhanger Trilogy: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Arnold Bennett
First published: Clayhanger, 1910; Hilda Lessways, 1911; These Twain, 1915
Genre: Novels
Locale: Five Towns, England
Plot: Social realism
Time: 1872–1895
Edwin Clayhanger, who wants to continue school and become an architect. Because Edwin's father will not allow him to continue his education, Edwin begins work at his father's printing shop. He heroically saves the building from collapsing. After moving to Bleakridge, Edwin meets Hilda Lessways and falls in love. Disappointed that she marries another, Edwin remains single. After hearing of the death of Hilda's husband, Edwin visits Hilda in Brighton and helps financially. When Hilda returns to Bleakridge, Edwin discovers the truth about George Cannon, Hilda, and her child.
Darius Clayhanger, Edwin's relentless father. Extremely proud that he survived poverty and his experience in the Bastille, Darius conservatively manages his shop, money, and children. He refuses to acknowledge Edwin's dreams and forces him to work in the printing shop. After an illness, Darius reluctantly relinquishes the control of his company. He dies and leaves the company to Edwin.
Hilda Lessways, the mysterious friend of the Orgreaves. Arriving in Bleakridge with Janet, Hilda meets Edwin. Hilda sneaks out of the Orgreave house and questions Edwin about his beliefs. After saving Mr. Shushions at St. Luke's Square, she kisses Edwin in the printing shop. Hilda confesses her love to Edwin but leaves Bleakridge and writes to Janet that she has married another man. During her son's illness, Hilda returns to Bleakridge and reveals that she was married to George Cannon and pregnant when she kissed Edwin.
George Edwin Cannon, George Cannon and Hilda Lessways' illegitimate child. George comes to Bleakridge with Janet Orgreave, and Edwin befriends him. When George develops the flu, Hilda returns to Bleakridge and bares the truth about George's birthright.
Clara Clayhanger, Edwin's younger sister. Clara marries Albert Benbow, a shifty businessman. Edwin becomes disgusted with Clara's purpose in life, to have children.
Maggie Clayhanger, Edwin's unmarried older sister. Maggie manages the Clayhanger household.
Aunt Clara Hamps, Edwin's mother's sister, whose constant moralizing Edwin deplores. Aunt Clara, a visiting nuisance, imparts useless advise.
Big James Yarlett, the large-framed, gentle, and sensitive foreman of D. Clayhanger, Printer and Stationer. Big James dedicates his life to the Clayhangers.
Janet Orgreave, Charlie's elegant, mannered sister and Edwin's neighbor at Bleakridge. Janet sets her marital goals toward Edwin, but he is not interested. Janet remains unmarried and becomes the caretaker of her parents.
Charlie Orgreave, Edwin's good-humored childhood friend. Charlie continues school and becomes a medical doctor. He returns to Bleakridge with Hilda and cares for George during the flu epidemic.
Mr. Shushions, the superintendent of the Sunday school and childhood benefactor of Darius Clayhanger. When Darius' family is thrown into the Bastille, Mr. Shushions secures the family's release. Destitute and starving, Mr. Shushions dies in the Bastille before Darius can rescue him.
Hilda Lessways, who learns about life through bad decisions. After arguing with her mother, Hilda consults George Cannon. Persuaded to study shorthand, she works for Cannon's newspaper. Hilda's mother dies suddenly, and Hilda helps Sarah Gailey in London with Cannon's boardinghouse. Janet Orgreave invites Hilda to Bleakridge, where she meets Edwin Clayhanger. Returning to London, Hilda follows Sarah to Brighton. Hilda marries George Cannon, becomes pregnant, and discovers that the marriage is illegal. When she discloses the truth, Edwin forgives her, which secures her future as Clayhanger's wife.
George Cannon, practices law illegally behind the façade of Q. Karkeek. Never completely honest in his financial endeavors, George invests Hilda's money after their marriage. He is imprisoned for fraud and bigamy.
Sarah Gailey, George Cannon's sister. Unable to teach dancing, Sarah manages George's boardinghouse in London. When George sells the residence, Sarah goes to Brighton. Sarah confirms the truth about her brother's first marriage.
Edwin Clayhanger, who remains in love with Hilda. After hearing of George Cannon's death, Edwin locates her in Brighton and pays her boardinghouse debt. Edwin is shocked when he discovers the truth about Hilda during young George's illness.
Louisa, a maid at the Brighton boardinghouse who shouts out that George Cannon has another wife in Devonshire.
Florence (Florrie) Bagster, who is hired to work for Mrs. Lessways at the age of thirteen and rehired to work for Hilda at Brighton. Florrie runs away with Mr. Boutwood, a resident of Cannon's boardinghouse. Florrie tells Louisa that George Cannon is already married.
Edwin Clayhanger, who vacillates between his happiness and misery. Unable to control Hilda, Edwin contemplates his decision of marriage. No matter how strongly he resists Hilda's antics, Edwin always gives in to her desires.
Hilda Clayhanger, who manipulates Edwin to acquire possessions. Disillusioned with her inequality in marriage, Hilda schemes to get her way even when Edwin refuses to comply with her wishes.
George Edwin Cannon Clayhanger, who becomes an intelligent young man. George hopes to join the firm of Johnnie Orgreave in London.
George Cannon, who is released from prison after serving two terms. George returns to his first wife. Unable to tolerate his living conditions, George leaves his wife and borrows money from Edwin to escape to America. As promised, George repays Edwin.
Tertius Ingpen, an industrial inspector and Edwin's friend. Ingpen, a bachelor, believes that women are not equal, yet he helps Hilda scheme against Edwin to acquire what she wants. After Ingpen injures his groin, he asks Edwin to destroy some photographs. Edwin discovers that Ingpen has been having an affair with a married woman.
Aunt Clara Hamps, who bequeaths her estate to Clara's children because she realizes that the Benbows will not provide for them.
Maggie Clayhanger, who inherits the Bleakridge house. Maggie sells the house to Hilda and Edwin and moves in with Aunt Clara until Clara's death. She then moves into the Benbow home to care for the children.