Confederates: Analysis of Major Characters
"Confederates: Analysis of Major Characters" offers a nuanced exploration of key figures within a Confederate regiment during the American Civil War. Central to the narrative is Usaph Bumpass, a malnourished soldier grappling with feelings of insecurity regarding his wife, Ephie, and his educated peers, Danny Blalock and Gus Ramseur. Ephie, having faced trauma in her past, finds herself torn between loyalty to Usaph and the allure of Decatur Cate, a Union sympathizer and former artist conscripted into the Confederate army. Cate's involvement complicates Ephie's life, particularly when he arrives with a letter from Usaph that fuels his jealousy. The story is further enriched by historical figures such as General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, whose military decisions impact the lives of all characters, and Colonel Lafcadio Wheat, a charismatic leader admired by his men. Meanwhile, Horace Searcy, an English war correspondent and Union spy, and Dora Whipple, a Confederate widow turned spy, illustrate the complex web of loyalties and betrayals during this tumultuous period. Together, these characters navigate a world defined by conflict, personal struggle, and the heavy burdens of war.
Confederates: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Thomas Keneally
First published: 1979
Genre: Novel
Locale: Virginia, Maryland, and North and South Carolina
Plot: Historical
Time: 1862
Usaph Bumpass, a Confederate soldier serving in the regiment of the Shenandoah Volunteers. Malnourished, bedraggled Usaph is a veteran of the war at the age of twenty-three. A poorly educated farmer, he is secretly envious of his two educated friends, Danny Blalock, a schoolmaster, and Gus Ramseur, a music teacher. Usaph constantly worries about the danger of his lovely wife feeling lonely on their farm and being unfaithful to him. When he receives a letter from her, delivered by Decatur Cate, he is sure that Ephie and Cate are lovers.
Ephephtha (Ephie) Bumpass, the beautiful wife of Usaph, reared in the swamps of the Carolinas. She was raped when young, then became accustomed to but not charmed by men's demands on her. When Usaph takes her from the swamps to Virginia, she thinks that she has been saved, but then Usaph goes to war, and she is convinced that she is being punished for loving him too much. The worldly Decatur Cate represents refinement to Ephie. She is torn between running off to California with him and remaining faithful to Usaph.
Decatur Cate, a Union sympathizer conscripted into Bumpass' regiment. Gangling, hollow-cheeked, and twenty-five years old, Cate is an introspective former portrait painter forced to join the army when Usaph's Aunt Sarrie has him arrested. While painting Ephie's portrait, Cate convinces her to become his lover and go to California. Aunt Sarrie intervenes, and Cate is sent to Usaph's regiment, where he delivers a letter from Ephie. Usaph immediately suspects the worst, and Cate becomes his nemesis.
Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, a Confederate general and actual historical figure. He is called “Stonewall” for not letting the Union get around his troops. A tall, lean, and handsome West Point graduate, Jackson acts as if time is limited. All the other characters' fates depend on his military maneuvers.
Lafcadio Wheat, the commanding colonel of the Shenandoah Volunteers. Tall, black-whiskered, and thirty-three years old, Wheat is a former lawyer fond of inspiring his men with jokes and personal stories. Usaph becomes his runner and is with him when he dies.
Gus Ramseur, a Confederate soldier and Bumpass' best friend. A gentleman and a music scholar, golden-bearded Gus is the only man Usaph considers worth saving. Ramseur wants to write an overture of military music after the war.
Horace Searcy, an English war correspondent and Union spy. The daring Searcy is an abolitionist who detests the South. He has a secret commission from U.S. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to gather intelligence. Because of his reputation as a world-renowned war journalist, Searcy has letters of introduction and safe passage from both the Union and the Confederacy. Searcy's identity is discovered after he relays some vital information to the North about the South's military strategy. He is given passage out of the country on a ship. Before leaving, he tries to persuade Dora Whipple to marry him.
Dora Whipple, a Confederate widow who becomes Searcy's lover and accomplice. Mrs. Whipple already was a Union spy working in a military hospital in Richmond when she met Searcy. After becoming the matron at the military hospital in Orange, she sneaks to Searcy's room at night. An accomplice of hers is caught, and her name appears on a list of spies. She is tried and refuses to deny being a spy. Accepting her fate and wishing to join her late husband in death, she refuses Searcy's offer to become his wife and save herself by leaving with him for England.
Aunt Sarrie Muswell, Usaph's aunt who takes care of Ephie during the war. Aunt Sarrie hires Cate to paint Ephie's portrait, then realizes that Ephie is impressed by Cate's worldliness. She arranges for Cate to be conscripted into the military in spite of his limp. She then arranges for Ephie to visit an herbalist when Ephie becomes pregnant.
Danny Blalock, a schoolmaster and fellow Confederate soldier in Bumpass' regiment. Danny and Ash Judd are fond of leaving the regiment to find women. Danny dies at Gettysburg, as a major.
Ash Judd, a farmer and fellow Confederate of Bumpass. Twenty years old, he looks up to Danny Blalock. Ash is superstitious and believes that a witch has put a spell on him that will protect him throughout the war. He drowns in his own blood.