Contending Forces: Analysis of Major Characters
"Contending Forces: Analysis of Major Characters" examines the complex lives of several central figures within a narrative that explores themes of race, identity, and resilience. Sappho Clark, a beautiful mulatto woman, faces significant adversity after being abducted by a white relative at a young age. Following her traumatic experience in a brothel and subsequent rescue, she seeks a fresh start in Boston, where she marries Will Smith, a dedicated black civil rights activist and intellectual who navigates societal challenges. The story also introduces Dora Smith, an independent black woman whose engagement to John Langley, a self-serving lawyer, is shattered by his infatuation with Sappho. Afterward, Dora finds solace and love with her childhood friend, Arthur Lewis, who is committed to uplifting the black community through education as the president of a technical college. The contrasting paths of these characters highlight their struggles against personal and societal obstacles, ultimately weaving a rich tapestry of their experiences and relationships in a racially charged environment.
Contending Forces: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Pauline Hopkins
First published: 1900
Genre: Novel
Locale: Bermuda, North Carolina, Boston, and New Orleans
Plot: Social morality
Time: The 1790's and the 1890's
Sappho Clark, a beautiful mulatto woman. Sappho is abducted by a white uncle when she is fifteen years old. She is placed in a brothel, where she remains for three weeks before she is rescued and carried to a convent, where she gives birth to a son. Later, she moves to Boston to start a new life. There, she meets Will Smith, whom she marries after a series of difficulties.
Will Smith, a black civil rights activist. An intellectual and philosopher, Will is a leader in his community. He meets Sappho in his mother's boardinghouse and courts her, continuing the courtship despite many difficulties. They are married at the conclusion of the novel.
Dora Smith, a spirited, independent black woman. At the beginning of the novel, she is engaged to John Langley, who betrays her because of his desire for Sappho Clark. Dora turns her attention to a childhood friend, Arthur Lewis, whom she eventually marries.
John Langley, an ambitious black lawyer. An unscrupulous, self-centered man, John focuses his every move on satisfying his needs, ambitions, and desires. He alienates all who care for him and meets a dreadful death seeking gold in the Klondike.
Arthur Lewis, the president of a technical college for black people in the South. He has long loved Dora, whom he eventually marries. His career goals are focused on the betterment of black people.