The Corn Is Green: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Corn Is Green" is a poignant exploration of the challenges and triumphs faced by a community striving for education and social mobility in early 20th-century Wales. The central character, Miss Lily Christabel Moffat, is an unmarried, middle-aged Englishwoman dedicated to founding a school for the village's illiterate miners' children. Her direct and energetic approach contrasts sharply with the local squire, who represents established class distinctions and initially opposes her efforts. Morgan Evans, a gifted young coal miner, becomes the focal point of Miss Moffat's ambitions, yet his rebellious spirit and personal struggles highlight the complexities of youth and aspiration. Alongside them is Miss Ronberry, a gentlewoman caught between societal expectations and her growing admiration for Miss Moffat's work, and John Goronwy Jones, a handyman who grapples with his identity amid class challenges while supporting the school's mission. The narrative also includes the perspectives of Mrs. Watty and her daughter Bessie, whose stories illustrate the social intricacies and pressures faced by women in this setting. Together, these characters create a rich tapestry that examines themes of education, class struggle, and the transformative power of community engagement.
The Corn Is Green: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Emlyn Williams
First published: 1938
Genre: Play
Locale: A remote village in Wales
Plot: Melodrama
Time: The late 1800's
Miss Lily Christabel Moffat, the founder of a school for miners' children in Wales. An unmarried, middle-aged Englishwoman, Miss Moffat is characterized by her direct, honest, and friendly manner. She is well-educated, well-read, intelligent, and tireless. Her unsentimental, businesslike approach to life makes her an anathema to the local squire, who, along with the other locals, opposes her idea of educating the illiterate children of the village. Miss Moffat wins over the community through her sincere concern and energetic devotion to the students, even manipulating the squire into supporting her efforts to win a scholarship to Oxford for Morgan Evans.
Morgan Evans, a young coal miner. Fifteen years old at the beginning of the play, Evans is the quick, impudent ring-leader of the young miners who come to Miss Moffat's school. He proves himself to be an extraordinarily gifted student and becomes the focus of Miss Moffat's obsession with bettering the lot of the village children. His strong spirit rebels against Miss Moffat's strict control, and his career is almost ruined by a brief liaison with Bessie Watty.
Miss Ronberry, a Welsh gentlewoman of no particular occupation. Entrapped by her own ideas of the proper role of a woman, at the age of thirty Miss Ronberry is still seeking a husband from among the suitable male gentry, and her looks are becoming sharp and hard. Her genteel observance of class distinctions (as signaled by speaking English instead of Welsh), her sentimental view of life, and her traditional attitudes about women put her in the squire's camp, yet she is so overwhelmed by the strong will of Miss Moffat that she cannot refuse to become involved in teaching the children.
John Goronwy Jones, a churchgoing village handyman. Even though he claims to be saved by his religion, Jones remains gloomy, intense, and discontented. Born the son of a grocer, Jones has been educated at the local grammar school but still cannot surmount class distinctions, so that he belongs neither to the gentry nor to the working class. Even though he resents English domination of Wales and retains his native language, he responds eagerly to Miss Moffat's idea of a school and teaches the younger children.
The squire, an Englishman and the most prominent citizen of the village. A handsome gentleman of forty, the squire enjoys his social superiority and power over the lower classes (miners and women). He is deeply offended by Miss Moffat's ideas and manner and uses his influence to thwart Miss Moffat's school. In spite of his vanity and stubbornness, however, he is kind and generous. Miss Moffat cleverly appeals to his pride and wins his support.
Mrs. Watty, Miss Moffat's housekeeper, a middle-aged Cockney woman with an illegitimate daughter and a questionable past. She bustles about taking care of Miss Moffat with efficiency and kindness. She is an enthusiastic convert to The Militant Righteous Corps.
Bessie Watty, the fourteen-year-old illegitimate daughter of Mrs. Watty. Plump and pretty, Bessie aspires to be ladylike, without success. She loathes the country school life she is forced to lead and longs for her former tawdry London life. She seduces Morgan Evans, becomes pregnant, and is bought off by Miss Moffat.