A Country Doctor: Analysis of Major Characters
"A Country Doctor" presents a nuanced exploration of its major characters, particularly focusing on Nan Prince, a young girl driven by her ambition to become a doctor. Raised by Dr. Leslie, the local physician, after the deaths of her mother and grandmother, Nan embodies a spirit of resilience despite societal pressures. Her mother, Adeline Thacher Prince, is depicted as a rebellious figure struggling with personal demons, whose own life choices impact Nan's journey. The narrative also highlights the influence of Miss Nancy Prince, Nan's wealthy aunt, who represents traditional expectations of femininity and attempts to steer Nan away from her medical aspirations, favoring a more conventional path of marriage. George Gerry, a friend of Miss Nancy, adds complexity to Nan's story as he embodies the romantic ideal but ultimately cannot sway her commitment to her career. Together, these characters create a rich tapestry that examines themes of ambition, gender roles, and the pursuit of personal dreams in the face of familial and societal expectations. This analysis invites readers to reflect on the interplay between personal aspiration and social conventions.
A Country Doctor: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Sarah Orne Jewett
First published: 1884
Genre: Novel
Locale: Oldfields, Maine
Plot: Bildungsroman
Time: Mid-nineteenth century
Nan Prince, a young girl who wants to become a doctor. As a child, she is mischievous but likes to care for animals. She assists the local doctor, who rears her after her mother's and grandmother's deaths. The girl attends medical school, despite pressure from her relatives and her suitor. Upon completing her medical education, she returns to the town to assist the doctor and eventually to take over his practice.
Adeline Thacher Prince, Nan's mother. She returns home to Oldfields to die, bringing her infant daughter. She is a wild, rebellious woman who reputedly is addicted to drink. She resents her husband's family because they opposed her marriage.
Mrs. Thacher, Nan's maternal grandmother, who cares for the child until her own death.
Dr. Leslie, the doctor in Oldfields. He looks after Nan and rears her in his own home after her grandmother's death. He encourages her study of medicine.
Miss Nancy Prince, a wealthy spinster, Nan's aunt. She is shocked at Nan's seemingly unladylike ambition to be a doctor and tries to dissuade the girl from studying medicine. She also tries to interest Nan in a young man, George Gerry, in hopes that Nan will marry and abandon her ambition to practice medicine.
George Gerry, a young friend of Miss Nancy Prince. He and Nan fall in love, as Nan's aunt hopes, but George cannot persuade Nan to marry him and abandon medicine.