Crotchet Castle: Analysis of Major Characters
"Crotchet Castle: Analysis of Major Characters" explores a diverse cast of characters navigating themes of wealth, social status, and personal ethics. At the center is Ebenezer Mac Crotchet, the aging squire who prides himself on his ability to amass wealth and create a fictitious family heritage, engaging in lengthy discussions with self-proclaimed intellectuals. His son, Young Crotchet, inherits this financial acumen but exhibits questionable business ethics, ultimately seeking refuge in America after losing his fortune. Susannah Touchandgo, abandoned by Young Crotchet, struggles to support herself through teaching before marrying a gentleman of some means. Lady Clarinda Bossnowl, initially engaged to Young Crotchet due to his familial ties, swiftly shifts her affections to a stable army officer after his financial downfall. Other notable characters include Mr. Chainmail, an antiquarian with a nostalgic longing for the past who finds happiness with Susannah, and Captain Fitzchrome, who aspires to win Lady Bossnowl's heart. Lastly, Lemma Crotchet, Ebenezer's daughter, marries into the Bossnowl family, further intertwining the characters' fates. This analysis highlights the complexities of their relationships and the societal pressures they face.
Crotchet Castle: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Thomas Love Peacock
First published: 1831
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Fiction of manners
Time: Nineteenth century
Ebenezer Mac Crotchet, the elderly squire of Crochet Castle, whose ability to make money and translate it into a fake family background is his chief attribute. He fancies himself to be a guardian of ideas and holds long sessions with pseudo-intellectuals discussing science and philosophy.
Young Crotchet, Ebenezer's son, who inherits his father's talent for making money. Young Crotchet's business ethics, however, are shady, and his personal relationships are founded primarily on monetary considerations. When he loses his money, he goes to America to join a banker who, having absconded with a bank's funds, has set up business across the Atlantic.
Susannah Touchandgo, the girl whom Young Crotchet abandoned when her father took the bank's money and went to America, leaving her penniless. She keeps body and soul together by teaching a farmer's children, but finally she marries a gentleman of some means.
Lady Clarinda Bossnowl, a girl betrothed to Young Crotchet because she has a title. When Crotchet goes bankrupt and leaves the country, she is happy to marry a young army officer who has a small but stable fortune.
Mr. Chainmail, an antiquarian who yearns for the olden days of iron clothing. When he discovers that Susannah Touchandgo was gently reared, he happily marries her.
Captain Fitzchrome, a young man who pines for Lady Bossnowl and who finally has the good fortune to win her.
Lemma Crotchet, Ebenezer's daughter, who marries Lady Bossnowl's brother.