The Death of the Heart: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Death of the Heart" is a novel that intricately explores the emotional landscape of its characters, primarily centering around Portia Quayne, a sixteen-year-old girl grappling with confusion and the complexities of affection. Living with her stepbrother, Thomas Quayne, and his wife Anna, Portia's yearning for acceptance is complicated by her infatuation with Eddie, a self-absorbed employee at Thomas's advertising firm. Eddie's dismissive attitude toward Portia deepens her sense of isolation, while Anna's jealousy of Portia's feelings highlights the tensions within their household.
Thomas, although accommodating, struggles to connect with Portia, viewing her presence as a disruption to his childless home. The character dynamics become further complicated by the influence of other figures, such as Mrs. Heccomb, who looks after Portia during the Quaynes' absence, and Major Brutt, to whom Portia naively offers herself as a companion. Each character, from St. Quentin Miller, who serves as Anna's confidant, to Matchett, the resentful housekeeper, adds layers to the emotional turmoil depicted in the story. Overall, the novel presents a poignant examination of youthful idealism and the often harsh realities of adult relationships.
The Death of the Heart: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Elizabeth Bowen
First published: 1938
Genre: Novel
Locale: London and Seale, England
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: After World War I
Portia Quayne, a confused and demanding sixteen-year-old girl who lives with her stepbrother. Through her affection for Eddie, she loses some of her childish idealism and sense of the simplicity of human affairs.
Thomas Quayne, Portia's stepbrother, a partner in a London advertising firm. He takes his stepsister into his home, though he scarcely knows her. Because he and his wife have no children of their own, Portia is disturbing to them.
Anna Quayne, Thomas' wife. Her friendship for Eddie arouses a confused jealousy in Portia. Anna becomes upset when she learns, by reading the girl's diary, that Portia is unhappy in her home.
Eddie, a callow, self-assured twenty-three-year-old employee at Thomas Quayne's office. He is both demanding and disdainful of Portia's affection for him. He upsets her by showing fondness for Daphne Heccomb.
Mrs. Heccomb. Anna's old governess, who takes care of Portia when the Quaynes go to Capri for an extended holiday.
Daphne Heccomb, Mrs. Heccomb's stepdaughter, who is friendly to Portia.
Major Brutt, a retired officer. Portia runs away from home to him, offering to marry him and polish his boots. The major tactfully sends her back to her stepbrother.
St. Quentin Miller, an author and close friend of the Quaynes. He is Anna's confidant, to whom she pours out her problems with respect to young Portia.
Matchett, the Quaynes's housekeeper. A possessive person, she resents Portia's affection for Eddie.
Miss Paullie, one of Portia's teachers.
Lilian, an inquisitive school friend of Portia.