Erewhon: Or, Over the Range: Analysis of Major Characters
"Erewhon: Or, Over the Range" is a satirical novel by Samuel Butler that explores a unique civilization through the eyes of Strong, a young farmworker. His journey into Erewhon reveals a society that mirrors and inversely reflects aspects of Victorian England. Strong is portrayed as an observant and somewhat naive traveler, who serves primarily as a vehicle for Butler's social critique, rather than as a direct representation of the author himself.
Key characters include Kahabuka, an old native who provides Strong with insights in exchange for alcohol, and Senoj Nosnibor, a merchant recovering from embezzlement, who educates Strong on local customs. Arowhena, Nosnibor's daughter, becomes Strong's love interest and assists him in escaping Erewhon, whereupon they marry, blending their cultural beliefs. The goddess Ydgrun is central to Erewhonian society, enforcing strict conformity and representing abstract and cruel ideals. Other notable figures include Zulora, Nosnibor's other daughter, who desires Strong, and Yram, the jailor’s daughter, who teaches Strong about Erewhonian language and customs. The societal norms of Erewhon, including the practices of the Straighteners—akin to modern psychiatrists—offer a thought-provoking critique of contemporary social issues.
Erewhon: Or, Over the Range: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Samuel Butler
First published: 1872
Genre: Novel
Locale: Erewhon and England
Plot: Utopian
Time: The 1870's
Strong, a young farmworker who journeys into Erewhon; he discovers there a civilization partly the reverse of and partly similar to that of England. Somewhat like Jonathon Swift's Gulliver, Strong seems a thoughtful, observant, inquiring, and sometimes rather naïve traveler. He should not be identified with the author, since Butler used him only as a convenient mouthpiece to convey the satire in the novel.
Kahabuka (Chowbok), an old native, a sort of chief with a little knowledge of English and a great thirst for grog, with which Strong bribes him for information about the land beyond the mountains. In England, upon his return, Strong finds Chowbok posing as a missionary, the Reverend William Habakkuk.
Senoj Nosnibor, a citizen and leading merchant of Erewhon “recovering”—as if from sickness—from a serious case of embezzlement. He is assigned to instruct Strong in Erewhonian customs. His name is an anagram of “Jones Robinson.”
Arowhena, his beautiful younger daughter, with whom Strong falls in love. She helps him to escape from Erewhon, after which they marry and she is baptized into the Anglican Church, though she retains some of her former beliefs in Erewhonian deities.
Ydgrun, Erewhon's main goddess, both an abstract concept and a silly, cruel woman. A law of Ydgrun enforces conformity to the point of intolerability. Her devotees, including priests, worship her in heart and deed rather than in words. Her name is an anagram of “Grundy.”
Zulora, the handsome older daughter of Nosnibor. She wishes to marry Strong, who develops a dislike for her.
Yram, the jailor's pretty daughter, who is attracted to Strong. She teaches him the Erewhonian language and explains to him some of the customs of the land. Her name is an anagram of “Mary.”
The Straighteners, specialists who treat Erewhonians suffering from “ailments” such as petty theft and embezzlement. They resemble twentieth century psychiatrists.
Mahaina, a homely woman, reputedly a drunkard, whose supposed drinking may perhaps be what would today be called a compensation for an inferiority complex.
Thims, a cashier at a musical bank and a friend of Strong. His name is an anagram of “Smith.”
Giovanni Gianni, captain of the ship that rescues Strong and Arowhena.