Eugene Aram: Analysis of Major Characters
"Eugene Aram" is a dramatic narrative centered around the themes of love, betrayal, and moral complexity, drawing on the life of a historical scholar and scientist. The main character, Eugene Aram, finds himself entangled in a tragic web of circumstances after he falls in love with Madeline Lester. In a dramatic confession, he reveals that he resorted to robbery to fund his scientific experiments, asserting that the killing of Geoffrey Lester was unintended. Geoffrey is portrayed as a wayward character who absconds from his familial responsibilities, only to later be identified as a victim of Aram's actions when his grave is discovered.
Supporting characters include Rowland Lester, who steps in to care for his brother's abandoned family, and his daughters, Madeline and Ellinor. Madeline’s love for Aram leads to her demise upon the revelation of his crime, while Ellinor harbors feelings for her cousin, Walter, who ultimately marries her after seeking justice for his father's murder. Houseman, a rogue and Aram’s accomplice, adds further complexity as his blackmailing of Aram contributes to the latter's downfall. The story tackles the consequences of human actions and the intertwining fates of its characters, offering a rich exploration of their motivations and relationships.
Eugene Aram: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Edward Bulwer-Lytton
First published: 1832
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Detective and mystery
Time: Mid-eighteenth century
Eugene Aram, a character based on a real-life scholar and scientist. He is in love with Madeline Lester. In his confession, opened after his execution, he explains that he robbed for money to continue experiments of value to the world. He claims that his killing of Geoffrey was an accident.
Geoffrey Lester, a dissipated wanderer who abandons his family, later receives a legacy from a friend in India, and becomes Mr. Clark. His disappearance starts a search. When his grave is discovered, Aram is revealed as his murderer.
Rowland Lester, an English gentleman who adopts his brother's forsaken family.
Madeline Lester, the daughter of Rowland. Because of her love for Aram, she dies of grief when his crime is discovered.
Ellinor Lester, another daughter of Rowland. She is in love with her cousin, Walter.
Walter Lester,thesonofGeoffrey,whotracksdownhisfather's murderer. Though originally in love with Madeline, he marries Ellinor.
Houseman, a rogue and the accomplice of Aram. He blackmails Aram for the support of his daughter, whose eventual death nearly drives him mad.
Bunting, Walter's servant, who helps in the search for Geoffrey.