Euphues, the Anatomy of Wit: Analysis of Major Characters
"Euphues, the Anatomy of Wit" is a literary work centered around the experiences of Euphues, a witty and well-born young man whose journey highlights themes of friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of youthful indiscretion. Euphues disregards the cautionary advice of Eubulus, an elderly figure who emphasizes the importance of wisdom over wit. This disregard leads him to betray his friend Philautus, who later becomes furious upon discovering that Euphues has pursued his intended bride, Lucilla. Lucilla, characterized by her beauty and capricious nature, quickly shifts her affections, first from Philautus to Euphues and then away from him as well, illustrating her fickle disposition. The narrative also introduces Don Ferardo, Lucilla's father, whose heartbreak over her behavior culminates in his demise, leaving his wealth to be squandered by Lucilla and Curio, a gentleman of limited means and intellect who eventually captures Lucilla’s attention. Livia, Lucilla's companion, provides a contrast to Lucilla with her greater character and virtue. Through these characters, the narrative explores the complexities of human relationships and the often painful lessons learned through betrayal and loss.
Euphues, the Anatomy of Wit: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Lyly
First published: 1578
Genre: Novel
Locale: Naples and Athens
Plot: Didactic
Time: Sixteenth century
Euphues (YEW-fyew-eez), a witty, well-born young man. He disregards Eubulus' good advice about the traps which lie in the path of an indiscreet youth, and finds himself betraying his friend Philautus for the favors of a fickle young woman. He recognizes the value of the wisdom of age when she casts him off for another gallant.
Philautus (fih-LOH-tuhs), his friend, a clever, courteous young gentleman. He trusts Euphues at first and is furious to learn that his “friend” has stolen the affections of his bride-to-be.
Lucilla (lew-SIH-luh), a bright, attractive girl whose interest shifts quickly from one young man to another. She debates her motives before she turns from Philautus to Euphues, but she forsakes the latter with no qualms.
Don Ferardo (feh-RAHR-doh), her father, a wealthy nobleman of Naples. He tries to deal wisely with his willful child, but he is so heartbroken by her fickleness that he dies, leaving his estate to be squandered by Lucilla and the foolish Curio.
Curio (KEW-ree-oh), a Neapolitan gentleman “of little wealth and less wit” who draws Lucilla's attentions from Euphues to himself.
Eubulus (YEW-buh-luhs), a wise old man. He laments the waste of Euphues' natural gifts and advises him to govern his wit with wisdom.
Livia (LIH-vee-uh), Lucilla's companion, a young woman of more character and virtue than her friend.