Evan Harrington: Analysis of Major Characters
"Evan Harrington" is a novel that intricately explores the lives and relationships of its major characters, primarily focusing on the protagonist, Evan Harrington, the son of a tailor. Despite his humble beginnings, Evan emerges as a responsible and morally grounded individual who strives to do right by his loved ones, sometimes at the cost of his own interests. His journey culminates in marrying Rose Jocelyn, a kind heiress who faces a pivotal moment in their relationship due to Evan's well-intentioned dishonesty.
Key characters include Ferdinand Laxley, a wealthy rival who resents Evan for his background and feelings for Rose, leading to a dramatic duel that ultimately results in Laxley’s disgrace. Evan's sister, Louisa, plays a crucial role in navigating his social standing, while the loyal Juliana Bonner, Rose's cousin, supports Evan until her death, leaving him an estate that he selflessly returns. Other family members, such as Harriet and Caroline, contribute to the dynamic but have lesser roles. The novel presents a rich tapestry of social class struggles, familial loyalty, and personal integrity, making it a compelling study of character and societal expectations.
Evan Harrington: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: George Meredith
First published: 1861
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Social satire
Time: Nineteenth century
Evan Harrington, the son of a tailor, who proves his character in upper-class society. He is a young man who accepts the responsibility of doing good for those he loves, though the gesture on occasion works against his own interest. Apprenticed to Mr. Goren, a tailor, Evan Harrington eventually marries a woman of the upper class and manages to provide abundantly for her.
Rose Jocelyn, the heiress who finally becomes Harrington's wife. She is genuinely kind and fair, but she is set against Harrington on one occasion when he lies to her for her own good. When Harrington can tell her the truth, all things between them are put right again.
Ferdinand Laxley, a young man of the upper class who dislikes Harrington for two reasons: He is the son of a common tradesman, and he loves Rose, the girl Laxley is trying to win. Laxley is pugnacious, and he challenges Harrington to a duel. In the end he is, ironically, disgraced for revealing a secret of which he has no knowledge.
Louisa, the countess de Saldar, Harrington's sister, who has married a titled man. She works energetically to find a good marriage for her brother. It is she who brings about Laxley's downfall by writing an anonymous letter she knows will be attributed to Laxley.
Juliana Bonner, Rose's plain, crippled cousin, who loves and defends Harrington until her death. She leaves him Beckley Court, the Jocelyn estate; but he refuses the bequest and returns Beckley Court to Lady Jocelyn, Rose's mother.
Harriet Cogglesby, Harrington's sister, who is married to Andrew Cogglesby, a brewer whose fortunes are up and down.
Caroline Strike, another of Harrington's sisters; she is married to Major Strike. Harriet and Caroline play less important roles in the novel than does Louisa, the third sister.
Jack Raikes, Harrington's old school friend.
Tom Cogglesby, Andrew's brother.
Harry Jocelyn, Rose's brother.
George Uploft, a man who allegedly ran away some time before with Louisa. Harrington's father, Old Mel, supposedly caught the pair and stopped the elopement.
Mrs. Melchisedek Harrington, the mother of Evan, Caroline, Louisa, and Harriet. She ends her days as Tom Cogglesby's housekeeper.
Mr. Goren, a London tailor to whom Harrington is apprenticed.