Fraternity: Analysis of Major Characters
"Fraternity: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate relationships and social dynamics presented through its characters, primarily revolving around Ivy Barton, a lower-class country girl brought to the city to serve as a model for the artist Bianca Dallison. Ivy's life becomes complicated as she inadvertently attracts the attention of several characters, including Hilary Dallison, a successful writer who feels a mix of pity and love for her but ultimately abandons her to pursue his own path. Bianca, Hilary’s wife, experiences jealousy despite her estrangement from him, while Mr. Hughs, a dubious character, harasses Ivy, exacerbating her troubles. The narrative also touches on the struggles of Mrs. Hughs, who endures a difficult life with her abusive husband, and the broader social commentaries presented by Mr. Sylvanus Stone, Hilary's father-in-law. Other characters, including Stephen Dallison and Cecilia Dallison, highlight the tension surrounding reputation and class issues within British society. This character-driven analysis offers a critical lens on themes of love, jealousy, and social class, inviting readers to explore the complexities of human relationships in a stratified society.
Fraternity: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Galsworthy
First published: 1909
Genre: Novel
Locale: London
Plot: Social criticism
Time: Early twentieth century
Ivy Barton, the girl around whom the story revolves. She is a lower-class country girl who is transported to the city to serve as a model for an artist, Bianca Dallison. Through no fault of her own, she causes trouble because she is pursued by the husband of the Dallisons' seamstress and befriended by Bianca's husband. Ivy Barton is finally abandoned by Hilary Dallison, who throws a handful of money on her bed in a rented London room and leaves her forever.
Hilary Dallison, a prosperous writer who found Ivy and brought her to London to pose for a painting by his wife, Bianca. His emotions for Ivy are a mixture of pity and love, but at the end he chooses his own way by refusing to befriend Ivy and by deciding not to return to Bianca, a woman with whom he has not lived as a husband for several years.
Bianca Dallison, Hilary's artist wife, who, though she refuses Hilary his marital prerogatives, still becomes extremely jealous when another woman attracts his attention, as Ivy does.
Mr. Hughs, a lecherous, suspicious ne'er-do-well who pursues Ivy, spies on her, and spreads gossip about her and Hilary. Finally, for beating his wife and wounding her with a bayonet, he is sent off to prison for a short time.
Mrs. Hughs, the Dallisons' seamstress, who lives a hellish existence with her husband. Nevertheless, she is still jealous of him; when she sees that he is enamored of Ivy, she tells the story to Bianca's sister, who makes the news known to the whole family. While her husband is in prison, Mrs. Hughs loses her baby because she is too nervous to nurse him.
Stephen Dallison, Hilary's brother, who tries to make Hilary see what his attentions to Ivy are doing to his reputation.
Mr. Sylvanus Stone, Hilary's father-in-law, who is writing a book on the brotherhood of man. His subject leads him to make philosophical remarks intended to instruct the reader on the subject of the classes in British society. Ivy works as a copyist for Mr. Stone.
Cecilia Dallison, Hilary's rather bland sister-in-law, whose chief concern seems to be the Dallison reputation in the community.
Thyme Dallison, Stephen and Cecilia's daughter, who helps the plot along by guessing that her uncle Hilary has bought the new clothes she sees Ivy wearing.