The Garden: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Garden: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the lives and relationships of key figures in a narrative centered around Dermot Gray, a young Anglo-Irish boy who cherishes his time in Ireland with his maternal grandparents. Dermot's experiences are shaped by the contrasting environments of his home in England and the idyllic cottage in Sandycove, which he considers a true haven. He navigates a complex relationship with his parents, particularly his father, whose unpredictable temperament instills fear in Dermot. The narrative also highlights the emotional bonds within Dermot’s family, including his younger sister Eithne, who finds solace in the belief that her loved ones are at peace after the ravages of World War I.
Additional characters enrich the backdrop of Dermot's life, such as his wise grandfather and his boisterous uncle Ben, whose strict Puritan values provide a stark contrast to the carefree nature of their seaside lifestyle. Dermot's interactions with his vibrant cousins, particularly Eileen and Con, reflect the innocence and joys of childhood, even as they face the harsh realities of loss. The presence of characters like Paddy Kennedy, who teaches Dermot valuable life lessons about empathy and tolerance, further emphasizes the story's exploration of familial love and the impact of war. Overall, the analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the major characters, their relationships, and the themes of home, innocence, and the challenges of growing up amidst turmoil.
The Garden: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: L. A. G. Strong
First published: 1931
Genre: Novel
Locale: Ireland
Plot: Impressionistic realism
Time: Early twentieth century
Dermot Gray, an Anglo-Irish boy who spends his holidays with his maternal grandparents in Ireland. To him, his grandparents' cottage at Sandycove is home, beloved as his home in England is not. After a happy childhood and a comparatively painless adolescence, Dermot is killed in World War I.
Mrs. Gray, his mother. To her also, the cottage in Ireland is home.
Mr. Gray, his father. He confuses Dermot, who does not know whether he will react to something with patience or anger. Dermot is afraid of his father, who is sickly, and is also afraid for him.
Eithne, Dermot's younger sister. As she grows older, she shares in his pleasures and excursions; when Dermot and her beloved cousin are killed in the war, she feels torn apart but comforts herself with the belief that the young men are together and surely happy.
Granny, Dermot's grandmother. As a very young child, Dermot confuses her garden with the Garden of Eden.
Grandpapa, his grandfather, a wise and loving man.
Ben McManus, Dermot's uncle, a boisterous retired mariner who is also a strict Puritan.
Aunt Patricia McManus, Ben's wife. They live a happy-go-lucky life in a seaside house containing such wonders as a telescope and the dried jaws of a whale.
Con McManus, one of their four children. Much older than Dermot, he is boyish and exuberant. When Eithne is fourteen, he falls in love with her. He and Dermot are killed only a day apart.
Eileen McManus, Con's sister, a lovely and lively girl whom Dermot adores.
Paddy Kennedy, a disabled lad hired by Granny to teach Dermot to fish.
Long Mike Hogan and Peg-leg O'Shea, Paddy's pals. From them and Paddy, Dermot learns a great tolerance for poor people.