The Gentleman Usher: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Gentleman Usher: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and conflicts among key figures in a dramatic narrative centered around love, power, and redemption. The elderly Duke Alphonso, who is deeply in love with Margaret, faces turmoil instigated by his sinister favorite, Medice, leading to the banishment of his son, Prince Vincentio. Vincentio, determined to unite with Margaret despite familial obstacles, enters a private marriage contract with her, navigating treachery and forgiveness. Margaret, the daughter of the tyrannical Count Lasso, takes drastic measures upon believing Vincentio to be slain, ultimately prompting a transformation in the duke.
Supporting characters like Cortezza, Lasso's sister, and Bassiolo, the count’s pompous usher, add layers to the story through betrayal and manipulation. Meanwhile, Count Strozza plays a crucial role as Vincentio's ally, recovering from an attack orchestrated by Medice, who ultimately serves as the primary antagonist. The dynamics among these characters highlight themes of loyalty, tyranny, and the capacity for forgiveness, providing a rich tapestry for analysis and interpretation. This overview invites readers to delve deeper into the character interactions and their implications within the narrative.
The Gentleman Usher: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: George Chapman
First published: 1606
Genre: Play
Locale: Italy
Plot: Comedy
Time: Seventeenth century
Duke Alphonso, an elderly widower who is in love with Margaret. Under the influence of a sinister favorite who calls himself Medice, he banishes his son for attempting to marry Margaret. Although he is hot-tempered, the duke is generous and finally forgives the young couple.
Prince Vincentio (veen-chehn-TEE-oh), the duke's son. Rather than lose Margaret, he makes a private marriage contract with her, gaining access to her by flattering her father's gentleman usher. Seriously wounded by Medice, he recovers, receives his father's forgiveness, and is united with Margaret.
Margaret, Count Lasso's daughter. Thinking Vincentio slain by his father's orders, she disfigures her face and denounces the duke for his tyranny, bringing about his repentance and reformation.
Count Lasso (LAHS-soh), Margaret's tyrannical father, who wishes her to marry the duke.
Cortezza (kohr-TAYZ-zah), Lasso's sister, who steals a letter from Margaret's jewel box and betrays the young lovers to the count and the duke.
Bassiolo (bahs-see-OH-loh), the count's pompous gentleman usher. Susceptible to flattery, he aids Vincentio in sending a letter to Margaret and in bringing the lovers together. He also is forgiven by his angry master.
Count Strozza (STROHZ-zah), Vincentio's friend. Medice treacherously has him shot with an arrow, but he recovers to unmask Medice and furnishes a physician to heal Vincentio and Margaret.
Medice (meh-DEE-cheh), the duke's malicious parasite, an impostor. Responsible for most of the misfortune befalling the other characters, he is terrorized into confessing his crimes and his real identity and is banished by the duke.