Harp of a Thousand Strings: Analysis of Major Characters
"Harp of a Thousand Strings: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate web of relationships and personal journeys of key figures in a historical narrative. Central to the story is Melancthon Crawford, an American trader whose adventures include escaping slavery from Tripolitan pirates and later founding a successful trading post. His companions, Commodore Robinette, a former slave entangled in insurrection, and Apeyahola, a Creek Indian who becomes a fugitive after a violent confrontation, add depth to the theme of resilience amidst adversity.
The narrative also introduces characters from the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution, such as Jean-Lambert Tallien, whose fall from grace is intertwined with themes of love and betrayal. His relationships with figures like the Marquis de Bercy, Countess Thérèse de Fontenay, and Anne-Joseph Théroigne reveal the complexities of loyalty and sacrifice during revolutionary upheaval. Other characters, including Captain Belleval and M. Ouvrard, contribute to the social and political dynamics that challenge and shape the protagonists' lives. This analysis offers insight into how personal aspirations collide with broader historical events, enriching the reader's understanding of the characters' motivations and struggles.
Harp of a Thousand Strings: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: H. L. Davis
First published: 1947
Genre: Novel
Locale: The American prairie country, Tripoli, and Paris
Plot: Historical
Time: Late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries
Melancthon Crawford, an American trader and one of the men who names a Western town. A slave of the Tripolitan pirates, he escapes with two companions, returns to America, founds a trading post, and makes a small fortune. Because of his eccentricities, his relatives return him to Pennsylvania as an old man, thus making sure he will not give away the money they hope to inherit from him.
Commodore Robinette (ro-bee-NEHT), a former slave with Crawford. He turns out to be a philanderer and ends up as a fugitive from the authorities for participation in an insurrection.
Apeyahola, called Indian Jory, a Creek Indian. He is Crawford's other companion in the escape from Tripoli. He ends up as a fugitive from the law after killing a man in Georgia.
Jean-Lambert Tallien (zhahn-lahm-BEHR tahl-LYAN), a man who tells his story to the three escaping Americans in Tripoli as they hide in a warehouse. He was once a leader in the French Revolution but has fallen because of a woman.
The Marquis de Bercy (deh behr-SEE), benefactor of Tallien while the latter is a young man.
Anne-Joseph Théroigne (an-zhoh-SEHF tay-ROYN-yeh), a woman in love with René de Bercy. She later becomes a revolutionist and is stripped, beaten, and driven insane by a mob for helping the man she loves. She is exposed as a traitor to the mob by Tallien.
René de Bercy (reh-NAY), son of the marquis de Bercy. He is Tallien's rival for the love of Countess Thérèse de Fontenay. He scorns Tallien's offer of escape to England and is among a group of pursuers killed by Tallien's order during the French Revolution.
Father Jarnatt (zhahr-NAHT), a priest who befriends and protects Tallien when he is sought by a mob of peasants for injuring the son of the marquis.
Countess Thérèse de Fontenay (tay-REHZ deh fon-teh-NAY), loved by Tallien, who marries her and protects her during the French Revolution. While Tallien tells his story to the Americans in the warehouse, she enters with another man. She identifies herself to the Americans but not to Tallien.
Captain Belleval (behl-VAHL), an officer who incurs Tallien's jealousy by befriending Thérèse de Fontenay.
M. de Chimay (deh she-MAY), a wealthy French aristocrat and merchant. He comes to the warehouse accompanied by Thérèse de Fontenay to transact business with Tallien.
M. Ouvrard (ew-VRAHR), Thérèse de Fontenay's onetime lover, a wealthy, influential banker.