Heaven's My Destination: Analysis of Major Characters
"Heaven's My Destination" presents an exploration of complex characters navigating the challenges of morality, idealism, and personal relationships. The protagonist, George Marvin Brush, is a traveling salesman who, after a religious conversion, strives to uphold strict Christian ideals. His commitment to living a virtuous life often creates friction with those around him, as his priggishness and adherence to the principle of "ahimsa" lead to unexpected conflicts. Roberta, a farmer's daughter and George's wife, finds herself trapped in an unfulfilling marriage and ultimately decides to leave him, highlighting themes of personal choice and dissatisfaction.
Supporting characters like Doremus Blodgett, who initially resents George's righteousness, and Herb, a newspaper reporter who becomes a friend and mentor, add depth to the narrative by showcasing varied responses to George's rigid worldview. Mrs. Margie McCoy serves as an example of complicity in the complexities of human relationships, while Lottie, Roberta's sister, offers practical advice that underscores the struggles of love and commitment. The interactions among George and his friends, along with encounters with figures such as Mrs. Crofut, reveal the societal pressures and personal dilemmas faced by individuals in pursuit of their ideals. Overall, the story invites reflection on the balance between personal convictions and the acceptance of others’ choices.
Heaven's My Destination: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Thornton Wilder
First published: 1934
Genre: Novel
Locale: Middle West
Plot: Social satire
Time: 1930–1931
George Marvin Brush, a traveling salesman for a textbook company. He tries hard to live a clean, Christian life. Having undergone a religious conversion, he tries to live up to unattainable ideals, often irritating people by his priggishness and his insistence that other persons ought to live better lives. He is a believer in “ahimsa,” a theory requiring that he react in the exact opposite way to what others expect in a given situation. This belief and its practice often plunge him into trouble.
Roberta, a farmer's daughter seduced at one time by George Brush. He marries her to salve his conscience, even though she really wants nothing more to do with him. Exasperated by the conditions of their marriage, she finally leaves her husband, whom she heartily dislikes, and returns to her parents' farm.
Doremus Blodgett, a traveling salesman for a hosiery company. He is infuriated by George's righteousness and idealism until he learns that George has not lived entirely untouched by sin.
Mrs. Margie McCoy, Blodgett's mistress, who travels with him posing as a cousin.
Herb, a newspaper reporter in Kansas City who becomes George's friend. Herb tries to help George see that he must let other people live in their own ways. At Herb's death, he leaves a child for George to care for.
Elizabeth, Herb's daughter. She is adopted by George and complicates her foster parents' married life, as both of them compete for her affection.
George Burkin, a movie director. He and George meet in jail. Burkin is in jail for being a Peeping Tom and George for graciously helping a robber hold up a store. Burkin tries to convince George that he has never grown up.
Lottie, Roberta's sister, who tries to persuade George that the answer to his problem with Roberta is a marriage and an immediate divorce.
Morrie, Bat, and Louie, three of George's friends in Kansas City. They play enormous practical jokes on George. Once, angered by his priggishness, they almost beat him to death.
Mrs. Crofut, keeper of a brothel. She is passed off to George as a genteel society matron. When her identity is revealed, George refuses to believe the truth about her and her bevy of beautiful “daughters.”
Mrs. Efrim, the owner of the store George helps a man rob.