Hereward the Wake: Last of the English: Analysis of Major Characters
"Hereward the Wake: Last of the English" examines the major characters surrounding Hereward Leofricsson, a prominent figure in the resistance against Norman conquest in England. Hereward, known for his bravery and rebellious spirit, evolves from a youthful, carefree Saxon thane into a formidable knight and leader. His relationships with key figures, such as his first wife Torfrida, who later claims his body after his death, and his second wife Alftruda, reveal complex dynamics of loyalty and betrayal. Lady Godiva, Hereward's mother, ironically plays a pivotal role in his outlaw status, while Leofric, his father, inadvertently contributes to his son's struggles. The narrative also highlights the themes of friendship and loss through characters like Martin Lightfoot, who succumbs to madness after Hereward's murder. The story is set against the backdrop of political upheaval, featuring notable figures such as William the Conqueror and King Harold, linking personal tales of valor and tragedy to the broader historical context of England's resistance to Norman rule. This analysis offers insights into the intricate relationships and moral dilemmas faced by characters during this tumultuous period.
Hereward the Wake: Last of the English: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Charles Kingsley
First published: 1866
Genre: Novel
Locale: England, Scotland, and Flanders
Plot: Historical
Time: Eleventh century
Hereward Leofricsson, called Hereward the Wake, a handsome, bold, adventurous Saxon thane and outlaw; a high-spirited, rebellious, irreligious youth who later becomes a great knight and leader of the English against the Normans. After his marriage to Alftruda, he again becomes what he was before Torfrida inspired him to heroic stature: a toper and an idle boaster. Though he makes his peace with William, he has many Norman enemies who cause his imprisonment and finally bring about his murder.
Lady Godiva, his mother, who causes him to be declared an outlaw, an action for which she later asks his pardon.
Leofric, lord of Bourne, a Saxon nobleman, father of Hereward, whom he outlaws at Lady Godiva's request.
Torfrida, Hereward's blue-eyed, raven-haired first wife and mother of his daughter, also named Torfrida. She falsely declares herself a sorceress to gain annulment of her marriage to Hereward. Though he had betrayed her with Alftruda, Torfrida loyally claims his butchered body and buries it. She herself later is put in the same grave.
Alftruda, Hereward's second wife, with whom he commits adultery before marrying her.
Martin Lightfoot, a faithful companion in Hereward's wanderings. He goes mad with grief after Hereward's murder.
William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and king of England.
Gilbert of Ghent, the stout, hearty guardian of Alftruda and sometime friend of Hereward; the leader of a group of men who arrest Hereward on various charges of enmity to William.
Harold, king of England, killed in the Battle of Hastings.
Abbot Brand, aged, infirm uncle of Hereward. He dies after warning Hereward of English drunkenness, French cleverness, and the doom of those who live by the sword.
Baldwin of Flanders, a powerful ruler of the Lowlands of Western Europe for whom Hereward performs valiant services.
Sir Ascelin, a knight who plots against Hereward and severs his head after his murder.
Ivo Taillebois and Hugh of Evermue, two Normans who attack Hereward from behind and run him through with lances.