H.M.S. Pinafore: Or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor: Analysis of Major Characters
"H.M.S. Pinafore: Or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor" is a comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan that explores themes of love and social class through its engaging characters. Central to the narrative is Sir Joseph Porter, the First Lord of the Admiralty, whose self-importance and belief in egalitarianism create humorous contrasts when faced with real love, particularly in his intentions to marry Josephine. Captain Corcoran, the ship's well-bred captain, grapples with the societal implications of his daughter's love for the common sailor Ralph Rackstraw, who, despite his lowly status, is portrayed as the cleverest of the crew. Josephine, caught between her affection for Ralph and her upper-class upbringing, embodies the conflict between personal desire and social expectation. Meanwhile, Mrs. Cripps (Little Buttercup) adds depth to the narrative with her past mix-up of the two male leads at birth, which complicates the story further. The character of Dick Deadeye represents the darker side of social interactions, showcasing jealousy and bitterness as he undermines the young couple. The supporting characters, like Cousin Hebe and the Boatswain, contribute to the overall dynamics of camaraderie and rivalry. This rich tapestry of characters ultimately culminates in a celebration of love that transcends social barriers, making the opera a humorous yet insightful commentary on class and relationships in Victorian society.
H.M.S. Pinafore: Or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: W. S. Gilbert
First published: 1878
Genre: Play
Locale: Portsmouth harbor, England
Plot: Love
Time: Latter half of the nineteenth century
Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty, the pompous ruler of the Queen's Navy. He has reached his exalted station by sticking to his desk and never going to sea. Wherever he goes, he is accompanied by a host of admiring female relatives. A great egalitarian, he believes a British tar (sailor) the equal of every man except himself. He intends to condescend to marry Josephine and makes an official pronouncement that love levels all ranks, but in practice he finds some limitations in this dogma.
Captain Corcoran, the well-bred captain of H.M.S. Pinafore. He is hardly ever sick at sea and seldom uses profanity; when his daughter is discovered eloping with a common seaman, he allows a “damme” to slip, greatly shocking Sir Joseph. When he loses his exalted station, he takes his former nurse, Little Buttercup, to be his wife and promises that he will hardly ever be untrue to her.
Mrs. Cripps (Little Buttercup), a Portsmouth Bumboat Woman. She confesses that many years ago when she practiced baby-farming, she mixed up Captain Corcoran and Ralph Rackstraw in their cradles, causing a great social upheaval in later years. Her plump and pleasing presence captivates the captain, who proposes to her when he loses his social standing.
Ralph Rackstraw, the smartest lad in all the fleet. He loves the captain's daughter but is painfully conscious of their difference in social station. When he and the captain are discovered to be victims of mistaken identity, he, being the rightful captain, joyfully marries Josephine.
Josephine, the captain's daughter. She would gladly laugh her rank to scorn for love if Ralph were more highly born or she more lowly. Sir Joseph's pronouncement about the leveling power of love convinces her that she should accept Ralph.
Dick Deadeye, a hideously ugly and deformed able seaman. Even the kindhearted Buttercup admits that he is a plain man. Finding that even sweet sentiments cause horror when they come from his lips, Dick becomes embittered, deserts his shipmates, and betrays Ralph and Josephine to the captain. He takes malicious pleasure in the foiling of the young lovers but fades into insignificance in the general rejoicing at the end.
The Boatswain, a British tar who takes pride in being an Englishman. Along with Buttercup and most of his shipmates, he supports the young lovers in their plans to elope.
Cousin Hebe, the leader of Sir Joseph's numerous sisters, cousins, and aunts who follow him adoringly. When Sir Joseph expresses his belief that Josephine's social decline is too great for even love to level her rank with his, Cousin Hebe decides that they should make a triple wedding along with Ralph and Josephine and the now-seaman Corcoran and Buttercup. After the wedding, it will be farewell to the sisters and the cousin and the aunts, for Hebe will brook no rivals.