The House Behind the Cedars: Analysis of Major Characters
"The House Behind the Cedars" is a novel that explores themes of race, identity, and societal expectations through the lives of its complex characters. At the center is Rowena (Rena) Walden, a young woman of mixed race who navigates the challenges of passing for white in a racially divided society. Rena's journey reflects her internal struggle between embracing her heritage and the allure of a new life in Charleston, where she seeks acceptance and love from George Tryon, a wealthy white man. However, Tryon's initial affection falters when he confronts Rena's black heritage, leading to a heartbreaking abandonment.
Rena's brother, John Warwick, also represents the theme of racial passing, having successfully adopted a white identity and achieved social status. Their mother, Molly Walden, grapples with her own privileges and the sacrifices she makes for her children’s advancement. Other key figures include Jefferson Wain, whose hypocritical nature and threatening advances contribute to Rena's turmoil, and Frank Fowler, an honest black laborer whose unwavering love for Rena highlights the complexities of race and affection. Through these characters, the novel poignantly depicts the harsh realities of identity and the societal pressures that shape their fates.
The House Behind the Cedars: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Charles Waddell Chesnutt
First published: 1900
Genre: Novel
Locale: North and South Carolina
Plot: Social realism
Time: The late 1860's
Rowena (Rena) Walden, the beautiful, young heroine of mixed race, whose skin is sufficiently light for her to pass as white. Reared as a black child in the small town of Patesville, Rena resigns herself to the limitations of her existence until the unexpected reappearance of her brother John. At his invitation, Rena joins him in South Carolina, where she passes for white, attends a white finishing school, is accepted into Charleston society, and falls in love with George Tryon, a chivalrous young white man. Idealistic and intelligent, Rena enjoys the freedom of her new situation but is troubled by the deception that she must practice to hide her background. Torn between her past and the bright promise of her future with Tryon, Rena risks discovery by rushing to her mother's sick-bed in Patesville. When her secret is revealed and Tryon abandons her, Rena accepts a position as a teacher at a rural black school, but the lecherous advances of Jefferson Wain make her short stay there unbearable. The strain increases when Rena realizes that the school is located near Tryon's estate. In the end, the pressure breaks Rena. Deathly ill, she is returned to her mother's home by the faithful Frank Fowler and dies just before Tryon returns to attempt a reunion.
George Tryon, Rena's fiancé, an aristocratic white Southerner from North Carolina. Handsome, athletic, wealthy, and intelligent, Tryon takes pride in his independence, congratulating himself for being a tolerant and “liberal” man. A romantic, Tryon falls in love with Rena the moment he sees her and swears that he has no interest in her family background. His liberality fails him, however, when he is confronted with Rena's black heritage. Although Tryon abandons Rena and resumes his courtship of Blanche Leary, he is unable to bury his feelings for Rena. At the novel's end, he rushes to Patesville, apparently ready to stand up to societal prejudices, but discovers that Rena has died.
John Warwick, Rena's brother and Tryon's attorney, reared as John Walden in Patesville. Warwick, as light-skinned as his sister, moves to South Carolina as a young man and successfully passes as white. Assisted by the disruptions of the war and considerable good fortune, Warwick marries a plantation owner's daughter, becomes a successful lawyer, and inherits the property after his wife's death. Less sentimental than his sister and less tied to the past, Warwick accepts the necessity of cutting himself off from his mother, placing a high priority on his personal freedom and comfort.
Molly Walden, Rena's mother, a free black woman during the era of slavery whose relationship with a prominent planter produced Rena and John. Molly, who is almost as light-skinned as her children, enjoyed privileges as the mistress of a wealthy white man. Long after his death, she continues to feel superior to darker-skinned blacks, but she grudgingly accepts the personal sacrifice she must make to permit her children to advance in the world.
Jefferson Wain, the hypocritical and violent superintendent of black schools in Sampson County. Wain offers Rena a teaching position at a rural black school. It soon becomes evident that his intentions toward Rena are dishonorable. Rena is able to thwart his advances, but the strain of her situation contributes to her physical collapse.
Frank Fowler, an honest black laborer who loves Rena for herself. Fowler saved Rena's life when she was a girl, and he has loved her ever since despite realizing the hopelessness of his obsession. He finds her near death and returns her to her mother's home. Frank's unswerving devotion underscores the inherent values of black manhood, but it is only in her dying moments that Rena recognizes the value of Fowler's affection.
Judge Archibald Straight, an aging Patesville lawyer who encouraged John's early interest in the law and helped facilitate his escape from the town. Judge Straight is a tolerant and kindly man who is able to see beyond the prejudices of his class and time, but his efforts to assist Rena fail to avert tragedy.
Dr. Ed Green, a Patesville doctor who treats Rena and her mother. His racist theories regarding the genetic dangers of miscegenation inflame Tryon's outrage at Rena's deception. Green's proclamations also make Tryon afraid of the social ostracism that would result from public knowledge of his love for Rena.
Peter Fowler, Frank's father. Peter resents the affectations of the lighter-skinned blacks in Patesville and believes that his son is foolish to love Rena when his love is so obviously unrequited.
Blanche Leary, Tryon's blonde girlfriend, his mother's favorite. Beautiful and compliant, Blanche represents the stereotypical ideal of Southern womanhood, but Tryon finds her attractions somehow vacant next to Rena's.