Hudibras: Analysis of Major Characters
"Hudibras: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the key figures in Samuel Butler's satirical poem "Hudibras," which critiques the social and religious dynamics of seventeenth-century England. The central character, Sir Hudibras, is portrayed as a Presbyterian knight whose misguided zeal leads him into numerous misadventures alongside his squire, Ralpho. Sir Hudibras is depicted as both learned and pompous, yet he ultimately faces comic failures in his attempts to reform the world around him. Ralpho, in contrast, embodies the traits of a religious Independent, often engaging in lofty debates about faith, while also being a source of humor.
Other characters include the fiddler Crowdero, who initially suffers at the hands of Hudibras and Ralpho, and Trulla, an assertive woman who turns the tables on Hudibras, further emphasizing the poem's themes of humiliation and folly. The astrologer Sidrophel and his apprentice Whachum provide additional layers to the narrative, representing the era's fascination with superstition and the occult. The Widow, a wealthy figure who manipulates Hudibras for her own ends, serves as a catalyst for his ultimate disgrace. These characters collectively highlight the absurdities of their time, inviting readers to reflect on the interplay of faith, power, and human folly.
Hudibras: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Samuel Butler
First published: part 1, 1663; part 2, 1664; part 3, 1678
Genre: Poetry
Locale: England
Plot: Satire
Time: 1640–1660
Sir Hudibras (HEW-dih-bras), a Presbyterian knight and the hero of this poem intended to ridicule the Presbyterians, the religious Independents, and the pretensions of false learning in seventeenth century England. Sir Hudibras is full of learned conversation liberally sprinkled with Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. Riding a skinny nag, he sallies forth with his squire Ralpho, intent on putting to right the sinners of the world. The reforming knight and his squire, obnoxious nuisances both, get the worst of every encounter with sin. In a final humiliation, their ardor is cooled when they are forced to make an undignified exit through the Widow's window and escape on their saddleless horses.
Ralpho, Sir Hudibras' squire. A religious Independent full of high-flown arguments on matters of faith, he accompanies his master on his crusade against sin.
Crowdero, a fiddler captured and put in the stocks by Sir Hudibras and Ralpho.
Trulla, an Amazon who subdues Sir Hudibras and puts him in the stocks in place of Crowdero.
Sidrophel, an astrologer consulted by Sir Hudibras and Ralpho.
Whachum, Sidrophel's apprentice.
The Widow, a wealthy woman who agrees to have Sir Hudibras freed from the stocks if he will consent to a whipping. When he lies to her, she causes his final humiliation and the end of his reforming career.
Orsin, a bear keeper whose escaped bear causes the melee that finally lands Sir Hudibras and Ralpho in the stocks.
Talgol, a butcher.