Hugh Wynne, Free Quaker: Analysis of Major Characters
"Hugh Wynne, Free Quaker" is a historical narrative set during the Revolutionary War, focusing on the life of Hugh Wynne, a young man grappling with the strict tenets of his Quaker upbringing and the call of patriotism. As he navigates the conflict between his father's orthodox Quaker beliefs and his desire for independence, Hugh ultimately chooses to leave the Quaker community to join the Continental Army, where he earns accolades from General Washington and rises to the rank of captain. The story also introduces significant characters such as John Wynne, Hugh's disapproving father, who struggles with his son’s departure from their faith; Gainor Wynne, Hugh's worldly aunt who encourages his patriotic endeavors; and Jack Warder, his steadfast friend and fellow soldier.
Additionally, the narrative features Arthur Wynne, Hugh's treacherous cousin who aligns with loyalist forces, and Darthea Peniston, Hugh's love interest who navigates her own romantic entanglements before ultimately choosing Hugh. The character dynamics explore themes of loyalty, faith, and personal sacrifice, reflecting the broader societal changes occurring during this tumultuous period in American history. Through its exploration of these characters, "Hugh Wynne, Free Quaker" presents a rich tapestry of 18th-century American life and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals during the quest for independence.
Hugh Wynne, Free Quaker: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Silas Weir Mitchell
First published: 1897
Genre: Novel
Locale: Colonial America
Plot: Historical
Time: 1753–1783
Hugh Wynne, a young man in Revolutionary War times who is torn between his father's Quakerism and more worldly views. The rigors of his father's religion prove too much, and he leaves the Quakers to become a valiant soldier in the Continental Army fighting for colonial independence. He receives praise from General Washington, wins a captaincy, and after the war marries Darthea Peniston, the girl he loves. A loyal American, he gives up the title to estates in Wales.
John Wynne, Hugh's father, an orthodox Quaker. Bitter when his son leaves his faith, John tries to disinherit Hugh. He fails, however, because his clouded mind causes him to mistake Hugh for Hugh's cousin Arthur. The poor man dies insane.
Gainor Wynne, Hugh's aunt, his father's sister. She is not a Quaker and surrounds herself with worldly friends, including British officers. She wants her nephew to leave the Quaker faith to take part in the patriot cause to free the American colonies. She befriends Hugh when he is cut off by his father.
Jack Warder, Hugh's schoolmate and friend. With Hugh, he becomes a patriot in the American Revolution and serves valiantly in the Continental Army.
Arthur Wynne, Hugh's cousin. He is a deceitful and cruel young man who is a Tory sympathizer and becomes an officer in the British forces during the American Revolution. On one occasion, he leaves his cousin Hugh to die in a filthy prison. He is Hugh's unsuccessful rival for the hand of Darthea Peniston. A sly villain, he wheedles the family estate in Wales from Hugh's hoodwinked father.
Marie Wynne, Hugh's mother, a loving and understanding woman. She dies while Hugh is still a young man.
Darthea Peniston, a childhood sweetheart of Hugh. She is at one time engaged to Arthur, Hugh's cousin, but she discovers he is a deceitful man and breaks the engagement. Later, she marries Hugh.