The Human Comedy: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Human Comedy: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate relationships and emotional landscapes of a family grappling with loss and the impacts of war. Central to the narrative is Katey Macauley, a widow striving to raise her children while maintaining a connection to her deceased husband through imagined conversations. Her oldest son, Marcus, serves in the Army and forms a bond with Tobey George, an orphan who longs for familial connection. Tragically, Marcus is killed in action, prompting Tobey to return to the Macauley home, where he attempts to fill the void left by Marcus.
Homer Macauley, Katey's second son, balances his responsibilities at the telegraph office with aspirations in athletics, becoming a crucial figure in relaying the somber news of Marcus's death. Alongside him, Mr. Grogan, an assistant in the telegraph office, offers poignant reflections on the futility of war, while struggling with his own demons. The narrative is enriched by other family members, including Bess and Ulysses, who navigate their own paths amid the overarching themes of grief and resilience. This exploration of character dynamics serves as a microcosm of broader societal issues, inviting readers to reflect on the connections between family, loss, and the human experience.
The Human Comedy: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: William Saroyan
First published: 1943
Genre: Novel
Locale: Ithaca, California
Plot: Sentimental
Time: Twentieth century
Katey Macauley, a widow who is trying to bring up her family alone. She has imaginary talks with her dead husband, in which she discusses family problems with him. She feels that her husband is not dead as long as he lives in the lives of his children. She accepts Tobey into the family after Marcus is killed.
Homer Macauley, Katey's second oldest son, who takes a night job at the telegraph office. He gets up early every day and exercises so that he will be in shape to run the hurdles at the high school. He finds the telegram that Mr. Grogan has typed out telling Katey that Marcus has been killed.
Marcus Macauley, Katey's oldest son, who goes into the Army and makes friends with Tobey George. Tobey has no family of his own, and so Marcus shares stories of his family with Tobey. Marcus wants Tobey to go to his home and marry his sister, Bess, after the war. Marcus is killed in action.
Mary Arena, Marcus' sweetheart.
Tobey George, an orphan whom Marcus befriends in the Army. Tobey is lonely and lives vicariously through Marcus' family. He returns to Marcus' home after the war and, in a sense, takes Marcus' place as a son.
Mr. Grogan, Spangler's assistant in the telegraph office, with whom Homer has long talks concerning the efficacy of war. Mr. Grogan has a weak heart and gets drunk every night. One of Homer's duties is to see that he stays awake. He dies after typing out the message that Marcus has been killed in action.
Thomas Spangler, the manager of the telegraph office.
Bess Macauley and Ulysses Macauley, Katey's two other children.
Lionel, Ulysses' friend, who takes him to the library and shows him the many books.