Hyde Park: Analysis of Major Characters
"Hyde Park: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and dynamics among a cast of characters navigating love, loyalty, and societal expectations. Central to the narrative is Mistress Bonavent, who, believing herself a widow after her husband’s seven-year disappearance, is on the verge of marrying her persistent suitor, Lacy. The plot thickens when her husband, Bonavent, returns just before the marriage is consummated, adding layers of conflict and emotional turmoil.
Mistress Carol, Bonavent's cousin, adds another dimension as she flirts with multiple suitors, ultimately returning to her favored choice, Fairfield, after testing his affections. Fairfield, battling with his lady's playful nature, finds resolution when his exasperation leads to an unexpected proposal. Meanwhile, Lord Bonvile pursues Julietta under misconceptions about her character, only to be enlightened by her dignified response, which shifts his perception and ultimately leads to their union. The character of Jack Trier introduces themes of jealousy and mistrust, as his actions inadvertently contribute to Julietta's lost affection.
This analysis highlights the social dynamics, misunderstandings, and character transformations that define relationships within the setting of Hyde Park, offering readers insight into early modern courtship and societal norms.
Hyde Park: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: James Shirley
First published: 1637
Genre: Play
Locale: London, England
Plot: Comedy of manners
Time: Early seventeenth century
Mistress Bonavent, a wife who believes herself a widow. Her husband having been missing for seven years, she considers marriage to her persistent suitor, Lacy. After the marriage, but before its consummation, she learns of her husband's return.
Lacy, her suitor.
Bonavent, a merchant and the husband of Mistress Bonavent. Held captive by Turkish pirates and recently ransomed after seven years' absence, he returns to the sound of his wife's wedding festivities. He makes himself known to her before the second marriage is consummated.
Mistress Carol, Mistress Bonavent's cousin and companion. She flirts with Rider and Venture and plays one against the other; all along, Fairfield is the favored suitor. Turning coquette to test the favorite's affection, she nearly loses him before she is forced to abandon her pride and propose to him. He accepts immediately.
Fairfield, the favored suitor of Mistress Carol. In despair over his lady's off-again, on-again coquettishness, he threatens to become a gelding and free himself from all such concerns. The threat wins her hand on the spot.
Rider and Venture, Mistress Carol's rejected suitors.
Lord Bonvile, a sporting peer. Under the delusion that Julietta is a lady of easy virtue, he is in hot pursuit of her. When he goes too far in his suit, he receives from the lady a lecture on good breeding, takes it to heart, and finally wins her hand.
Julietta, Fairfield's sister, who is pursued by Lord Bonvile under the mistaken impression that she is a prostitute. She accepts him as a suitor after his thoughts become as lofty as his rank.
Jack Trier, Julietta's betrothed. To test his lady's chastity, the jealous lover leaves her with Lord Bonvile, whom he has told that she is a prostitute. He loses her to Bonvile.