The Intuitionist: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Intuitionist: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate dynamics of characters within the novel "The Intuitionist," exploring themes of race, identity, and professional integrity within the realm of elevator inspection. Central to the narrative is Lila Mae Watson, the first female African American elevator inspector, who navigates a prejudiced environment while adhering to her intuitionist beliefs and maintaining her dignity in the face of discrimination. James Fulton, the enigmatic biracial founder of Intuitionism, is revered in the field but conceals his heritage, embodying the complexities of identity and legacy.
Supporting characters, such as Natchez, who initially appears trustworthy but ultimately betrays Lila, and Charles "Chuck" Gould, a marginalized white inspector who champions escalator technology, further enrich the narrative's exploration of trust and ambition. Frank Chancre, the bullying president of the Elevator Guild, represents the manipulative power dynamics at play, while Pompey and Orville Lever illustrate the varied responses to systemic challenges within the profession. The character of Ben Urich adds a journalistic perspective, emphasizing the role of media in shaping public narratives. Overall, the analysis presents a multifaceted view of how these diverse characters interact and respond to societal pressures, making it a compelling study for those interested in themes of social justice and professional ethics.
The Intuitionist: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Colson Whitehead
First published: 1999
Genre: Novel
Locale: A large metropolitan city in the United States
Plot: Speculative fiction
Time: Unspecified, but implied to be mid-twentieth century
Lila Mae Watson, the first female African American inspector in the Department of Elevator Inspectors. Lila Mae always dresses formally, making sure every element of her dress is meticulously clean. She parts her hair in the middle of her head and wears no makeup. Although she adopts an un-characteristically passive persona in public in order to steel herself against the bigotry of those around her, she refuses to allow herself to be denigrated, sometimes at the risk of her job or her safety. She grew up in a poor part of the rural United States, the only daughter of uneducated parents. Her first date, ending in a dry, unmoving kiss, is largely representative of her romantic relationships later in life. Intuitionism is her faith, although she is willing to sacrifice it for the sake of the “second elevation.”
James Fulton, the founder of Intuitionism and much of modern elevation techniques. Fulton is biracial, the son of a black woman and a white man, although he kept his African American parentage a secret his entire life. He is considered to be the father of modern elevator physics and is regarded as a deity by the entire Department of Elevator Inspectors. He is rumored to have created the “black box,” the next step in elevator technology that will lead to the second elevation.
Natchez, a large African American man who claims to be the nephew of James Fulton. He comes across as pleasant and personable in order to gain Lila Mae's trust. He is later revealed to be Raymond Coombs, a hired thug and spy for the Arbo elevator company.
Charles “Chuck” Gould, a white escalator inspector and Lila Mae's only friend in the Department of Elevator Inspectors. Chuck is of average height and build, with red hair cut in the “Safety” style, a military-like haircut that was once regulation. He is marginalized in the department for working with escalators, but he is willing to endure work in the field so that he can eventually teach theory at the Institute for Vertical Transport.
Ben Urich, a reporter for Lift magazine. A handsome, well-proportioned ladies'man, Ben uses his good looks to get the information he needs for a story. He considers himself a watchdog of the elevator industry and is motivated first and foremost by the story he is pursuing.
Frank Chancre, an Empiricist and president of the Elevator Guild. He is a large man accustomed to rich living and rich food. Chancre is calm, confident, and proud, and he knows how to manipulate people. He can be a bully, believing that there is no one in the city who can stand up to him.
Pompey, the first African American elevator inspector and a proponent of Empiricism. There is always something out of place about Pompey's appearance; his clothes never quite fit. Pompey is motivated by providing for his family and is willing to compromise his values in order to survive.
Orville Lever, an older white man who is the Intuitionist candidate for presidency of the Elevator Guild. Although he seems outwardly kind and passive, Lever is deeply motivated by his belief in Intuitionism and does whatever he can to bolster the belief politically.
Mr. Reed, Orville Lever's secretary and lead campaign manager. He is a short white man with a fastidious sense of style, often seen wearing a blue blazer and polishing his pince-nez glasses with a handkerchief. Despite his size, he is intimidating and works to take control of every situation he finds himself in.
Jim Corrigan, a hired thug working for underworld mob boss Johnny Shush. Jim is white, and his appearance is statistically average in every way; he is neither fat nor skinny, neither tall nor short. Jim is mean, spiteful, and motivated by the suffering of others.
John Murphy, another hired thug working for Johnny Shush. John looks a great deal like Jim—white and physically average—although they are not related. They also have similar personalities.
Bart Arbergast, an Internal Affairs investigator for the Department of Elevator Inspectors. Arbergast is a short, stout white man with only a few wisps of hair left on his head. He eats constantly and is generally very unhealthy. He is the classic stereotype of a hard-boiled detective, searching for the true perpetrator of the elevator crash.
Jimmy, a slender African American mechanic for the Department of Elevator Inspectors. He is the youngest employee working in the motor pool and has a secret crush on Lila Mae.