Iolanthe: Or, The Peer and the Peri: Analysis of Major Characters
"Iolanthe: Or, The Peer and the Peri" is a satirical operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan that explores themes of love, social hierarchy, and the intersection of fairy and mortal worlds. The story features a cast of major characters, each with unique traits and roles that drive the plot. Iolanthe, a gentle fairy, defies the laws of the fairy realm by marrying a mortal, resulting in her banishment. Her son, Strephon, embodies a blend of fairy and human qualities, struggling with his identity and navigating romantic challenges with Phyllis, the beautiful shepherdess who captures the affections of many, including the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor, who is unaware that Strephon is his son, finds himself in a comedic conflict when Iolanthe returns, complicating his pursuit of marriage to Phyllis.
The Queen of the Fairies represents a blend of mercy and severity, ultimately driving the narrative forward by imposing and then altering fairy laws. Other characters, such as Private Willis and the competing suitors Earl Mountararat and Earl Tolloler, enrich the storyline with additional layers of humor and social commentary. The operetta cleverly intertwines these character dynamics and societal critiques, making it a significant work in the theatrical canon. Overall, "Iolanthe" offers a humorous yet thought-provoking examination of love and societal norms through its vividly drawn characters.
Iolanthe: Or, The Peer and the Peri: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: W. S. Gilbert
First published: 1882
Genre: Play
Locale: England
Plot: Satire
Time: Nineteenth century
The Lord Chancellor, the husband of the supposedly dead Iolanthe. Highly susceptible to feminine charm, he hates to give away his lovely wards in Chancery in marriage. He is sometimes jocular, sometimes severe, and quite jealous of Strephon, who he does not know is his son. The return of Iolanthe keeps him from marrying Phyllis.
Iolanthe (i-oh-LAN-thee), a loving, gentle-hearted fairy, condemned to banishment instead of death by the kindness of the Queen of the Fairies. She has violated the fairy law by marrying a mortal. After her release by the Queen, she risks death a second time to save the happiness of her son.
Strephon (STREH-fon), an Arcadian shepherd, the son of the Chancellor and Iolanthe. He is a fairy down to the waist but human and material in the legs; therefore, he can accomplish none of the fairy tricks such as going through a keyhole or becoming completely invisible. He loves Phyllis, but in his anger at her jealousy, he takes revenge by going into Parliament and thwarting the will of the lords.
Phyllis, a beautiful shepherdess loved by the House of Peers to a man, as well as by the Lord Chancellor and Strephon. Finding Strephon kissing a beautiful girl who apparently is seventeen years old (Iolanthe), she refuses to believe the girl is his mother. Finally, she becomes convinced that he is truthful, and she consents to marry him.
The Queen of the Fairies, a noble-hearted monarch in whom severity and mercy struggle for mastery. She forgives Iolanthe, but angered at the Peers, she sends Strephon into Parliament to destroy their privileges. When Iolanthe reveals herself to the Chancellor, the Queen sentences her to death, but she again relents on finding that all the other fairies have fallen in love with mortals. She is captivated by the manly charms of Private Willis but controls her passion until the fairy constitution is changed to make it a mortal crime not to marry a mortal.
Private Willis, a philosophical sentry who is willing to inconvenience himself to save a female in distress.
The Earl of Mountararat (mount-AY-ruh-rat) and Earl Tolloler, suitors of Phyllis.