Joanna Godden: Analysis of Major Characters
"Joanna Godden" is a novel that explores the complexities of its major characters within the backdrop of rural life and personal relationships. The central figure, Joanna Godden, is a determined woman who takes over her family's farm, Little Ansdore, after her father's death, challenging societal norms that view her as stubborn and foolish. Despite her success in farming, Joanna experiences emotional emptiness after the death of Martin Trevor, the man she loves, which propels her into a life-changing decision to start anew after becoming pregnant by a casual lover.
Martin Trevor serves as a pivotal character, awakening Joanna's femininity and desires before his untimely death separates them. Squire Trevor, Martin's father, adds layers to the narrative as he becomes the object of infatuation for Joanna's sister, Ellen Godden. Ellen herself is depicted as a young woman overshadowed by Joanna, whose actions—marrying Arthur Alce, a man deeply in love with Joanna—create tension in their sisterly relationship. Arthur's unrequited love for Joanna leads him to marry Ellen, but his departure from their lives leaves an enduring impact. The interplay between these characters reveals themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of identity, making "Joanna Godden" a rich exploration of human experience and relationships in a rural setting.
Joanna Godden: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Sheila Kaye-Smith
First published: 1921
Genre: Novel
Locale: Rural England
Plot: Domestic realism
Time: Early twentieth century
Joanna Godden, a strong woman who upon the death of her father takes firm control of the family farm, Little Ansdore, and her sister Ellen. Her neighbors consider her a foolish, stubborn woman, but she thinks she can operate a farm better than anyone else, and she proves she can; yet her life seems empty of a man after the man she loves, Martin Trevor, dies. After some years, she takes a casual lover and becomes pregnant. She decides to sell the farm and start life anew with her child, though she will not marry the father because she does not really love him.
Martin Trevor, the man who makes Joanna feel for the first time that she is a woman before she is a farmer. He falls ill, however, and dies before he and Joanna can be married.
Squire Trevor, Martin's father. Ellen Godden becomes infatuated with him after her marriage and follows him to Dover.
Albert Hill, a man thirteen years younger than Joanna, whom she meets on a trip. Though he fathers her child, she will not marry him.
Arthur Alce, who loves Joanna deeply. He loves her so much that at her request he marries her sister. His wife thinks, however, that she has stolen the man from Joanna. When Ellen follows Squire Trevor to Dover, Arthur Alce moves away but refuses to give his wife a divorce. He dies accidentally, leaving his farm not to his wife but to Joanna.
Ellen Godden, Joanna's young sister, dominated by Joanna. She marries Arthur thinking she has taken him from Joanna. Later, she becomes infatuated with Squire Trevor. After following him to Dover she returns to live with her sister.