John Inglesant: Analysis of Major Characters
"John Inglesant" is a historical novel that intricately weaves the life of its protagonist, John Inglesant, against the backdrop of 17th-century England and Italy. As the younger twin of Eustace Inglesant, John is portrayed as a contemplative character shaped by his philosophical education and a series of adventures involving political turmoil and personal loss. Eustace, his older brother, contrasts John's introspective nature with his more worldly education and tragic end at the hands of an Italian adversary, a story arc that John ultimately confronts through a redemptive act of mercy.
Key figures in John's journey include Father St. Clare, a Jesuit tutor whose ambitions for England shape John's path, and King Charles I, who relies on John for covert missions amidst the political chaos of the period. The narrative also introduces Lord Glamorgan, who seeks to rally support for the king, and Lord Biron, the garrison commander who faces the grim realities of war. John's personal life is marked by his love for Lauretta Capece, whose fate tragically intertwines with the broader themes of loss and resilience. The novel explores complex interactions among its characters, emphasizing themes of loyalty, faith, and the struggle for power, making it a rich subject for character analysis and exploration of historical context.
John Inglesant: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Joseph Henry Shorthouse
First published: 1880
Genre: Novel
Locale: England and Italy
Plot: Historical
Time: Seventeenth century
John Inglesant, the hero. The younger of twin sons, he is educated in philosophy and the classics. After a series of adventures in the service of Charles I of England, and later in Italy, he is sent back to England, where he leads a life of contemplation.
Eustace Inglesant. A few minutes older than his brother John, he is given a worldly education. He is murdered by an Italian enemy. Years later, John finds the murderer, who is now a blind monk, and spares his life.
Father St. Clare, a Jesuit and John's tutor. His dream is to return England to the domination of Rome; with this in mind he aids the crown against the Puritans.
Charles I, king of England. Guided by Father St. Clare, John is employed on secret missions by the king. Imprisoned, John refuses to give evidence against the king. After Charles' execution, Father St. Clare arranges John's release.
Lord Glamorgan, an Irish lord attempting to raise an army on Charles' behalf. He sends John to the besieged royal garrison at Chester, with promises of aid.
Lord Biron, commander of the garrison at Chester. After weeks of waiting, he finds that the king has denied plans for the Irish invasion because of a popular outcry. The garrison is lost to the Puritans.
Lauretta Capece, with whom John falls in love in Florence. He marries her and lives with her for several years in Umbria until, returning from a personal mission, he finds the family wiped out by the plague.
Cardinal Chigi, later elected pope. He is John's Italian patron.
The Duke of Umbria, to whom John is sent on a successful mission by the Jesuits.