Jonathan Wild: Analysis of Major Characters
"Jonathan Wild: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex figures within the narrative surrounding Jonathan Wild, a notorious criminal whose life reflects themes of betrayal and moral corruption. The protagonist, Jonathan Wild, emerges from a lineage marked by crime, beginning his journey as a pickpocket before ascending to the role of a criminal leader. His duplicitous nature is revealed through his willingness to betray even those closest to him, exemplified in his treachery against his honest friend, Heartfree.
Heartfree serves as a foil to Wild, embodying integrity and familial devotion, ultimately suffering greatly due to Wild's machinations. The analysis also highlights Count La Ruse, another criminal who shares a tumultuous bond with Wild, facing a grim fate after a life of crime. Laetitia Snap, Wild's wife, is depicted as equally unscrupulous, engaging in deceitful behaviors and sharing her husband's tragic end. Lastly, Mrs. Heartfree's resilience stands out as she navigates the challenges posed by Jonathan's nefarious actions, ultimately returning to rescue her husband, symbolizing redemption amidst chaos. This overview provides insights into the moral complexities and character dynamics that drive the narrative of "Jonathan Wild."
Jonathan Wild: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Henry Fielding
First published: The History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great, 1743
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Social satire
Time: Late seventeenth century
Jonathan Wild, a descendant of many men hanged for thievery and treason. He becomes a notorious criminal, beginning as a pickpocket while still a schoolboy. He becomes a criminal leader and gathers about him a gang of thieves who do his bidding. He shows his “greatness” as a criminal by being dishonest even to his friends and companions. His highest aim is to send his honest friend, Heartfree, to the gallows. Instead, he himself dies on the gallows, cursing humankind.
Count La Ruse, a fellow criminal with Jonathan Wild. He is a pickpocket befriended by Jonathan while in debtors'prison. He has a long career in crime that ends when he is executed by being broken on the wheel in France.
Laetitia Snap, who becomes Jonathan's wife. She keeps him at a distance for a time in order to keep her lover a secret. She is a fitting wife for Jonathan, being herself a pickpocket and a cheat at cards. She ends up on the gallows.
Mr. Heartfree, a good man who loves his family and is honest in his dealings. He is a former schoolmate of Jonathan. He is a jeweler by trade and is ruined by Jonathan and his gang, who steal his stock, beat him terribly, and say at the same time they are his friends.
Mrs. Heartfree, an honest woman. Jonathan convinces her that her husband wants her to go with Jonathan to Holland. Jonathan mistreats her, but she returns from her extensive travels in time to save her husband from hanging after he has been framed by Jonathan. When she returns, she has a fabulous jewel, the gift of a savage chief, which restores the family's prosperity.