Joseph Vance: An Ill-Written Autobiography: Analysis of Major Characters
"Joseph Vance: An Ill-Written Autobiography" examines the intricate lives of its characters through the lens of English society and personal relationships. The protagonist, Joseph Vance, is portrayed as a fundamentally good-hearted individual whose moral choices often lead to personal suffering, particularly in matters of love. His father, Christopher Vance, presents a contrasting figure marked by alcoholism and irresponsibility, contributing significantly to Joseph's challenges. Key relationships in Joseph's life include Dr. Randall Thorpe, his benefactor, and Lossie Thorpe, the woman he loves, who becomes estranged from him due to misunderstandings involving family and loyalty.
Supporting characters further enrich the narrative, including Joe Thorpe, a bigamist whose actions create complications for Joseph, and Janey Spencer, Joseph's devoted wife, whose tragic fate underscores the themes of sacrifice and loss. The story also features a range of secondary characters, such as the wealthy General Desprez and the maid Pheener, who add depth to the familial and social dynamics at play. Overall, the character analysis highlights the complexities of human relationships, societal expectations, and the consequences of personal choices within the framework of Joseph Vance's life story.
Joseph Vance: An Ill-Written Autobiography: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: William De Morgan
First published: 1906
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Autobiographical
Time: Mid-nineteenth century
Joseph Vance, an honest Englishman who helps his friends and suffers sometimes for his goodness. Even his love is denied because he refuses to hurt the woman he loves by telling her that her own brother's rascality is what has put Joseph himself in a bad light.
Mr. Christopher Vance, Joseph's prodigal father. A drunkard, he is one of his son's greatest problems. He almost bankrupts himself because, while drunk, he causes a fire in the building housing his business.
Mrs. Vance, Christopher's first wife, Joseph's mother. She dies shortly after Joseph graduates from Oxford.
Dr. Randall Thorpe, Joseph's benefactor. It is he who sends Joseph to Oxford.
Lossie Thorpe, Dr. Thorpe's oldest child, loved by Joseph. Eventually, she and Joseph spend their last days together in Italy.
Joe (Beppino) Thorpe, Dr. Thorpe's son. He is a bigamist, in one marriage using Joseph Vance's name. His son by that marriage is adopted by Joseph, whose action causes Lossie to turn against him, for she thinks he is the child's real father. Beppino is a would-be poet. He dies of typhoid fever.
Violet Thorpe, Lossie's sister.
Nolly Thorpe, Lossie's other brother.
General Desprez, a wealthy army officer, Lossie's husband. He dies before he can clear Joseph of the charges of which his wife thinks Joseph guilty.
Pheener, the Christopher Vances' maid. After her mistress' death, she marries Christopher.
Bony Macallister, Joseph's school friend. Later, he and Joseph become business partners in an engineering firm.
Janey Spencer, Joseph's wife. She loves him dearly and is drowned when she refuses to go into a lifeboat from a sinking ship after choosing to try to swim to shore with her husband.
Sibyl Perceval, an heiress who marries Beppino shortly before his death.