The Keys of the Kingdom: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Keys of the Kingdom: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the lives of key figures surrounding Francis Chisolm, the protagonist who endures a challenging upbringing after the early death of his parents. Raised by his Aunt Polly and Uncle Ned, Chisolm's journey leads him to the priesthood, particularly after the tragic fate of his cousin Nora, which profoundly impacts him. He contrasts with his childhood friend Anselm Mealey, who rises through church ranks with self-assuredness, highlighting a stark juxtaposition between their paths. Bishop Hamish McNabb serves as Chisolm's mentor, supporting his mission work in China, where he selflessly serves diverse communities during crises. Other significant characters include Dr. Willie Tulloch, an atheist physician who embodies true humanitarianism, and Mother Maria-Veronica, who evolves from disdain to admiration for Chisolm's humble approach. As Chisolm ages, he takes on the responsibility of caring for Andrew, Nora's grandson, illustrating his enduring commitment to family and community. The narrative paints a rich tapestry of religious devotion, human struggles, and the complexities of personal relationships within a faith-based context.
The Keys of the Kingdom: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: A. J. Cronin
First published: 1941
Genre: Novel
Locale: England, Scotland, and China
Plot: Religious
Time: The late nineteenth century to 1938
Francis Chisolm, the main character. He is the son of pious Catholic parents who die while he is very young, leaving him to be reared by relatives in circumstances of great poverty and personal suffering. He is rescued by his Uncle Ned and Aunt Polly, who continue his rearing and send him to the Catholic boarding school at Holywell. When his cousin, Nora, whom he loves, gives birth to an illegitimate child and commits suicide before entering a forced marriage, Chisolm decides to enter the priesthood. At seminary, he struggles to conform, but his unconventional but deep spirituality earns for him the respect of his superiors. His first appointment as a priest is as curate in a Scottish parish. His efforts to help his parishioners lead to conflict with the pastors of the first two parishes to which he is assigned. His mentor, Bishop Hamish McNabb, sends him to a missionary post in China. Arriving there in 1902, Chisolm spends the bulk of his ministry there. He humbly serves the community, Christians and non-Christians, through hard times that include an epidemic of bubonic plague and devastating civil wars. As an old man, he returns to Scotland and a small parish. He takes upon himself responsibility for rearing Nora's abandoned grandchild, Andrew. Even in his declining years, his example of simple Christian virtues and tolerance affects those who come in contact with him.
Anselm Mealey, Chisolm's childhood friend, who also enters the priesthood. Mealey is self-confident and proclaims his piety. He moves smoothly up the hierarchy of the church. As supervisor of the missions, he visits Chisolm in China. When Chisolm returns to Scotland, he finds that Mealey is now bishop of the diocese. Throughout the novel, Mealey's smoothness and success pose a contrast to Chisolm's humility and outward lack of success.
Bishop Hamish McNabb, Chisolm's friend and mentor. McNabb is headmaster of Holywell when Chisolm begins his studies there. The two recognize each other as kindred spirits and share a devotion to salmon fishing. McNabb is appointed rector of the seminary where Chisolm prepares for the priest-hood. As bishop during Chisolm's early ministry, he is able to protect the young man and secure his appointment to the mission in China.
Dr. Willie Tulloch, a boyhood friend of Chisolm. He becomes a dedicated physician and an atheist. The two remain close, and Chisolm respects Tulloch for his true humanitarian concerns. Tulloch travels to China to help fight the plague and finally arrives at the mission run by Chisolm. After working ceaselessly during the outbreak, Tulloch succumbs to the disease and dies.
Nora Bannon, Chisolm's cousin. The two are very fond of each other as children and come to love each other after Chisolm is taken in by his Aunt Polly, though Bannon realizes that Polly is steering Chisolm toward the priesthood. While Chisolm is away at school, Bannon is a victim of incest and gives birth to a baby. Chisolm offers to run away with her rather than have her forced into a marriage to a family employee. Instead, she throws herself in front of a train and is killed.
Aunt Polly, the sister of Ned Bannon, who had married Chisolm's father's sister. When Ned's wife died, she became housekeeper for Ned and Ned's daughter, Nora. A devout Catholic, she sets her heart on Chisolm becoming a priest. When Chisolm is left to uncaring relatives after the death of his parents, Polly takes him away and gives him a good home. She makes sure that he receives good schooling and steers him toward the priesthood.
Mother Maria-Veronica, a member of an aristocratic German family, who has entered a religious order. She is sent with two other religious women to teach and assist at Chisolm's mission. Initially, her aristocratic hauteur makes her disdain Chisolm and look down on his simple Christianity. Eventually, his humble labors and loving personality find her approval, and they become close friends and allies.
Andrew, Nora's grandson, for whom Chisolm assumes responsibility when the priest returns to Scotland from China. Chisolm rescues him from the caring but poor couple who had taken him in when there were no relatives to help. He takes the youngster to live with him in the rectory.
Monsignor Sleeth, a self-satisfied cleric who is sent to check on the elderly Father Chisolm with the intent of removing him from his parish and dispatching him to an old priests' home. Like many others who initially scorn Chisolm for his humble demeanor and simple ideas, he too is won over by Chisolm's true Christian life.