The Known World: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Known World: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics of race and power in antebellum Virginia through its diverse cast of characters. Central to the narrative is Henry Townsend, a freed black man who becomes a plantation owner and grapples with the moral implications of enslaving others. His journey reflects profound ethical dilemmas, especially in his evolving treatment of the slaves under his authority. Caldonia, Henry's wife, offers a contrasting perspective; her education and inherent compassion lead her to question Henry's harsh methods, creating tension in their marriage.
John Skiffington, a white sheriff, embodies the conflict between personal beliefs and societal obligations as he struggles with his role in perpetuating slavery despite his opposition to it. Other characters, such as Moses and Augustus Townsend, provide a deeper understanding of the impacts of slavery on family relationships and personal aspirations. The narrative also includes strong female figures, like Philomena, a black mistress, and Fern Elston, a dedicated educator, who highlight the varied experiences of women navigating a patriarchal and racially charged society. Together, these characters illustrate the complexities of human relationships shaped by the institution of slavery, prompting readers to reflect on the moral and social consequences of their choices.
The Known World: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Edward Paul Jones
First published: 2003
Genre: Novel
Locale: Manchester County, Virginia
Plot: Historical
Time: 1840s-50s
Henry Townsend, the black proprietor of an antebellum Virginia plantation and master of thirty-three slaves. Once he is freed from slavery, he strives to obtain all the privileges that white men are afforded, including owning slaves. Initially, he is quite naive in his proprietorship and seeks guidance from his former master, William Robbins. Robbins criticizes him for acting as though he and his slaves are equal. Eventually Henry becomes unforgiving in his management of the plantation—using harsh punishment and beating his slaves to keep order. His role, his choices, and his actions raise ethical and social questions for the residents of Manchester County, confusing both blacks and whites in the area. Tension commonly arises between Henry and others, including his wife, Caldonia.
John Skiffington, a white sheriff in Manchester County. When he and his father move from their large North Carolina plantation to live in Virginia, both father and son swear that they will never own slaves again. Shortly after arriving in Virginia, John meets and marries a Quaker woman from Pennsylvania. When he and his bride are given a slave girl as a wedding gift, they decide to raise her as a daughter. They make plans to leave for the North but these plans are continually postponed. Though opposed to slavery, John is committed to upholding the law. He sets up an extensive operation to return runaway slaves to their owners and ultimately winds up murdering a freed slave.
Caldonia Townsend, Henry's wife. Born free, she possesses a level of education that the slaves do not. Henry's treatment of his slaves upsets her; she often begs him to show greater leniency to them. She has an affair with Moses, one of Henry's slaves, causing her to worry for her safety. Unsure of her rightful privileges as a free black woman, she experiences frequent distress and confusion. After Henry's death, she spends her time living in the past. She is incapable of ruling with her husband's cruelty and has difficulty maintaining the plantation, which falls into disrepair and chaos after Henry dies.
Moses, the first slave that Henry purchases. A thinking man, he is baffled by the fact that a black man would choose to own slaves. After being separated from his one true love, he remains emotionally aloof with future lovers and family. Initially committed to challenging the ruling power structure and to escaping the limits of his enslavement, he eventually becomes the overseer on Henry's plantation. Stripped of his generosity and higher aspirations, he attempts to escape but is soon captured. Ultimately, he is hobbled and dies an enfeebled man.
Augustus Townsend, Henry's father and a freed slave. At twenty-two, he buys his own freedom with money saved from his carpentry work. Three years later, he has enough money to buy his wife's freedom. When they move on from the Robbins's plantation, they must leave behind nine-year-old Henry, who is still owned by Robbins and cared for by Rita, a motherly slave. Augustus and Mildred visit with Henry once a month but are not able to play a real role in his upbringing. Augustus is dismayed when he discovers that Henry has purchased slaves and beats him with a cane.
Mildred Townsend, Henry's mother and a freed slave. Her husband purchases her freedom when she is twenty-six, and she is able to leave the Robbins's plantation. However, this also means she must leave her nine-year-old son, Henry, and the separation is emotionally devastating for her. She has a very close relationship with Augustus, believing that she has a spiritual connection to him. She defies the sheriff to protect Moses and is killed.
William Robbins, a white plantation owner and Henry's former owner. Approaching slave ownership pragmatically, he is very business oriented in regard to his property. He instructs Henry on how best to manage his slaves and land. He remains deeply in love with his black mistress, Philomena, while at the same time engaging in harsh treatment of his slaves.
Fern Elston, Caldonia's childhood schoolteacher. Although she can pass for white, she is dedicated to educating the free blacks in her community. She is highly regarded because of her education and intelligence.
Alice Night, one of Henry Townsend's slaves. After being kicked in the head by a mule, she is viewed as mentally impaired and frequently referred to as a madwoman. Despite the accident, she flourishes as an artist and uses her ingenuity to escape to the North, where she creates a tapestry about the plantation life she escaped.
Winifred Skiffington, the sheriff's wife and a white Northerner from Philadelphia. Outgoing and educated, she is a great reader. Having grown up a Quaker, she is opposed to slavery. When she receives a slave as a wedding gift, she is deeply upset and raises the girl as a daughter.
Counsel Skiffington, John Skiffington's cousin. He becomes severely indebted after a series of poor farming seasons. Just when he is beginning to prosper again, smallpox sweeps through his plantation and kills almost everyone. He winds up burning down the buildings. Later, to protect himself after an accidental murder, he kills his cousin John. He becomes oppressed by his own bitterness.
Philomena Cartwright, William Robbins's black mistress. She has two children, Dora and Louis, with Robbins. Since her childhood, she has dreamed of living in Richmond and eventually runs away to live there.
Stamford, a slave on the Robbins's plantation who lusts after young women and is nearly beaten to death by another slave. In the end, he surprises everyone by settling down with a wife, with whom he operates an orphanage.
Calvin, Caldonia's twin brother, who is a supportive presence to her, especially after Henry's death. In Washington, DC, he encounters the brilliant tapestry created by the former slaveAliceNight.
Priscilla, Moses's very gentle, caring wife, who is neglected and dominated by her husband and others.