The Long Night: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Long Night: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex web of relationships and motivations surrounding the McIvor family during a tumultuous period marked by revenge and conflict. Central to the narrative is Lawrence McIvor, who recounts the tragic tale of his family, particularly focusing on his father, Pleasant McIvor, who evolves from an avenger of his father Cameron’s death to a disillusioned soldier rejecting vengeance. Cameron McIvor, a flawed but good-natured planter, meets a tragic end due to betrayal by Tyson Lovell, a ruthless landowner who orchestrates Cameron's murder. The story also explores the fates of other family members, such as Pleasant's brothers William and Levi, whose deaths highlight the grim consequences of war and familial loyalty.
The narrative depicts various characters, including Lieutenant Roswell Ellis, who suffers due to Pleasant's preoccupation with revenge, and adversaries like Mebane Caruthers, whose quest for retribution against Cameron showcases the cycle of violence. The analysis emphasizes themes of honor, loss, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a conflict-driven society. Through these character studies, the work invites reflection on the nature of vengeance and the enduring impacts of familial ties in the context of war.
The Long Night: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Andrew Lytle
First published: 1936
Genre: Novel
Locale: Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee
Plot: Historical
Time: 1857–1862
Lawrence McIvor, the narrator of part 1; William McIvor's son, to whom Pleasant McIvor, his uncle, tells a strange story of revenge and war.
Cameron (Cam) McIvor, his grandfather, an Alabama planter; good-natured except when drunk or angry, when he is dangerous and fearless. Having discovered Tyson Lovell's unscrupulous operations, he is murdered on Lovell's orders.
Pleasant McIvor, Cameron's favorite son; powerfully built, daring, wily, and determined avenger of his father's death. He kills off Lovell's gang one after another, first with aid, then by himself, until in the war he gives up his vengeance-seeking. He will kill no more—privately or as a soldier—and he deserts.
William McIvor, Pleasant's older brother. Tall, spare, quiet, and scholarly, he is different from the other McIvors. He dies of gangrene from war wounds.
Levi McIvor, Pleasant's younger brother and close companion. He dies after attending William in his illness.
Eli McIvor, Pleasant's uncle, killed at Shiloh.
Tyson Lovell, a wealthy landowner and leader of a gang of slave speculators and mule stealers. To get rid of Cameron, he gets him declared an outlaw and then arranges his murder. Found by Pleasant two years later, he is knocked out with a pistol butt before Pleasant flees Lovell's trap.
Lieutenant Roswell Ellis, Pleasant's friend. He dies of wounds received in an action the danger of which had not been reported by Pleasant, who had been busy seeking his private vengeance.
Albert Sydney Johnston, a Confederate general killed at Shiloh.
Job Caruthers, a young bully shot to death by Cameron.
Mebane Caruthers, Job's twin, who helps him get revenge for a well-deserved beating by Cameron. Mebane is wounded by Cameron, brings suit, and almost ruins him financially.
Penter Wilton and Jeems Wilton, brothers who, after a quarrel with Cameron, hold him in bed while he is killed. Penter is later dragged to death by his horse, and Jeems is shot to death.
Fox, the murderer of Cameron.
Bob Pritchard, a McIvor kinsman and avenger trapped and killed by Botterall's posse.
Sheriff Lem Botterall, an enemy who is trampled to death by a wild stallion lashed by Pleasant.
Judge Lawson Wilton, a district attorney, Lovell's tool, killed after telling of the plot that resulted in Cameron's murder.
Armistead McIvor, Judge Wilton's killer. Armistead is later a Confederate colonel.
Dee Day and Damon, two gang members stabbed to death by Pleasant.
Awsumb, a gang member stalked but not attacked by Pleasant, who decides he has had enough of vengeance.