Luther: Analysis of Major Characters
"Luther: Analysis of Major Characters" examines the intricate personalities surrounding Martin Luther, a pivotal figure in the Protestant Reformation. Central to the narrative is Luther himself, a gifted scholar who, despite his potential for secular success, chooses a religious life that is marked by deep spiritual struggles and a quest for authenticity in faith. His father, Hans, expresses disappointment in Luther’s choice to join the clergy, wishing for his son to leverage his talents in the lay world. The text also introduces Brother Weinand, a compassionate monk who seeks to temper Luther’s intense self-examination, and John Tetzel, a Dominican who epitomizes the commercial excesses of the church through his notorious sale of indulgences.
Further exploring the dynamics of Luther's world, Johann von Staupitz serves as a mentor, providing guidance while cautioning against the church's powerful adversaries. In contrast, Thomas de Vio represents the church's authority, embodying political shrewdness and a readiness to confront Luther. The narrative also touches on the broader societal implications of Luther's actions, reflected in the weary Knight who grapples with the revolutionary changes that follow. Lastly, Katherine von Bora emerges as a supportive presence in Luther's life, providing both comfort and stability. This character analysis reveals the multifaceted relationships and tensions that shaped Luther’s journey and the historical context of his revolutionary ideas.
Luther: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Osborne
First published: 1961
Genre: Play
Locale: Germany
Plot: Historical
Time: 1506–1530
Martin Luther, a brilliant university scholar, capable of considerable worldly success as a lawyer or political adviser to the powerful. He chooses instead to join the Roman Catholic order of the Eremites of St. Augustine. Physically unprepossessing, he is subject to severe attacks of constipation, which he attributes to his spiritual difficulties—also manifested in feverish nightmares—and deep depression. His spiritual excesses and complaints seem to other members of his order something of a joke, but he is deeply respected for his learning and his contribution to the reputation of the University of Wittenberg, where he teaches. He is not satisfied by scholarship and is constantly questioning his own spiritual worth and the public practices of the Catholic Church. He is also a dangerously persuasive orator.
Hans, Martin's father, a miner, proud of his son's gifts but outspoken in his disappointment in Luther's choice of the church when so much could have been made of his gifts in the lay world. Although uneducated, he is not stupid, and he becomes a part owner of the mine in which he works. He is talkative, unawed by the clergy, and, though rather vulgar in argument, somewhat persuasive.
Brother Weinand, a monk friendly to Luther but determined to break him of his dramatic sense of sin. Educated in Latin and Greek but bearing his learning modestly, he recognizes the unusual intellectual gifts of Luther. He possesses a beautiful singing voice.
Lucas, Hans's miner friend, who often accompanies him in visiting Luther at the monastery. A sensible man, he is somewhat disappointed in Luther, having hoped that Luther might marry his daughter; he is therefore able to understand Hans's chagrin yet assuage Hans's anger at his son's folly.
John Tetzel, a Dominican famed for his persuasive oratory and his sale of indulgences to the public. He is in his late middle age, silver-haired, sophisticated, oratorically shrewd, and, on occasion, startlingly rude and witty. His success in taking enormous sums from an ignorant public precipitates Luther's public attack, and Tetzel is not loath to do something about it. Despite his vows, he takes a handsome salary for his services and supports a woman and two children.
Johann von Staupitz, the vicar general of the Augustinian Order, a man who, in late middle age, is quiet, gentle-voiced, and thoughtful. He respects Luther's gifts and understands his criticisms of the excesses of Roman Catholicism, but he knows the dangers of attacking the powers of the church. He advises, directs, and warns Luther in a straightforward and understanding manner.
Thomas de Vio, known as Catejan, the cardinal of San Sisto and general of the Dominican Order, a theologian and papal legate in Germany. Fifty years old, shrewd, tough, and capable of considerable political guile, he is often charming, but when Luther proves stubborn, he is quick to reveal an ability to be threatening.
The Knight, a professional soldier, tired, depressed, filthy, and weary of the military repercussions of the revolution sparked by Luther. He is aware of the implications of Luther's attack for the political world and scornful of Luther's refusal to support the peasants in their attempt to throw off their oppressors.
Katherine von Bora, a former nun, Luther's wife. She is in her twenties, big-boned, pleasant-looking, a good cook, and a thrifty housekeeper. She is the mother of Luther's child, Hans, and is a comfort to Luther in his times of travail.