The Magazine Novels of Pauline Hopkins: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Magazine Novels of Pauline Hopkins: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the rich tapestry of characters in Hopkins' works, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and social justice. Central to the narrative is Hagar, a woman who navigates a complex life of love and loss, initially unaware of her African American roots. The character of Jewel, Hagar's adopted daughter, symbolizes the struggles of discovering one's true identity, particularly when societal norms complicate personal relationships. The story also features Ellis Enson, who embarks on a transformative journey after believing his family is dead, and St. Clair Enson, the antagonist whose schemes underscore themes of greed and betrayal.
Other pivotal characters include Cuthbert Sumner, who marries Jewel without knowledge of her heritage, and Winona, a runaway slave who finds love and agency despite her past. The narrative intertwines with historical figures like John Brown, highlighting the broader context of abolitionism. Each character's journey reflects the societal challenges of their time, making the exploration of these relationships both poignant and relevant. Overall, Hopkins' work presents an intricate examination of race, class, and familial ties, inviting readers to consider the complexities of identity in American society.
The Magazine Novels of Pauline Hopkins: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Pauline Hopkins
First published: 1988: Hagar's Daughter: A Story of Southern Caste Prejudice, 1901–1902; Winona: A Tale of Negro Life in the South and Southwest, 1902; Of One Blood: Or, The Hidden Self, 1902–1903
Genre: Novels
Locale: United States
Plot: Social realism
Time: The latter half of the nineteenth century
Hagar, a beautiful woman first married to Ellis Enson, then to John Bowen. Until St. Clair Enson breaks the news, Hagar is unaware of her African American heritage. She and Ellis have a daughter; after she believes Ellis to be dead, Hagar attempts to take her own life and that of her daughter. She eventually learns that the child she and Bowen have reared is her own daughter. After Bowen's death, she remarries Enson.
Jewel, the title character, adopted by Bowen and his first wife. She loves her stepmother, Hagar, but does not learn that Hagar is in fact her natural mother and that she is part African American until after she marries Cuthbert Sumner. Jewel dies of Roman fever at the age of twenty-one.
Ellis Enson, a Southern aristocrat, Hagar's first husband. He is attacked and left for dead. Believing his wife and daughter to be dead, he changes his name and becomes a famous detective.
St. Clair Enson, the major villain. He masterminds a scheme to get rich by marrying Jewel. He changes his name to Colonel Benson and later kills his mistress, Elise Bradford.
Cuthbert Sumner, a Northern aristocrat framed for the murder of Elise Bradford. He marries Jewel, unaware of her African American heritage. Detective Henson clears him of the murder charge.
Aurelia Madison, a participant in the scheme to defraud the Bowens.
Winona, the daughter of White Eagle and a runaway slave. She falls in love with Maxwell, becomes an heiress, and marries him.
Judah, a strong, handsome African American who loves Winona. Judah is instrumental in solving the mystery of the missing heir.
White Eagle, an English aristocrat who is falsely convicted of murder. He flees to America but is killed by Colonel Titus to keep him and his daughter from inheriting a fortune.
Colonel Titus, the indirect heir who kills White Eagle and kidnaps Winona and Judah, forcing them to work as slaves.
Warren Maxwell, a handsome, unprejudiced, twenty-eight-year-old English lawyer. He is sent to America to find the missing heir. He is nearly killed by proslavery forces but is saved. He marries Winona and takes her to England.
John Brown, the historical personage, known for abolitionist actions.
Reuel Briggs, a medical student who keeps his African American heritage a secret. He marries Dianthe Lusk. After her death, he learns that she and Aubrey Livingston are his siblings. He becomes King Ergamenes of the lost city of Telassar in Africa.
Aubrey Livingston, the false friend of Briggs. He plots Briggs's death, commits two murders, and kills himself.
Dianthe Lusk, a beautiful, talented singer with the Fisk University choir. She marries Briggs. When tricked into believing that he is dead, she marries Livingston, who poisons her.
Ai, a high priest of the lost civilization of Telassar.