Malcolm: Analysis of Major Characters
"Malcolm: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complexities of the titular character, Malcolm, a fifteen-year-old boy navigating a surreal and often depraved society. After his father's disappearance, Malcolm spends months on a hotel bench, seeking connection and understanding through visits suggested by Mr. Cox, a renowned astrologer. His inquiries and misunderstandings provide humor amidst the narrative's darker undertones. Malcolm's journey leads him to an older woman, Melba, a singing star who marries him but ultimately leaves upon learning of his terminal illness. The story also introduces a range of characters, including Gus, Melba's first husband, who attempts to "mature" Malcolm, and Madame Girard, whose life intertwines with Malcolm’s in unexpected ways. Other notable figures include Kermit and Laureen Raphaelson, whose tumultuous relationship highlights themes of fidelity and desire, and Eloisa, the artist who becomes enmeshed in Malcolm’s life. Through these interactions, the narrative examines themes of abandonment, love, and the search for identity amidst societal chaos.
Malcolm: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: James Purdy
First published: 1959
Genre: Novel
Locale: An unidentified American city
Plot: Surrealism
Time: Mid-twentieth century
Malcolm, a fifteen-year-old who sits for months on a bench in front of a palatial hotel. When Mr. Cox finds Malcolm and suggests that the lad visit some addresses he knows, Malcolm makes the visits and hopes at times to find a new home, because his father has disappeared. Malcolm begins a journal and includes the conversations he hears at the addresses. Malcolm's misunderstandings of many of the words he hears in the depraved society to which Mr. Cox introduces him provide much of the humor in the surrealistic novel. Malcolm eventually marries an older woman named Melba. When he scuffles with a man he believes to be his father, he cuts his head on the marble bathroom floor. The injury forces him to stay in bed. His hair turns snow white. He contracts a cold and pneumonia and informs Melba that he has also suffered the bite of a dog. When Melba informs Malcolm that he is dying, Malcolm requests to see Madame Girard. Madame Girard comes quickly, but Malcolm does not seem to recognize her. It is Madame Girard who provides Malcolm's funeral.
Mr. Cox, the most famous astrologer and the greatest walker of his period and the source of most of the addresses Malcolm visits. Mr. Cox is also a pederast; Malcolm mistakenly believes this word means that he is a star gazer. After Malcolm's death, the reader is told, a young man follows through on twenty-five addresses supplied by Mr. Cox.
Melba, the popular singing star who proposes marriage to Malcolm upon their first meeting. This older woman immediately sends her first husband, Gus, to “mature” Malcolm before the wedding, which is to occur a week later. Malcolm becomes Melba's third husband. When Melba discovers that Malcolm is dying, she leaves and never returns. Melba marries her Cuban valet and is happy for five years. She eventually retires from her singing career.
Gus, the motorcyclist who takes Malcolm to Melba. Gus, Melba's first husband, helps Malcolm to mature before the wedding by taking him to a tattoo boutique and to a prostitute. The next morning, Malcolm finds Gus dead in the house of prostitution.
Kermit and Laureen Raphaelson, the residents of the second address that Malcolm visits. Laureen is a large, plump woman, whereas Kermit is a very short man. Kermit tells Malcolm that Mr. Cox convinced Laureen, after their marriage, to go out with others for a fee. Kermit eventually leaves his unfaithful wife and marries a retired film star. Laureen later marries Girard Girard.
Girard Girard, the third addressee that Mr. Cox gives to Malcolm. This unfaithful husband, poet, billionaire, and explorer later leaves his wife to marry Laureen Raphaelson.
Madame Girard, the wife of the third addressee. Girard leaves her, and she becomes the companion of a biochemist. She does not marry the biochemist, however, because of her devotion to her name.
Malcolm's father, who abandons Malcolm, appears in a restaurant after Malcolm's marriage, tries to ignore his son, and calls Malcolm a pederast.
Eloisa Brace, the female artist who invites Malcolm to move in. Eloisa begins to paint Malcolm and takes a check for $10,000 from Madame Girard for the unfinished portrait. When Eloisa's husband, Jerome, tells her that she would not take the money if she were truly a serious artist, Eloisa eats the check. When an anonymous donor—probably Girard Girard—later provides her with a pension, she loses all of her talent. Eloisa and Jerome become active in social concerns.
Jerome Brace, Eloisa's husband, a famous burglar who has been convicted, and author of the book titled They Could Have Me Back. Jerome becomes a social activist.
Estel Blanc, an undertaker, the first person Malcolm visits. This inhospitable man tells Malcolm to return in twenty years and gives Malcolm a second address, that of Kermit and Laureen Raphaelson. Later, Estel becomes the entrepreneur of a small opera company.
Cori Naldi, who sings during Malcolm's visit to Blanc's establishment. She becomes the permanent star of Blanc's opera company.
Professor Robinolte, the expert who tattoos Malcolm and Gus and promises to send Malcolm a birthday card and a Christmas card each year.
Madame Rosita, the owner of the house of prostitution that Gus and Malcolm visit. Madame Rosita compliments Malcolm on his performance during his visit and gives him a shaving mug with pictures of George Washington and the first American flag.