The Marquise of O——: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Marquise of O——" presents a complex narrative centered around Giulietta, a widow of noble lineage who faces an unexpected pregnancy under distressing circumstances. The story explores her unwavering reputation and the societal pressures she endures after being cast out by her family, unable to explain her condition. Throughout her ordeal, Giulietta demonstrates remarkable resilience, ultimately deciding to raise her children independently. Central to the plot is Count F——, a Russian officer whose unintended assault leads to Giulietta's pregnancy. Despite his initial guilt and haste to marry her, their relationship evolves as he seeks redemption through love and commitment.
Key supporting characters include Colonel Lorenzo G——, Giulietta's father, whose initial harshness complicates the family dynamic, and her mother, whose journey from disbelief to support exemplifies the complexities of familial loyalty. Giulietta's brother reinforces the theme of gender dynamics and familial obligation, as he rigidly enforces the family's decisions. The narrative also introduces a doctor and a midwife, whose roles serve to validate Giulietta's predicament, alongside General K——, the count’s uncle, who underscores the importance of social status in their world. Overall, the characters in "The Marquise of O——" provide a lens through which themes of innocence, guilt, and societal expectations are examined.
The Marquise of O——: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Heinrich von Kleist
First published: “Die Marquise von O——,” 1808 (English translation, 1960)
Genre: Novella
Locale: The northern Italian town of M——
Plot: Psychological
Time: The early nineteenth century, during the Napoleonic Wars
Giulietta (jee-ew-LEE-eht-tah), the Marquise of O——, a widow from a distinguished family and the mother of two children. A woman of unblemished reputation, Giulietta has lived with her parents since the death of her husband three years earlier, caring for them and rearing her children. She loved her husband very much and, although still young, has decided not to remarry. She enjoys a quiet life devoted to art, reading, and her domestic duties. Her world suddenly becomes incomprehensible to her as she begins to suffer the physical changes associated with pregnancy. Knowing that she has not had relations with a man since her husband died, she is devastated when both a doctor and a midwife diagnose her pregnancy. Cast out by her family, she finds an inner strength to gather her children and go to her own estate to rear them alone. Realizing that it would be impossible to convince anyone of her innocence, she heroically submits to this inexplicable turn of events. An announcement in the newspapers declares that she will marry the father if he will identify himself. After an initial shock of horror and rejection, she consents to a marriage and is eventually reconciled to her new husband.
Count F——, a Russian officer, a lieutenant colonel in the Rifle Corps in the Russian forces. He is a man of excellent family and character who prevents a group of soldiers from assaulting Giulietta during the Russian attack on the citadel at M——. After she falls unconscious, however, he assaults her himself, with the result that she becomes pregnant. He suffers greatly from guilt and tries to make amends by marrying her before her condition becomes evident. His haste surprises the family and Giulietta, who have no idea what has taken place and therefore put him off. Sent away on orders, he returns to discover Giulietta's situation and persists in trying to right the wrong he has done. Responding to her advertisement for the father of her child, he endures humiliation before her parents and agrees to a marriage in name only. Through his generosity, exemplary conduct, and love, he eventually wins Giulietta's consent to a real marriage.
Colonel Lorenzo G——, the commandant of the citadel at M—— and the father of Giulietta. Colonel G—— is a loving father to Giulietta, but he reacts with great severity to her apparent transgression, refusing to listen to her protestations of innocence and throwing her out of the house. His violent temper and stubbornness seem to stand in the way of resolving the situation. An extremely tearful and emotional reconciliation scene eventually does take place, however, and he stands with Giulietta to face the man who responds to her advertisement. He arranges the resulting wedding.
Colonel G——'s wife, Giulietta's mother. Although she loves her daughter very much, she cannot accept Giulietta's innocence at first because the whole situation seems impossible. Her strength of character and love are revealed when she defies her husband's will and goes to Giulietta. By resorting to a deception, she becomes convinced of her daughter's innocence and begs her forgiveness. Bringing Giulietta back to the family home, she brings about a reconciliation with the colonel as well.
Giulietta's brother, whose role is to carry out the commandant's orders without question. Believing his sister guilty, he is the one who angrily informs her that she must leave her children behind and get out of their parents' house immediately. When she defies him, taking her children with her, he does not have the strength of conviction to stop her.
The doctor and The midwife, whose function is to confirm the reality of Giulietta's pregnancy.
General K——, the count's uncle, who verifies the count's family background. He represents part of the objective evidence of the count's good character and appropriate social standing.