Memento Mori: Analysis of Major Characters
"Memento Mori: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate lives of various characters grappling with aging, secrets, and mortality. Central to the narrative is Dame Lettie Colston, an elderly reformer facing anonymous threats that heighten her fears and ultimately lead to her tragic demise. Her brother, Godfrey Colston, navigates the complexities of his past infidelity while dealing with the repercussions of his wife Charmian's declining health and her own past affairs. Charmian, a renowned novelist suffering from dementia, exhibits moments of clarity that influence her decisions regarding her future care.
The cast also includes Jean Taylor, Charmian's devoted companion, who, despite her physical limitations, provides thoughtful reflections on aging. Mabel Pettigrew, the cunning housekeeper, adds tension with her blackmailing schemes, while Alec Warner, a former sociologist turned amateur gerontologist, explores the realities of old age through meticulous observation. Other characters, like poets Guy Leet and Percy Mannering, enrich the narrative with their artistic perspectives and personal struggles. Finally, retired inspector Henry Mortimer attempts to uncover the mystery behind the threatening calls that haunt these characters, revealing that the fear of death permeates their lives. This exploration invites readers to reflect on the themes of mortality and the complexities of human relationships in the twilight years.
Memento Mori: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Muriel Spark
First published: 1959
Genre: Novel
Locale: London, England
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: 1950's
Dame Lettie Colston, an elderly pioneer penal reformer and Godfrey Colston's sister. She resents the caregiving she and Godfrey must provide for Godfrey's wife, Charmian. Recently, Dame Lettie has begun to receive phone calls from an anonymous man who tells her, “Remember, you must die.” The police can find no leads. She becomes increasingly agitated, fearful, and even obsessed. At the home of retired police inspector Henry Mortimer, she meets with others who have received similar calls, but nothing is settled. Dame Lettie remains terrified and refuses to leave her house. Through a bizarre series of circumstances, someone breaks into her house, steals jewelry, and bludgeons Dame Lettie to death when she confronts him.
Godfrey Colston, a former chairman of Colston Breweries and Dame Lettie's brother. Many years ago, he had an affair with Lisa Brooke. His wife, Charmian, is recovering from a stroke. His housekeeper, Mrs. Pettigrew, blackmails him when she uncovers the secret of his affair. When he learns that Charmian also carried on an affair, he no longer fears Mrs. Pettigrew's threats.
Charmian Colston, Godfrey's wife. She is a famous novelist (also known as Charmian Piper) now suffering episodes of dementia after a stroke. For several years after her marriage to Godfrey, she carried on an affair with Guy Leet. As the story progresses, her mental capacity is restored. She decides to move to a nursing home rather than stay with Godfrey.
Jean Taylor, a companion for many years to Charmian. She enjoyed her years with Charmian, surrounded by a rich cultural and aesthetic life. Now Jean is one of the twelve residents in Maud Long Medical Ward, a long-term care facility. Jean suffers from the advanced stages of arthritis, but she is sound of mind. She never married, although many years ago she was in love with Alec Warner. Jean is the confidante of Dame Lettie Colston, who often visits her and shares her fears about a mysterious caller. Jean offers several penetrating insights about the state of old age.
Mabel Pettigrew, the elderly housekeeper for Dame Lettie Colston and her brother Godfrey. Mrs. Pettigrew is a selfish and scheming woman. She blackmailed her former employer, Lisa Brooke, and forced her to bequeath her entire estate to her. When the will is contested by Miss Brooke's brother and family, Mrs. Pettigrew begins to blackmail her new employer, Godfrey Colston. That plan backfires, but eventually she inherits Lisa Brooke's estate and enjoys a comfortable old age.
Alec Warner, a former sociologist and, since his seventieth birthday, an amateur gerontologist. In his youth, he had an affair with Jean Taylor, but he gave her up because she was from a lower social class. He became engaged to Dame Lettie, but they were incompatible and never married. He spends his time compiling detailed records on the physical condition, behaviors, and attitudes of many of his old friends. He often visits Olive Mannering, who provides him with information based on her contacts with old people. Coming home one night, he discovers that his apartment has caught fire. All of his records are consumed in the flames.
Guy Leet, a poet and former lover of Charmian Piper. He secretly married Lisa Brooke in order to put an end to Lisa's blackmailing of Charmian. Lisa knew of Charmian and Guy's affair. Now he is an arthritic old man hunched over two canes. It appears that he stands to inherit Lisa's estate, but eventually his claim is denied when it is learned that Lisa Brooke already had been married to another man.
Percy Mannering, a former poet. He loves to argue with Guy Leet over issues of poetry and poetic reputations. When he receives a phone call from the mysterious caller, he is exhilarated and inspired to write a sonnet. He ends his days in a nursing home.
Olive Mannering, a granddaughter of poet Percy Mannering. She is sympathetic toward Godfrey Colston's son Eric, who is estranged from his parents. She is also one of Alec Warner's contacts, providing him with information for his gerontological research. Olive marries newly widowed Ronald Sidebottome, and she faithfully visits her grandfather, Percy, when he is admitted to a nursing home.
Henry Mortimer, a retired chief inspector of police. He meets with the principal characters after many of them have been contacted by the mystery caller. He tries to defuse their irrational fears. After they leave, he admits that he has been receiving the same calls himself, but his caller has a woman's voice.