Memoirs of a Fox-Hunting Man: Analysis of Major Characters
"Memoirs of a Fox-Hunting Man" is a semi-autobiographical novel by Siegfried Sassoon that offers a rich exploration of its major characters, primarily focusing on George Sherston, a young man navigating the complexities of class, war, and identity. George, an orphan raised by his aunt Evelyn, develops a talent for horse riding and cricket, which opens doors to a world of high society that he struggles to afford. His character is a reflection of Sassoon himself, embodying the tensions between aspiration and reality. Aunt Evelyn plays a pivotal role in his upbringing, nurturing his passions and providing him with his first horse, while other characters, such as Tom Dixon, George's riding instructor, and Denis Milden, his childhood friend, enhance the narrative's depth. As the story unfolds, the impact of World War I looms large, shaping George's journey from a hopeful youth to a soldier grappling with loss and trauma. The novel also introduces a variety of secondary characters, including the incompetent Mr. Star and the braggart Nigel Croplady, each contributing to the social landscape in which George operates. Through these characters, the novel captures the nuances of British life during a tumultuous era, inviting readers to reflect on themes of loyalty, courage, and the harsh realities of war.
Memoirs of a Fox-Hunting Man: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Siegfried Sassoon
First published: 1928
Genre: Novel
Locale: England and France
Plot: Social
Time: 1895–1916
George Sherston, an orphan. He is reared by his aunt. His skill with horses gains him entry into high society, a life he cannot afford. He also excels as a cricket player. World War I finds him refusing a commission because he distrusts his ability. After serving in the cavalry, he ends up as an infantry officer fighting bravely but angrily as he sees his friends killed. This character is a thinly veiled portrait of the author.
Aunt Evelyn, who rears George. She buys him his first pony when he is nine years old and later sells a ring to buy him a jumper, Cockbird.
Tom Dixon, Evelyn's groom and George's riding teacher, who is killed in George's infantry company in France.
Mr. Star, George's incompetent tutor.
Mr. Pennett, George Sherston's penurious and unsympathetic trustee.
Denis Milden, George's boyhood friend and later Master of the Ringwell Hounds and the Packlestone Hunt.
Stephen Colwood, an excellent horseman killed in France during the war.
Nigel Croplady, a wealthy braggart. He is defeated by George, with Stephen's encouragement, in the Colonel's Cup Race.
Captain Huxtable, a neighbor who gets George an infantry commission.
Dick Tiltwood, a young soldier in George's company. He is killed in the trenches.