Micah Clarke: Analysis of Major Characters
"Micah Clarke: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the key figures in Arthur Conan Doyle's historical novel set during the tumultuous period of the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685. The story centers around Micah Clarke, a young English Puritan who becomes a captain in the forces of the Duke of Monmouth, aiming to reclaim the English throne from James II. Throughout the narrative, Clarke exemplifies strength, honesty, and loyalty as he undertakes various military missions before ultimately facing capture. His close friend, Reuben Lockarby, an Anglican who joins Clarke for camaraderie, also rises to a leadership role within the insurrection.
The analysis highlights other significant characters, such as Decimus Saxon, a mercenary who plays a pivotal role in rescuing Clarke, and Sir Gervas, a dandy who aligns himself with Clarke's cause despite his financial ruin. Additionally, the narrative introduces Sir Jacob Clancy, a hermit who aids Monmouth through discreet support, and Stephen Timewell, a wealthy merchant who actively opposes Catholicism and aids the rebellion. The Duke of Monmouth himself emerges as a tragic figure, ultimately facing defeat and execution. Through these characters, the novel encapsulates themes of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of political allegiance during a time of upheaval in England.
Micah Clarke: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
First published: 1889
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Historical
Time: Late seventeenth century
Micah Clarke, a young English Puritan who enlists in the forces of the Duke of Monmouth when that nobleman makes his bid for the English throne in 1685. A strong, able, and honest man, Clarke becomes a captain of infantry, goes on various missions for the usurper, and is captured when Monmouth is defeated. He is ransomed by his friend Decimus Saxon and goes to the Continent to be a mercenary soldier.
Reuben Lockarby, Clarke's close friend. Although himself a strong Anglican, he joins Clarke out of friendship as a member of Monmouth's forces. He becomes a captain of infantry.
Decimus Saxon, a mercenary soldier who becomes a colonel under the Duke of Monmouth. He enlists Clarke in the pretender's cause. He rescues Clarke by ransoming him with money taken from the Duke of Beaufort by blackmail.
Sir Gervas, a London dandy who has gone through his fortune. He joins Clarke and his friends as a follower of Monmouth.
Sir Jacob Clancy, a hermit who lost his estates through helping Charles II regain the English throne. He sends money and a warning to the Duke of Monmouth by the hand of Clarke.
The Duke of Monmouth, the leader of the Protestant insurrection against James II. His forces are defeated, and he is captured and beheaded.
Stephen Timewell, a wealthy wool merchant and mayor of Taunton. As an anti-Catholic, he helps the Duke of Monmouth in the preparations to unseat James II.
Ruth Timewell, Stephen's daughter, who is courted by Reuben.
The Duke of Beaufort, the lord of Wales, who agrees to support Monmouth if Monmouth's forces can get to Bristol. En route there, they are intercepted by the king's army at Sedgemoor and defeated.
Joseph Clarke, Micah Clarke's father, a Puritan. He is a veteran of the English civil war of the 1640's, in which he fought under Oliver Cromwell.