Michael and His Lost Angel: Analysis of Major Characters
"Michael and His Lost Angel" explores complex themes of morality, temptation, and redemption through its major characters, primarily focusing on Reverend Michael Feversham. As a principled vicar in the parish of Cleveheddon, Michael grapples with his strong moral convictions and the influence of his deceased mother, whom he regards as his guardian angel. His internal conflict intensifies when he becomes enamored with Audrie Lesden, a wealthy and attractive woman whose allure leads him into an affair, prompting a crisis of faith. The narrative also delves into the repercussions of adultery through Rose Gibbard, a parishioner subjected to public humiliation for her sins, and her father, Andrew Gibbard, who struggles to reconcile his respect for Michael with his anger over the vicar’s actions. Audrie, caught between her desires and her perceived worthiness, ultimately expresses her enduring affection for Michael, even as he resolves to distance himself from her. The story is further enriched by the presence of Sir Lyolf Feversham, who offers warnings to Michael, and Father Hilary, a Catholic priest who becomes a source of spiritual guidance for Michael in his quest for redemption. The interactions and moral struggles of these characters present a nuanced portrayal of the challenges of faith and the search for forgiveness.
Michael and His Lost Angel: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Henry Arthur Jones
First published: 1896
Genre: Play
Locale: England and Italy
Plot: Social realism
Time: Nineteenth century
The Reverend Michael Feversham, a stern, conscientious vicar at Cleveheddon. He is full of moral fervor and has strong moral convictions, reinforced by his belief that his dead mother is his guardian angel. He learns through his attraction to Audrie Lesden what temptations of the flesh can be, and he commits adultery with her. He finally makes a public confession, as he had forced Rose Gibbard to do, and leaves his parish. He almost loses his faith but turns to Catholicism in the hope that he can be saved.
Rose Gibbard, a woman in the parish who commits adultery and bears a child. She is forced by the vicar to make a public confession because he believes that is the only way she can be absolved of sin. Later, she is sent to an Anglican religious house.
Andrew Gibbard, Rose's father and the parish clerk. Although he knows Michael is conscientious, he cannot forgive the vicar for making Rose confess publicly. He has only scorn for the vicar until the clergyman makes a public confession of his own sin.
Audrie Lesden, a wealthy, attractive woman reputed to be a widow. She is attracted to Michael, but she is torn between wanting to be worthy of him and having worldly pleasures. She arranges to be left alone on an island overnight with him and takes him for her lover. She leaves the town for a while when her husband is heard from, but she returns after he is dead. Then the vicar tells her he cannot love her honorably. She dies loving the vicar, saying she will be his guardian angel.
Sir Lyolf Feversham, a relative of the vicar. He tries to warn the vicar away from entanglements with Audrie.
Father Hilary, a Roman Catholic priest to whom the Anglican vicar turns for spiritual help when his original faith cannot sustain him.