A Modern Instance: Analysis of Major Characters
"A Modern Instance" is a novel that explores the lives and complexities of its major characters, primarily focusing on Bartley Hubbard, a morally flawed newspaperman whose reckless lifestyle leads him through various challenges and ultimately to his demise. Traveling from the small New England town of Equity to Whited Sepulchre, Arizona, Bartley's struggles include financial irresponsibility, failed relationships, and a penchant for alcohol, culminating in his violent death at the hands of an angry citizen. His wife, Marcia Gaylord, represents innocence and resilience, as she endures unhappiness stemming from their impetuous marriage and his abandonment.
Marcia's father, Squire Gaylord, is a guiding figure who recognizes Bartley's potential but ultimately opposes his daughter's marriage, remaining a source of support during her turbulent life. The narrative also features Ben Halleck, a compassionate friend who sympathizes with Marcia and attempts to help her despite his disdain for Hubbard. Other notable characters include Atherton, a lawyer, and Kinney, a philosophical drifter who influences Bartley's storytelling. The ensemble reflects diverse perspectives on morality, societal expectations, and personal responsibility, creating a rich tapestry of human experience within the context of early 20th-century America.
A Modern Instance: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: William Dean Howells
First published: 1882
Genre: Novel
Locale: New England
Plot: Domestic realism
Time: Nineteenth century
Bartley Hubbard, a newspaperman who ranges from Equity, a small town in New England, to Whited Sepulchre, Arizona. His moral weakness manifests itself in his affairs with women, his shoddy business ethics, his indifferent attitude toward money, and his love of liquor. He spends most of his time running from debts and family obligations. He dies, shot down by an irate citizen, while he is editor of a small western newspaper.
Marcia Gaylord, an innocent New England girl whose impetuous marriage to Hubbard brings her unhappiness. Hubbard takes her to Boston, where their child, Flavia, is born. When pressed by financial problems, Hubbard deserts his wife and child and goes West. He attempts to divorce Marcia and is foiled only by the intervention of her father. Hubbard's death makes it possible for Marcia to marry a good man and have a decent home.
Squire Gaylord, Marcia's father and Hubbard's first employer on a New England newspaper, the Free Press. The squire recognizes Hubbard's talent, but he opposes Hubbard's suit for Marcia's hand. He looks after his daughter's affairs throughout her unfortunate marriage to the errant newspaperman. He dies of a stroke suffered during the trial for divorce Hubbard initiates against Marcia.
Ben Halleck, a member of one of Boston's older families who is a man of means and a college classmate of Hubbard. Halleck does not like Hubbard, but he feels sorry for Marcia, and befriends her. He helps Hubbard by lending him money—which is never returned—and helps Marcia by standing by her during her divorce trial. After Hubbard's death, Halleck tries to decide whether it would be morally right to ask Marcia to marry him.
Atherton, a conservative Boston lawyer who is a friend to Halleck and the Hubbards.
Kinney, a tramp philosopher who provides Hubbard with many stories, which Hubbard sells to magazines and newspapers without asking Kinney's permission.
Hannah Morrison, the daughter of the town drunk, who works with her mother in the newspaper office in Equity. Hannah has had few advantages in her life and claims, when Marcia meets her drunk on the streets of Boston, that Hubbard is responsible for her destitution.
Witherby, an unscrupulous publisher of a Boston newspaper who hires Hubbard as managing editor. Witherby sells some stock in the paper to Hubbard, who borrows from Halleck the money to buy it. When Hubbard's work appears in a rival newspaper, Witherby fires him.
Henry Bird, a shop foreman on the Free Press with whom Hubbard has a fight over Hannah. The resulting scandal causes Hubbard to leave his job on the paper.
Willett, the owner of the New England logging camp to which Hubbard flees when scandal drives him out of Equity.
Mrs. Macallister, a fashionable woman who flirts with Hubbard at the logging camp. To impress her, Hubbard pokes fun at his quaint friend Kinney, who takes offense at such treatment; the two men part angrily.