New Grub Street: Analysis of Major Characters
"New Grub Street" is a novel exploring the complexities of literary life in Victorian England, particularly through its major characters. Central to the narrative is Jasper Milvain, a self-serving writer who prioritizes commercial success over genuine artistry. His relationships reflect his opportunistic nature; he ultimately marries the widowed Amy Reardon, seeking stability and financial gain rather than love. Conversely, Edwin Reardon, Amy's husband, embodies the idealistic writer struggling against his declining creative spirit and financial hardships, providing a foil to Jasper's materialism.
The dynamic between characters deepens with Alfred Yule, a bitter literary figure who relies on his daughter Marian, who sees through Jasper's facade and ultimately rejects him. Amy’s journey is marked by her emotional struggles and eventual reconciliation with Edwin, highlighting themes of familial obligation and personal sacrifice. Other characters, such as the Yule brothers and Jasper's sisters, contribute to the rich tapestry of social relationships and class dynamics that frame the narrative. The exploration of these characters provides insight into the challenges faced by writers in a competitive literary world, making it a critical reflection on artistic integrity versus commercial success.
New Grub Street: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: George Gissing
First published: 1891
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Naturalism
Time: Nineteenth century
Jasper Milvain, a writer, a selfish egoist and money-minded opportunist who believes in giving the reading public what it wants. In his courting, he vacillates toward Marian. Being motivated only by his interest in money, he finally loses her. Seeing a union with the widowed Amy as a road to success, he marries her and achieves his goal.
Alfred Yule, a literary hack, tall, severe-looking, and embittered. He hates both Jasper and Fadge. After losing his sight, he is dependent on Marian to care for him.
Marian Yule, Alfred's daughter, courted by Jasper either lightly or seriously according to her apparent financial status. Finally seeing through him, she rejects him.
Amy Reardon, Alfred's niece, daughter of Edmund Yule. Unable to inspire Edwin's creative work and angry over his being a clerk, she returns to her mother, taking Willie. Hurt by Edwin's rejection of her offer to return and help him with her inherited money, she is shocked to learn of his dying condition when they are reconciled by Willie's illness and death. Devotedly, she tries to cheer Edwin during his few remaining days of life. Emotionally captured by Jasper's favorable review of Edwin's works, she is happy to marry him and afterward happy with him.
Edwin Reardon, Amy's husband, a promising writer in financial difficulties. Easily discouraged and dependent on his wife for inspiration, he feels he is losing his creativity. He proudly spurns Amy's generous offer to return after re-ceiving her legacy, but he does join her because of Willie's illness. Very ill himself, Edwin dies not long afterward. In personality, Edwin resembles George Gissing. Literarily, he is Jasper's foil, the idealist in opposition to the materialist.
Willie, the young son of Edwin and Amy. His illness brings about a reconciliation between his parents, but Willie dies shortly afterward.
Dora Milvain and Maud Milvain, Jasper's sisters.
John Yule, oldest of the three Yule brothers, a successful retired businessman, robust and fond of sports. He lives a quiet life after an attack of rheumatic fever. When he dies, he leaves a considerable estate.
Edmund Yule, the youngest Yule brother. He dies, leaving a small income to his wife and two children.
John Yule, the son of Edmund.
Fadge, an editor hated by Alfred. Fadge is succeeded by Jasper.
Harold Biffen, a struggling novelist and friend who advises Edwin to answer Amy's summons.