The Northern Lass: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Northern Lass" is a comedic exploration of love and social ambition through its diverse characters, each representing various facets of human desire and societal expectations. Central to the narrative is Sir Philip Luckless, a gentleman whose self-serving nature leads him to marry the wealthy widow Mrs. Fitchow for her money, only to be enchanted by Constance, a Yorkshire girl whose affection turns his head. Constance, the titular "northern lass," embodies youthful passion and resilience, ultimately finding her sanity restored through elopement with Luckless after being devastated by his marriage.
The dynamics of jealousy and rivalry are highlighted through characters like Mistress Fitchow, who, while initially steadfast, becomes possessive upon sensing Constance’s allure, and Tridewell, Luckless's friend, who grapples with his own feelings for Mistress Fitchow while attempting to intervene in the marriage. Supporting characters like Widgene and his tutor Anvile illustrate the themes of opportunism and manipulation, as Widgene seeks wealth through marriage and Anvile indulges in the vices of youth. Meanwhile, the sharp-tongued governess Mistress Traynwell and Constance Holdup, a clever courtesan, add layers to the story’s commentary on gender and power dynamics. Overall, the interplay between ambition, love, and social standing creates a rich tapestry that invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human relationships.
The Northern Lass: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Richard Brome
First published: 1632
Genre: Play
Locale: London, England
Plot: Comedy of manners
Time: Early seventeenth century
Sir Philip Luckless, a gentleman who devotes his life to the satisfaction of his own wishes. He marries Mrs. Fitchow for her money, and he no sooner sees the prospect of both beauty and fortune in Constance's love for him than he plans his divorce and elopement.
Mistress Fitchow, a well-to-do widow, his promised wife. Although she refuses to hear Tridewell's slander about her bridegroom, she is immediately jealous of Constance and indicates her displeasure to Sir Philip by barring him from her room on their wedding night.
Tridewell, Sir Philip's friend. Trying to save him from an unsuitable match, he finds himself in love with the widow who defends her groom with spirit, and he contrives to make his friend's marriage illegal.
Widgene, Mrs. Fitchow's opportunist brother, who is seeking a rich wife. He is rewarded for his schemes with the hand of Mrs. Holdup, a courtesan.
Anvile, his tutor, expert in all the vices of young gentlemen.
Constance, the “northern lass,” a Yorkshire girl who falls in love with Luckless at their first meeting and loses her senses at the news of his marriage. She is restored to health and sanity by her elopement with him.
Sir Paul Squelch, her wealthy uncle, a blustering, lascivious old gentleman who makes his mistress masquerade as his niece.
Mistress Traynwell, a sharp-tongued lady of uncertain years, Constance's governess. She resolutely pursues Sir Paul until she can blackmail him into marriage by threatening to reveal Constance Holdup's identity.
Constance Holdup, a witty prostitute, Sir Paul's mistress. She takes advantage of her feigned role as his niece to win herself a husband, Widgene.
Pace, Sir Philip's clever servant, who disguises himself as a doctor and a minister.