One of Ours: Analysis of Major Characters
“One of Ours” is a novel that delves into the complexities of identity and purpose through its major characters, primarily set against the backdrop of World War I. The protagonist, Claude Wheeler, is depicted as a restless young farmer from the Midwest who grapples with feelings of inadequacy and a lack of direction in a world dominated by materialism. His journey of self-discovery is intertwined with his relationships, particularly with Lieutenant David Gerhardt, a gifted violinist whose aspirations are thwarted by the war, and Enid Royce, Claude's childhood sweetheart and wife, who embodies societal expectations but fails to recognize Claude's need for growth.
Other key figures include Gladys Farmer, a supportive friend who sees the potential in Claude that is stifled by his environment, and Nat Wheeler, Claude's father, whose ambivalence towards farm life adds to Claude’s confusion. The narrative also explores influences from characters like the caring servant Old Mahailey, the questioning immigrant Ernest Havel, and the self-serving Reverend Weldon, all of whom contribute to Claude’s evolving understanding of himself and his place in the world. Through these character arcs, the novel reflects on themes of idealism, personal struggle, and the impact of war on individual growth, inviting readers to consider the broader implications of identity amidst societal pressures.
One of Ours: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Willa Cather
First published: 1922
Genre: Novel
Locale: Frankfort and Lincoln, Nebraska, and the battlefields of France
Plot: Symbolism
Time: 1900–1918
Claude Wheeler, a young Midwestern farmer, sandy-haired and freckle-faced, with a large, square-shaped head and a good physique. As a child, he is characterized by a violent temper and physical restlessness. During adolescence, he struggles with his lack of confidence. Surrounded by many who see the world only as a business proposition, he is uncertain and unguided as he searches for meaning. As he begins, in college, to get excited about learning, he is brought back to work on the family farm. He is sensitive to the land but is also aware of other challenges. His choice in a wife reflects his own lack of direction. In France during World War I, he comes to know himself and to feel a strong sense of purpose. He accepts destiny only when he comes to understand the power of ideals among people.
Lieutenant David Gerhardt, a talented violinist and soldier whom Claude at first feels to be his competitor but whom he comes to admire deeply. Highly trained at the Conservatoire, David has toured successfully in America, but he understands that the war has killed all possibility of his returning to his music. He received the nurturing in values that Claude recognizes that he never had.
Enid Royce, the childhood sweetheart, and later wife, of Claude. Thought to be very pretty, Enid is slender, with a well-shaped head, a pale complexion, and dark eyes. She is strongly committed to a number of causes, such as vegetarianism and prohibition, but she is unaware of Claude's need to grow.
Gladys Farmer, a schoolteacher and supportive friend of Claude. Gladys sees in Claude's nature the finer characteristics that ensure his failure in the materialistic setting of America. She fears that if he marries Enid Royce, he will become a machine like Enid's father. She is happy that he can escape to Europe. She is determined not to marry Bayliss Wheeler.
Nat Wheeler, a farmer and Claude's father. He is neither easily flustered nor often serious. Although he is a rich farmer, he does not like farm work. He is sympathetic to the interests of Bayliss, but his teasing of and treatment of Claude confuse that young man.
Evangeline Wheeler, Claude's mother, a woman of religious faith. She understands the height of Claude's hopes and passionate beliefs. Although she loves Claude deeply, she is powerless to help him in his struggles.
Bayliss Wheeler, a prudent businessman and older brother of Claude. He is symbolic of the many insensitive and unthinking businessmen who Claude had always thought controlled the world.
Old Mahailey, Mrs. Wheeler's servant, a deeply caring woman who was close to and loved Claude. She evoked Claude's trust of her good judgment of people.
Ernest Havel, an immigrant Bohemian farmer and close boyhood friend of Claude. In his speech, he is simple and direct. A thinker, he questions many conventionally held thoughts.
Leonard Dawson, a highly successful farmer and boyhood friend of Claude. A large fellow with big hands and big feet, he is full of energy and works hard. He shares Claude's contempt for methods used on the Wheeler farm.
The Reverend Arthur Weldon, a self-serving minister and teacher at Temple, a religious school. He impresses Claude's mother and Enid, but he arouses distrust and dislike in Claude.
Mrs. Erlich, the mother of one of Claude's college friends. She helps Claude to see a different kind of family life from any he had ever known, and she teaches him much about life.
Madame Fleury, the mother of one of David Gerhardt's fellow students at the Conservatoire. Her strength and life make Claude uncomfortable but challenge him.
Madame Joubert and Monsieur Joubert, a French couple with whom Claude and David live. They provide warmth and loving comfort in the midst of the horrors of war.
Harris Maxey, an Army captain (later a colonel) under whom Claude and David serve. His manner expresses the desire to excel, but his men perceive him in various ways.