Parade's End: Analysis of Major Characters
"Parade's End" is a complex narrative that delves into the lives and relationships of its major characters set against the backdrop of World War I. Central to the story is Christopher Tietjens, a principled and loyal man torn between duty to his unfaithful wife, Sylvia, and his love for the idealistic Valentine Wannop. Christopher's adherence to old-fashioned values complicates his life, especially as he navigates the war and his tumultuous marriage. Sylvia, characterized as beautiful yet cruel, actively seeks to undermine Christopher while engaging in her own affairs, creating a strained dynamic.
Valentine emerges as a beacon of compassion and chivalry, whose relationship with Christopher, filled with unfulfilled potential, highlights themes of love and sacrifice. Other significant characters include Sir Mark Tietjens, Christopher’s elder brother, who supports his sibling's pursuit of happiness, and Vincent Macmaster, who exploits Christopher's generosity for personal gain. The narrative also introduces Edith Ethel Duchemin, a woman who further complicates the love triangle, and General Lord Edward Campion, who misjudges the dynamics between Christopher and Sylvia.
Through its richly drawn characters, "Parade's End" explores the intersections of loyalty, betrayal, and the search for meaning amidst the chaos of war, providing a profound commentary on human relationships and societal expectations.
Parade's End: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Ford Madox Ford
First published: 1950 (includes Some Do Not…, 1924; No More Parades, 1925; A Man Could Stand Up, 1926; and The Last Post, 1928)
Genre: Novels
Locale: England and France
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: World War I and after
Christopher Tietjens (TEE-jehns), the younger son of a Yorkshire squire, a man with old-fashioned values. He is faithful to his adulterous wife and loyal to his friends. He loans money to Vincent Macmaster and even permits him to take credit for his own brilliant statistical analyses. After he falls in love with Valentine Wannop, Christopher still insists that his wife, not he, must institute divorce proceedings. Although he has a desk job in London, Christopher insists on going to France to serve in the war. Sent home after being wounded, he finally asks Valentine to become his mistress, but they part before their relationship can be consummated.
Sylvia Tietjens, Christopher's wife, a beautiful, heartless woman who remains physically attracted by her husband, though she hates him for his nobility and is determined to break him. She spends her life slandering her husband and seducing other men.
Valentine Wannop, an intelligent, idealistic, and unselfish young woman. She gets to know Christopher when, appealing to his chivalry, she convinces him to drive a horse-cart in which a fellow demonstrator is escaping from the police. On the way home, the two get lost. The fact that they spent the night together becomes the basis for rumors that they are lovers. Valentine's reputation also suffers because, as a pacifist, she is thought to be pro-German. Although she does not expect anything to come from her feelings for Christopher, she cannot forget him.
Sir Mark Tietjens, Christopher's brother, his senior by fourteen years. Although the brothers are virtual strangers, Mark believes Christopher's explanation of events, in part because he has always disliked Sylvia. He urges Christopher to divorce her and to marry Valentine.
Vincent Macmaster, a self-seeking Scot of unimpressive origins who takes advantage of Christopher's generous nature. When he marries Edith Ethel Duchemin, formerly his mistress, he becomes financially secure. During the war, he works his way up in the bureaucracy.
Edith Ethel Duchemin, the elegant wife of a wealthy Anglican rector, who is insane. After her husband's death, she marries Macmaster and devotes herself to his advancement and to the persecution of Christopher and of her one-time confidante, Valentine.
General Lord Edward Campion, Christopher's godfather. Though capable in military matters, he is no judge of human nature. He admires Sylvia and thinks Christopher should patchupthemarriage.
Christopher Tietjens, an army captain in charge of almost three thousand men. He bears his responsibilities bravely, exhibiting compassion as well as self-control. When Sylvia appears at the front, he is patient. He even spends some time in a hotel with her. When he attacks a man who enters their hotel room, evidently unaware of his identity as Sylvia's lover, it is Christopher who is disgraced.
Sergeant-Major Cowley, an elderly Englishman, Christopher's right hand and one of his greatest admirers. Later a second lieutenant, he joins his old captain on Armistice Day.
Captain Mackenzie, Macmaster's nephew, who clings to sanity with Christopher's help. He also appears on Armistice Day, still a little mad.
Sylvia Tietjens, who appears at the front to see Christopher and to demand money and property. She turns General Cam-pion against her husband by insisting that he is a Socialist.
Christopher Tietjens, who continues to do his duty in the most horrible conditions. After narrowly escaping death, he returns to England. No one will give him a government post, and he is reduced to selling his books and furniture. On Armistice Day, some of his men find him and insist on celebrating with him.
Valentine Wannop, a physical education instructor who is called into the school office in the midst of the Armistice Day festivities. Lady Macmaster, Sir Vincent's wife, has called to let Valentine know where Christopher is and, incidentally, to inform the schoolmistress about her bad character. Ignoring the schoolmistress's well-meant advice, Valentine quits her job and goes to Christopher.
Sir Mark Tietjens, who is bedridden after a stroke. He has not said a word since learning that the Allies would not occupy Germany. Shortly before he dies, he speaks to Valentine, giving her the reassurance about the future she so desperately needs.
Marie Léonie Rioter, Lady Tietjens, formerly Sir Mark's mistress, now his wife. She nurses him devotedly.
Valentine Wannop, who now lives with Christopher and Mark. Strengthened by her pregnancy, Valerie stands up to Sylvia.
Christopher Tietjens, who is trying desperately to make a living as a furniture dealer.
Sylvia Tietjens, who has decided to divorce Christopher and marry General Campion. She remains curious about Valentine and Christopher. First she sends her son to spy on them, then she goes herself. Perhaps at last feeling a trifle guilty, she leaves, denying that she meant any harm to Valentine and the child.