The Purple Land: Travels and Adventures in the Banda Oriental, South America: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Purple Land: Travels and Adventures in the Banda Oriental, South America" presents a vivid exploration of both the landscape and the diverse characters that inhabit it through the journey of Richard Lamb, a young adventurer navigating life in 19th century Uruguay. Lamb, depicted as humorous and poetic, faces trials as he seeks work to support his wife, Paquíta, who defies her father's wishes to marry him. The narrative introduces a range of characters, including the spirited horse tamer Lucero and the formidable Uruguayan revolutionary hero Marcos Marcó, who plays a significant role in Lamb's adventures.
The story also features a mix of complex personalities such as the anxious Don Peralta and his daughter Demetria, who becomes a catalyst for Lamb’s daring escapades. The interactions Lamb has with these characters not only highlight cultural dynamics of the time but also reflect themes of love, rebellion, and the search for identity. Additionally, the novel involves elements of humor, tension, and romance, casting a rich tapestry of life in the Banda Oriental. Readers seeking an engaging blend of adventure and character-driven storytelling will find this narrative a compelling entry point into the region's history and culture.
The Purple Land: Travels and Adventures in the Banda Oriental, South America: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: W. H. Hudson
First published: 1885
Genre: Novel
Locale: Uruguay and Argentina
Plot: Adventure
Time: Nineteenth century
Richard Lamb, a humorous, poetic young adventurer, amateur botanist, and wandering seeker of work to support himself and his wife. He briefly and unwillingly joins a revolutionary band, almost loses his life as a result, and at last returns to his wife still unemployed and facing the unpleasant prospect of a meeting with his angry father-in-law.
Paquíta (pah-KEE-tah), his olive-skinned, violet-eyed, black-haired Argentinean wife, married without her father's consent.
Doña Isidora (ee-see-DOH-rah), her aunt, a garrulous old woman.
Lucero (lew-SEH-roh), a friendly horse tamer, an old man who still possesses youthful fire and energy in his soul.
Marcos Marcó (MAHR-kohs mahr-KOH), later General Santa Coloma (SAHN-tah koh-LOH-mah), a tall, imposing, bronzed man whom Lamb first meets in disguise. He turns out to be a popular Uruguayan revolutionary hero.
Margarita (mahr-gahr-EE-tah), his beautiful, fair, golden-haired, sapphire-eyed young daughter.
Don Peralta (pehr-AHL-tah), an insane old landowner and former officer who thinks Lamb is his long-lost son.
Demetria (deh-MEH-tree-ah), his daughter, who wishes to marry Lamb. To save her from Hilario, Lamb abducts her and takes her to Montevideo.
Don Hilario (ee-LAHR-ee-oh), an undersized, serpentlike autocrat, the villainous supervisor of Don Peralta's estate. Demetria hates him.
Santos (SAHN-tohs), a servant who reveals to Lamb the Peralta family history.
Blas (blahs), also called Barbudo (bahr-BEW-doh), an insolent, black-bearded giant stabbed by Lamb in a fight.
Anselmo (ahn-SEHL-moh), a handsome gaucho, a teller of wandering, pointless tales.
Don Sinforiano Alday (seen-foh-RYAH-noh AHL-dah-ee), the owner of a large estate.
Monica, his daughter.
Anita, an orphan living with the Aldays.
Gandara (gahn-DAH-rah), a truculent, murderous man whom Lamb shoots before escaping from him.
John Carrickfergus, an amiable expatriate Scotsman who befriends Lamb.
Toribia (toh-REE-byah), a magistrate's wife, a fat slattern who takes an embarrassing liking to Lamb.
Dolores (doh-LOH-rehs), a beautiful young woman who almost makes Lamb forget Paquíta.