The Rector of Justin: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Rector of Justin" is a novel that explores the lives and complexities of its major characters, primarily centered around Frank Prescott, the influential headmaster of Justin Martyr Academy. Frank, a product of adversity, is an inspiring leader whose progressive educational methods become outdated over time. His character embodies a deep commitment to faith, education, and discipline, which shaped the lives of many boys who attended his school. The novel also delves into the lives of other key characters, such as Brian Aspinwall, a timid teacher who admires Frank, and Cordelia Prescott Turnbull, Frank’s rebellious daughter with a tumultuous romantic history.
Additional figures include Horace Havistock, Frank's lifelong friend, and David Griscam, a student who overcomes a troubled past to become a successful lawyer and benefactor for the school. The narrative is enriched with the struggles and aspirations of these characters, revealing themes of faith, redemption, and the impact of educational institutions on personal growth. As the story unfolds, it illustrates the evolving dynamics within the school and the challenges posed by changing societal norms, particularly through the lens of Duncan Moore, who succeeds Frank as rector, sparking debates about tradition and progress. Overall, the novel provides a poignant examination of character development against the backdrop of a Christian preparatory school.
The Rector of Justin: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Louis Auchincloss
First published: 1964
Genre: Novel
Locale: Primarily New York City and New England
Plot: Social
Time: 1887–1947
Francis (Frank) Prescott, the rector, or headmaster, of Justin Martyr Academy. He is the central figure of the novel. Although orphaned, he is able to attend good schools because of family trusts; by the time he is seventeen years old, he has determined to create his own Christian preparatory school. Short of stature, he is imposing in a broad-shouldered, bull-necked way, with a large, handsome head. Educated at Harvard University and the University of Oxford, Frank temporarily loses the faith essential to his ambition and goes to work for the New York Central Railroad. His faith returns, and he goes to divinity school, is ordained, and founds his school thirty miles west of Boston. It flourishes. His methods, progressive when introduced, appear old-fashioned by the time he retires in 1941. Boys are required to attend daily chapel, to wear blue suits on Sunday, and to enter the dining room in marching order. Discipline is strict, and planned activities, chiefly schoolwork, rugged sport, and worship, keep the boys occupied and usually out of mischief. The rector, an inspiring teacher to thousands of boys, becomes a legend. In retirement, though, he has moments of doubt about his life's work.
Brian Aspinwall, who comes to Justin in 1939, replacing a teacher who has departed for military service. Slight, timid, sensitive Brian has been rejected because of a heart murmur. He wants to be a minister but lacks self-confidence. Frank admires Brian's ability to please his dying wife. He consents to Brian's writing his biography. Much of the story is in the form of Brian's entries into his diaries; the rest is from memoirs gathered from others.
Harriet Winslow Prescott, a member of an old Boston family. She meets Frank during his days at divinity school. She marries him following his ordination and works with him to found and run Justin Martyr. She dies shortly before Frank's retirement. Tall, large-nosed, and plain, she is also intelligent, cultivated, and independent in mind and spirit.
Cordelia Prescott Turnbull, the youngest of Frank and Harriet's three daughters, the rebel in the family. She tells Brian her story. After eloping at the age of seventeen with a confused Catholic boy, she soon left him but could not, for several years, secure a divorce. Cordelia lives with Charley Strong in Paris after World War I; later, she marries Guy Turnbull, a rich industrialist. In middle age, divorced again but with plenty of money, she lives alone and collects art.
Horace Havistock, Frank's oldest friend. He meets Frank in preparatory school. Determined to live a bachelor life of ease, elegance, and refinement, Horace is an altogether different type of man from Frank but can admire, instruct, and entertain him. Their friendship flourishes at Harvard, at Oxford, and in New York City. Horace supplies Brian with his memoir of Frank's—and his own—early years.
David Griscam, who enters Justin in 1891, burdened with the knowledge that his father has ended his life a swindler. Frank inspires David to erase a bad reputation by creating good one. A successful lawyer, David becomes the first Justin graduate to serve as a trustee; he becomes its leading fund-raiser and donor. His career and his avocation—the school—do very well; his family proves less satisfactory.
Eliza Dean, a hazel-eyed, auburn-haired beauty from California who seeks a man with whom she can reach the top of society, culture, and politics. Frank Prescott of the New York Central seems exactly that man. They become engaged. After the renewal of Frank's faith, however, she concedes Horace's point: She would not do well as the mistress of a boys'school. She breaks the engagement.
Charley Strong, one of the finest of Justin's graduates and a participant in World War I. His wounds promise an early death. Cordelia meets him in Paris, becomes his lover, and encourages him to nihilistic views. Frank Prescott appears and captures Charley's attention. Charley dies with his faith restored, causing Cordelia to seethe.
Jules Griscam, the youngest child of David Griscam. He grows up detesting what his father most admires: the rector of Justin and his school. A clever and resourceful rebel in his years there, Jules finally goes too far, and Frank expels him. Later, Jules, in a drunken rage, drives back to Justin and hurls a rock through the chapel window. Now Harvard expels him. He goes to Europe and dies, along with a French mistress, in an auto accident caused by his own, possibly deliberate, recklessness.
Duncan Moore, who becomes the new rector of Justin in 1941. His mild relaxation of discipline, changes of curriculum, and liberalizing of admissions stir up several older faculty members, alumni, and trustees. Frank almost puts himself at the head of this rebellious old guard, but, warned by Brian Aspinwall, David Griscam prevents him from doing so.