Sand Mountain: Analysis of Major Characters
"Sand Mountain: Analysis of Major Characters" explores a rich tapestry of individuals navigating complex relationships and societal expectations in a rural Appalachian setting. Central to the narrative is Rebecca Tull, a young widow who seeks a partner based on equality and respect rather than social obligation or physical attraction. Her interactions with various suitors—Clink Williams, Slate Foley, Radley Nollins, and ultimately Sam Bean—highlight themes of arrogance, hypocrisy, and the struggle for agency in a patriarchal society. Each suitor represents different facets of masculinity, ranging from superficial desires to misguided moral superiority, ultimately failing to meet Rebecca's standards.
Supporting characters like Lottie Stiles, a knowledgeable medicine woman, and the enigmatic Sang Picker, who serves as the narrator, further enrich the story by providing insights into the community's values and the wisdom of experience. The presence of the Lord and Saint Peter introduces a spiritual dimension, contrasting the simplicity of mountain life with broader existential themes. The play captures the challenges faced by individuals in their quest for personal fulfillment while reflecting on the cultural dynamics of life in Sand Mountain.
Sand Mountain: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Romulus Linney
First published: 1985
Genre: Play
Locale: The southern Appalachian Mountains
Plot: Fantasy
Time: The late nineteenth century
Rebecca Tull, an attractive widow in her early twenties. Her first marriage was not very successful, though she did not wish for her husband to die. Other inhabitants of Sand Mountain, including her father (who is a preacher) and her mother, believe that it is her duty to remarry quickly so that she does not provide too much temptation for the men of the area. Rebecca, however, is too particular to settle for what she has mercifully escaped. Rebecca seeks some sort of equality and respect in her ideal partner, characteristics that are not abundant in the men of Sand Mountain. She has her own wealth; she does not need to marry for any reason except to please herself.
Clink Williams, Rebecca's first suitor. Clink Williams is a young man about Rebecca's age. He views any future relationship with Rebecca on a purely physical plane. He sees himself as the man to fill Rebecca's physical needs; he is very conceited and arrogant—though arrogance is a quality shared equally with his first two rivals. His cocksureness does not endear him to Rebecca. Despite his emphasis on sex, he is offended when Rebecca says Lottie's charm (“A man's horn is times three the size of his nose”) to him; hypocrite that he is, he says that she is now not “delicate” enough for him.
Slate Foley, Rebecca's second suitor, a man in his forties. He also sees any partnership with Rebecca in physical terms. More insidious, however, is his stated determination to break her spirit. He is as arrogant as Clink Williams and also cruel. His reaction to Lottie's charm is to take offense and leave because he thinks that Rebecca is making fun of him.
Radley Nollins, Rebecca's third suitor. He presents a different face from the previous suitors, that of a God-fearing, Bible-quoting, respectful man. His respect, however, is more for the Bible than for any person. When Rebecca uses Lottie's charm on Radley, he is offended because her words do not come from the Bible.
Lottie Stiles, an old woman who serves as a sort of medicine woman on Sand Mountain. Lottie knows a cure for anything, and she uses all the plants and animals on Sand Mountain to effect her cures. Lottie understands why Rebecca is not interested in any of her suitors and gives her a spoken charm to get rid of the unwanted suitors and to find the right husband for herself.
Vester Stiles, Lottie's grandson, a young boy. He does not have much to say in the play, but his words reveal an early wisdom.
Sam Bean, Rebecca's final suitor, a man in his thirties. Sam Bean is the successful suitor because he is honest with Rebecca. He does not make impossible promises but seems to say that if they both put in the effort, they could have a successful marriage. He comes because he hears about what Rebecca has been saying to her other suitors; rather than being driven away by the words, he is attracted by them. It is her boldness that intrigues him, instead of scaring him as it did the other men.
The Sang Picker, a mountain woman who picks ginseng to make her living. When the Lord stops to ask directions, the Sang Picker is elusive in her answers, but he does not seem to mind. Her key to a long and happy life is to “chew Gen Sang” and “ponder Bible Tales.” The Sang Picker has had three husbands, all of whom are dead by the time of the play. The Sang Picker is the narrator of this part of the play.
The Lord, a mountain traveler. He is dressed like an “out-lander” but with a mountain hat and a kerchief as well as a small pack on his back. The Lord has come to Sand Mountain for a specific reason, as unfolds in the play, so he does not let Saint Peter deflect him from going up to the top of Sand Mountain. The Lord does not look like a miraculous figure, though people sometimes see halos on him and on Saint Peter. He carries a long stick, which he uses to keep the fire going in Jack and Jean's cabin.
Saint Peter, the Lord's friend and traveling companion. He does not see the goodness in the simple Appalachian mountain people and instead wishes to spend his night with the more prosperous people, who can offer good food and comfortable lodgings. Saint Peter realizes that he is the butt of the play, but the Lord shows his love for Peter.
Prosper Valley Farmer, a well-to-do man who lives in the valley below Sand Mountain. A large, stout, and greedy man, he tries to get the Lord and Saint Peter to come stay with him. When he sees what the Lord has blessed Jack and Jean with, he mindlessly demands equal treatment. His greed then ruins his plans.
Jack, an old drunken man. He lives in a squalid cabin on top of Sand Mountain with his common-law wife and their fourteen children. He is a sage man whose life has gone wrong through outside events such as the cow dying. He and the Lord take a liking to each other as they tell tall tales.
Jean, the thin, pale, drunken wife of Jack. Though poor, she and her husband do their best to make the Lord and Saint Peter welcome. Jean seems to understand why the Lord has come, and she and her husband help him by telling the one “Jesus Tale” that the Lord needs to hear.
Fourteen children, Jack and Jean's children, played by one actor. They are a fractious group, constantly squabbling with one another, until the Lord quiets them by telling a story and making the fire so warm that it puts them to sleep. They wake up after a while, though, and help Jack and Jean tell “Joseph the Carpenter,” the story the Lord has come to hear.