Serjeant Musgrave's Dance: An Unhistorical Parable: Analysis of Major Characters
"Serjeant Musgrave's Dance: An Unhistorical Parable" is a complex exploration of themes related to war, colonialism, and the consequences of violence, centered around a group of army deserters led by the titular character, Serjeant Musgrave. Musgrave, characterized by a blend of prophetic zeal and madness, is determined to confront the injustices of British colonial rule, yet his rigid adherence to order and logic leads him to miscalculate the repercussions of his actions. The ensemble cast includes Private Sparky, whose youthful insecurity and comedic distractions mask his doubts, and Private Hurst, a cynical figure whose commitment to violence reflects a darker side of rebellion. Other notable characters include Private Aftercliffe, an older soldier providing stability amidst chaos, and Joe Bludgeon, a cunning bargee who thrives on intrigue and manipulation. The narrative also incorporates figures like the Parson and the Mayor, who embody the entrenched social hierarchies that exacerbate civil tensions. The play culminates in a tragic confrontation, revealing the profound struggles between idealism, loyalty, and the harsh realities of rebellion. Through its rich character tapestry, the work invites reflection on the moral ambiguities of resistance and the human cost of conflict.
Serjeant Musgrave's Dance: An Unhistorical Parable: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Arden
First published: 1960
Genre: Play
Locale: Northern England
Plot: Protest
Time: c. 1879
Serjeant Musgrave, called Black Jack, the leader of the small band of army deserters and a prime mover in the violent, ill-fated stratagem to denounce British colonialism in the home community of one of his murdered compatriots. Part prophet and part madman, he is obsessed with his mission. He seethes with a quiet, self-righteous fury that he struggles to suppress with an insistence on order and what he calls logic. Although at times aloof and distant from his men, he commands their loyalty and respect. He is humorless, tough, acrid, intimidating, and severe. Like many pious visionaries, he is spiritually myopic, and he badly miscalculates the impact of his bloody scheme.
Private Sparky, one of Musgrave's men. Youthful and insecure, he masks his doubt behind a stream of songs, idle chatter, inane stories, and card tricks, irritating his comrades. His plan to defect and run off with Annie leads to his accidental, violent death, prefiguring the play's somber conclusion.
Private Hurst, another of the band. Seemingly more mature and dedicated than Sparky, he is bloody, resolute, handsome, and vain. Although distrustful of Musgrave's piety, he follows him for his own cynical reasons. As an atheist, anarchist, and murderer, gratuitous violence suits him perfectly. Although prevented from doing so, he is willing to fire on the crowd after Musgrave falters in purpose. His shooting ends the threat to the townspeople.
Private Aftercliffe, the oldest, at about fifty years, of the soldiers and a self-proclaimed cuckold. On the staid and morose side, he is far less mercurial than the other soldiers and is a stabilizing influence. Ironically, it is Aftercliffe who fatally stabs Sparky.
Joe Bludgeon, a hunchbacked bargee (barge man) prone to intrigue. He is cringing and obsequious before the town dignitaries, with an unfailing instinct for self-preservation. Like the morality vice figure, he makes trouble for its own sake, squirming free from all responsibility. Quick, cunning, and without honor, he senses the town's mood and adapts to it. In the climactic scene, “as a kind of fugleman” he incites the emotions of the unseen crowd of townspeople.
The Parson, a town magistrate and dignitary whose arrogant, class-conscious snobbery fans the fire of the workers' discontent.
Mrs. Hitchcock, the widowed landlady at the public house where Musgrave and his followers stay. At about fifty years of age, she is an intelligent and acute observer of her fellow citizens. In a mysterious, almost motherly way, she is drawn to Musgrave.
Annie, a barmaid in the public house. Although large-boned and hardly pretty, she attracts men through her forwardness. Her former lover was the soldier whose death prompted Musgrave's crusade. She attempts to seduce Hurst, then settles for Sparky. Their elopement plans end with his death.
The Constable, a loud, crude, and ineffective official who bullies those he can but is deferential toward his betters.
The Mayor, the owner of the local coal mine. He has a narrow entrepreneur's perspective. Although outwardly affable, he is rather bossy and uncompromising. He hopes to rid the town of the principal agitators by having Musgrave recruit them into the army. He unwittingly sets up the ill-fated confrontation of the citizenry and Musgrave and his men.
Slow Collier, Pugnacious Collier, and Earnest Collier, called Walsh, the striking union members who, in desperation, are planning an insurrection. Musgrave's hopes of enlisting their support are dashed when the reality of violence confronts them and they back down.
A Trooper of Dragoons and an Officer of Dragoons,representatives of the military contingent that arrives in timely fashion to arrest Musgrave and Aftercliffe and abort the threatened violence.