Seventeen: Analysis of Major Characters
"Seventeen: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the dynamics and interactions of several key figures in a coming-of-age narrative centered on seventeen-year-old William Sylvanus Baxter, who grapples with the challenges of adolescence while infatuated with the alluring Lola Pratt. The story portrays William's struggles with self-esteem and the complexities of young love, as his efforts to impress Lola are constantly thwarted by the meddling of his younger sister, Jane. Jane is depicted as intelligent yet mischievous, often intruding on William’s efforts to court Lola, thus complicating his romantic endeavors.
Lola Pratt herself is characterized as a self-centered beauty who relishes the attention of multiple suitors but is primarily interested in wealth, which adds a layer of social commentary to her interactions. Other supporting characters, such as May Parcher, the overlooked friend, and Mr. Parcher, who is distressed by the attention Lola attracts, further enrich the narrative by illustrating various social dynamics and pressures. The story also touches on themes of childhood and maturity, as William's attempts to navigate his feelings and societal expectations are continuously interrupted by family and peers. Through these characters, "Seventeen" captures the trials and tribulations of growing up, the awkwardness of first love, and the inherent challenges of familial relationships.
Seventeen: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Booth Tarkington
First published: 1916
Genre: Novel
Locale: A small Midwestern town
Plot: Comic realism
Time: Early twentieth century
William Sylvanus Baxter, a seventeen-year-old suffering the relentless self-consciousness of that awkward age. The story begins on the day that William (“Willie” to his family, “Silly Bill” to his friends) falls in love at first sight with Lola Pratt, a beautiful summer visitor. As the one-sided romance unfolds, he must endure much from the world. His peers do not seem to realize that Miss Pratt is his girl, not theirs. His parents persist in treating him like a child, his little sister embarrasses him at every opportunity, and the general population—children, adults, and even dogs—seems to him positively obsessed with being rude and disrespectful. He tries manfully to show the world a façade of “lofty and uncondescending amusement,” but he makes a fool of himself in the attempt.
Jane Baxter, William's ten-year-old sister, an intelligent, inquisitive, and not particularly tidy girl whose primary occupations are eating applesauce sandwiches and making William's life miserable. Jane keeps a close watch on her brother's attempts to appear more dashing and grown-up. She dutifully informs their mother when he borrows their father's dress suit, and she is faithful in reporting other incriminating incidents. She also takes every opportunity to intrude on William's outings with Miss Pratt. In so doing, Jane does not endear herself to the young lady, and the feeling is mutual. Worried about William's attraction to the stranger, Jane discusses romance with various acquaintances. The neighborhood gardeners convince her that marriage is not unheard of for seventeen-year-olds, and she naturally passes this information on to her parents, giving them several uncomfortable moments. Jane has many friends in town, from gardeners to elderly businessmen to other mischievous young girls, and somehow her relationships always seem to bring trouble to William.
Lola Pratt, William's love interest, who is beautiful, coquettish, and entirely self-centered. Miss Pratt carries an obnoxious little dog and affects a syrupy baby talk, even to adults. Not only William but nearly every other young man in town finds her irresistible. She pits them against one another and obviously is delighted with being the center of attention. She is merely trifling with their affections, however; as she confides to another young woman, she “would never dream of getting engaged to any man who didn't have seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”
May Parcher, a plain young woman who supposedly is the object of Miss Pratt's visit. Miss Parcher is ignored by all, even by her parents. Her only function seems to be talking to boys who are unable to crowd close enough to Miss Pratt to get the exalted visitor's attention.
Mr. Parcher, May Parcher's father, a high-strung businessman who becomes increasingly disturbed by the young men who swarm about his house day and night, paying court to Miss Pratt. Their constant adolescent crooning and “serious” discussions of love drive him near to a nervous breakdown. Jane's informing on William gives Mr. Parcher some relief, and because they both despise Miss Pratt, he forms a sympathetic partnership with Jane.
Mrs. Baxter, William's mother, who dimly understands his teenage angst and tries to help him through his trials. She even rescues him from hard labor at a construction site, a job he has taken to pay for a secondhand dress suit of dubious heritage. Her assistance is unappreciated.
Genesis, the neighborhood gardener. His race, attire, and familiar demeanor are a constant source of embarrassment to William, but this amiable African American, either on his own or in league with Jane or Mr. Parcher, seems always to be on hand to ruin William's attempts to appear as a young gentleman about town.
George Crooper, a large, supremely self-confident young man from out of town who almost succeeds in distracting Miss Pratt from her local admirers. To William and his friends' amazement, she does not see that for all of his bragging of race cars and riches, he is merely, according to them, a “big, fat lummox,” entirely unworthy of her attention.
Rannie Kirstead, a ten-year-old girl who moves to town and becomes friends with Jane on the last day of Miss Pratt's visit. William finds his new neighbor even more unkempt and obnoxious than Jane, and Rannie seems more direct in her desire to puncture his affected pomposity. In the glimpse of the future that ends the novel, the author reveals that in ten years, Miss Kirstead will be William's bride.