The Shoemaker's Holiday: Or, the Gentle Craft: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Shoemaker's Holiday: Or, the Gentle Craft" is a comedic play by Thomas Dekker that explores the lives of various characters within the shoemaking trade in London, highlighting themes of social hierarchy, love, and ambition. At the center of the narrative is Simon Eyre, an exuberant shoemaker who rises to the position of lord mayor, displaying a combination of kindness and authority. His character embodies the spirit of camaraderie among the working class, as he cares for his journeymen while simultaneously demanding their diligence.
Rowland Lacy, a nobleman disguised as a journeyman, represents the intersection between social classes as he pursues his love, Rose Otley, against the wishes of his formidable uncle, Sir Hugh Lacy. The play also introduces Sir Roger Otley, the lord mayor, who navigates political and familial tensions, particularly regarding his daughter Rose's independence. Other characters, such as Eyre’s wife Margery and the industrious journeymen, add depth to the narrative, illustrating the dynamics of relationships within the workplace and family.
The interplay of love, duty, and social status among these characters creates a rich tapestry that reflects the complexities of life in early 17th-century London. Through humor and engaging dialogue, Dekker invites the audience to consider the values of loyalty, hard work, and the importance of personal relationships, making the play a relevant exploration of human nature and social structures.
The Shoemaker's Holiday: Or, the Gentle Craft: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Thomas Dekker
First published: 1600
Genre: Play
Locale: London and the nearby village of Old Ford
Plot: Comedy
Time: Reign of Henry V of England
Simon Eyre (ayr), the blustering, “madcap” shoemaker who becomes lord mayor of London. One of the kindliest of men, he watches over the welfare of his journeymen while he berates them vigorously; it is his intercession with the king that reconciles Sir Hugh and Sir Roger to the marriage of Rose with Eyre's sometime Dutch assistant, Lacy. He is not over-awed by his high-ranking position, and he rejoices more at feasting those who were once apprentices with him than at entertaining the king. Loyal to his trade, he asks for one royal boon, the privilege of selling shoes twice a week at Leadenhall Market.
Rowland Lacy (Hans), a gallant, spendthrift young nobleman who learned the shoemaker's trade when he arrived penniless in Germany on his Grand Tour. Forbidden by his domineering uncle to marry his sweetheart, Rose Otley, he abandons his military command, disguises himself as a Dutch journeyman named Hans, and joins the workshop of Simon Eyre. He proves to be an excellent businessman and vastly increases his master's wealth by introducing him to an old skipper with a ship full of spices to sell. With persistence and fidelity, he at last wins his bride, wooing her while he pretends to be fitting new shoes.
Sir Hugh Lacy, the Earl of Lincoln, his overbearing uncle. Adamant in his opposition to his nephew's proposed marriage, he tries to engineer Sir Roger's disapproval. He is somewhat disgruntled to find that the mayor scorns the match, which would be a fine one for his daughter, without Sir Hugh's persuasion.
SirRogerOtley, lord mayor of London. He is astute, if not oversubtle, in his dealings with Sir Hugh and resents any suggestion of patronizing in the earl's behavior toward him. His independent young daughter infuriates him by refusing the hand of a wealthy citizen he has chosen for her, and he shuts her up at home to keep her away from Lacy.
Rose Otley, the lord mayor's daughter. She is agreeable and devoted to Lacy but perversely sarcastic to the suitor she rejects.
Sybil, her witty, voluble maid.
Askew, another of Sir Hugh's nephews, a kindly young man who helps his cousin Rowland escape their uncle's close surveillance.
Dodger, Sir Hugh's servant.
Firk and Hodge, Eyre's journeymen, industrious workmen who cheerfully exchange insults with their master and mistress.
Margery, Eyre's wife, who is, on occasion, bawdy and sharp, but basically is good-hearted and fond of her husband. After Simon becomes lord mayor, she worries that his manners are not proper for entertaining the king, and she gives voice to her concern about her wardrobe.
Rafe Damport, another of Eyre's journeymen, gentler and quieter than his fellows. In spite of his master's efforts to keep him at home, he is drafted and sent to France soon after his marriage. He is heartbroken to find his wife missing when he returns wounded from his campaign, yet he resigns himself to accept her second marriage when she does not recognize him. Happily reunited with her through the efforts of Firk and Hodge, he proudly rejects Hammond's offer of money for her.
Jane, his wife, who mourns his loss but finally allows herself to be partially consoled by Hammond. She shows her tender heart in her generous gift to the unknown shoemaker who reminds her of her lost husband.
Hammond, a London citizen who pays court to Rose. Rejected by her, he turns to Jane, whom he has admired in her shop.