The Sir Roger de Coverley Papers: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Sir Roger de Coverley Papers: Analysis of Major Characters" explores a collection of essays focusing on the central figure of Sir Roger de Coverley and various characters within his social circle in 18th-century London. Sir Roger, a benevolent bachelor managing a large estate, embodies a blend of kindness and strictness as he oversees his servants and the dynamics of "The Club," a gathering of men with varied interests. The anonymous narrator, Mr. Spectator, presents these characters with a tone of compassion, emphasizing their human flaws while maintaining a sense of goodwill toward humankind.
Key figures include Captain Sentry, Sir Roger's modest and courageous nephew; Sir Andrew Freeport, whose merchant philosophy contrasts with Sir Roger's views; and Will Honeycomb, an aging fop engaged in humorous pursuits of love. Other characters, like the amiable Will Wimble and the enigmatic Moll White, contribute to the social tapestry of the countryside, while figures like Tom Touchy illustrate the complexities of interpersonal relations. Through these characters, the papers depict a rich narrative of social interactions, moral dilemmas, and the differing philosophies that characterize their community, inviting readers to explore the intricate dynamics of early modern British society.
The Sir Roger de Coverley Papers: Analysis of Major Characters
Authors: Richard Steele and Joseph Addison
First published: 1711–1712
Genre: Short fiction
Locale: London and Worcestershire
Plot: Social
Time: Early eighteenth century
Sir Roger de Coverley, a fifty-six-year-old bachelor, the benevolent autocrat of a large Worcestershire estate. The knight's humaneness, according to his own opinion, is the result of his love for a beautiful widow whom he has wooed for thirty years. His kindness is equaled by his rigid control of his servants, whose morals, finances, and behavior are the assumed responsibility of Sir Roger. In London, he presides over “The Club,” an informal but close-knit group of men of divergent interests and personalities. Sir Roger's every thought seems marked by affability, his every act by broad knowledge and understanding.
Mr. Spectator, the anonymous first-person narrator of the articles describing customs and personalities of eighteenth century London. The writer sets the tone of the journal with the editorial pronouncement that any faulty character described in the journal fits a thousand people and that every paper is presented in the spirit of benevolence and with love of humankind.
Captain Sentry, Sir Roger's nephew, who leaves a successful naval career to assume his position as heir to Sir Roger in the Club, as well as in his uncle's financial holdings. The captain's great courage, keen understanding, and gallantry in naval sieges are quietly balanced by an invincible modesty, qualities that make him a liked and admired individual.
Sir Andrew Freeport, a club member whose eminence as a merchant and personal frugality speak for the differences between Sir Andrew's and Sir Roger's political and economic philosophies. Those differences provide the basis for many hours of debate between the two devoted friends. Among Sir Roger's last acts is making the gift of a book to Sir Andrew, a collection of acts of Parliament.
Will Honeycomb, a beau and fop in the decline of life. Despite his age, he remains youthful, he says, because of his many attempts to marry. His contributions to club discussions stem from various aspects of the female world. His ultimate marriage at an advanced age bears out his claim to gallantry.
William Wimble, a bachelor neighbor of Sir Roger de Coverley. The youngest son of an ancient family, born to no estate and bred to no business, Will lives with an older brother and acts as gamekeeper on the family estate. Resigned to his lot in life, amiable Will is the darling of the countryside.
Moll White, a slatternly recluse who lives near Sir Roger's estate. Known as a witch by her neighbors, she is blamed for any untoward event or incident. Her death is said to have caused winds violent enough to blow off the end of one of Sir Roger's barns. Sir Roger tells Mr. Spectator of the coincidence of the two events but professes no belief in any relationship between them.
Kate Willow, a witty, mischievous wench in Sir Roger's neighborhood. Kate's value of her beauty over love has kept her unmarried. To the consternation of many, she tries to influence young girls in love to be as indiscreet as she has been.
Laertes (LAY-ur-teez) and Irus (I-ruhs), men of the countryside. Their economic practices, both based on poverty, are opposites. Because he is ashamed to appear poor, Laertes spends unthriftily, moving always closer to poverty. Irus'fear of poverty causes him to save, moving him from it.
Tom Touchy, the selfish neighbor of Sir Roger. At every meeting of the court, he sues someone for poaching on his land. Touchy, generally disliked for his littleness, incurs the wrath of the countryside when he sues Will Wimble for taking hazel sticks from his hedge. Good-natured Will has taken the sticks to make tobacco-stoppers for his friends.
A minister, a club member whose visits add to every man new enjoyment of himself.
The Templar, another member. His interest turns from poetry to law, and he leaves the Club.
Edward Biscuit, Sir Roger's butler. From Biscuit's correspondence, Mr. Spectator learns the details of the Baronet's death and burial.