Small Souls: Analysis of Major Characters
"Small Souls" delves into the complexities of personal relationships and societal judgment through its major characters. Central to the narrative is Constance van der Welcke, who, after enduring a loveless marriage, seeks a new life with Henri van der Welcke, a man whose own political aspirations are marred by their controversial union. Their journey back to Holland, steeped in a past scandal, reveals the societal judgment that persists despite their desire for acceptance.
Constance's son, Adriaan (Addie), grapples with the impact of gossip on his family, transitioning from childhood innocence to a deeper understanding of his parents' history. The character dynamics are further enriched by Constance's family, including her envious sister Adolphine and socially ambitious sister Bertha, who navigate their own societal roles and prejudices. The opposing forces within the narrative reflect a broader commentary on societal norms and the human condition, compelling readers to consider how the interplay of personal choices and community expectations shapes individual identities. Through its exploration of these characters, "Small Souls" presents a nuanced reflection on love, scandal, and the quest for belonging.
Small Souls: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Louis Couperus
First published: De kleine zielen, 1901 (English translation, 1914)
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Hague
Plot: Social
Time: Nineteenth century
Constance van der Welcke, a daughter of the respectable van Lowe family. After several years of a loveless marriage to the respectable Dutch envoy at Rome, she has an affair with Henri van der Welcke, whom she marries after divorcing her husband. After twenty years away, she returns to Holland with her second husband, hoping that time will have healed the scars caused by the old scandal. In spite of the outward appearances of forgiveness, Constance becomes aware that she is still condemned by a society of small souls quick to criticize others while engaged, itself, in an interplay of gossip, scandal, and fear.
Henri van der Welcke, Constance van der Welcke's second husband. His political career ruined by his affair with and marriage to Constance, he returns with her to Holland and the condemnation of Dutch society.
Adriaan (Addie), Constance and Henri van der Welcke's thirteen-year-old son. Disturbed by the shreds of gossip he hears about his family, he becomes so melancholy that his father tells him the story of the scandal of his parents' marriage. Addie accepts the truth in a mature fashion that marks the end of his childhood.
Mrs. van Lowe, Constance van der Welcke's mother.
Bertha van Voorde, Constance's socially prominent sister, through whose influence she hopes to become accepted in higher circles.
Van Naghel van Voorde, Bertha van Voorde's husband, who refuses to accept Constance and Henri van der Welcke.
Adolphine, Constance's petty and envious sister.
Jaap, Adolphine's young son, who taunts Addie about his parents.
Gerrit van Lowe, Paul van Lowe, and Karel van Lowe, Constance van der Welcke's brothers.
Cateau van Lowe, Karel van Lowe's wife.
Van Vreeswijck, Henri van der Welcke's friend.