So Red the Rose: Analysis of Major Characters
"So Red the Rose" explores the complexities of relationships and personal struggles against the backdrop of the American Civil War, focusing on the Bedford family and their connections. Malcolm Bedford, the patriarch and owner of Portobello plantation, embodies the Southern patriotism of the era, facing illness and death after witnessing the war's grim realities. His second wife, Sarah Tait Bedford, emerges as a resilient figure, successfully managing their plantation during the post-war struggles. Their son, Duncan Bedford, a soldier who endures capture, returns to assist his mother and ultimately marries Valette, who has been a longtime object of his affection.
The narrative also features the McGehee family, including Hugh, Agnes, and their son Edward, who pays the ultimate price for his commitment to the Confederate cause. The story intertwines with that of Shelton and Charles Taliaferro, whose friendship with Edward is tragically cut short by war. Lucinda McGehee, caught in her unrequited love for Charles, experiences profound heartbreak upon his death. The character dynamics reflect themes of loyalty, love, and loss, providing insight into the human experience during a tumultuous period in American history.
So Red the Rose: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Stark Young
First published: 1934
Genre: Novel
Locale: Mississippi
Plot: Historical
Time: 1860–1865
Malcolm Bedford, the owner of Portobello plantation in Mississippi. He becomes a Southern patriot during the Civil War and falls ill of dysentery while serving at Vicksburg. He returns home to die, prophesying that the fall of Vicksburg dooms the Confederate cause.
Sarah Tait Bedford, Malcolm's second wife, who is the gracious hostess and mistress of Portobello plantation. After the war, she succeeds in keeping it for the family and making it successful.
Duncan Bedford, the oldest of Malcolm's children, a student at Washington College. He enlists in the Confederate cause and fights valiantly until captured. He returns home after the war to work with Mrs. Bedford in reclaiming the family plantation. He long loves Valette, a girl adopted by the Bedfords, and eventually marries her.
Hugh McGehee, the owner of the Montrose plantation and a neighbor of the Bedfords.
Agnes McGehee, the wife of Hugh and a sister of Malcolm Bedford.
Edward McGehee, the oldest son of Hugh and Agnes. He enlists in the Confederate army and is killed in the battle at Pittsburg Landing.
Shelton Taliaferro, a distant relative of the McGehees.
Charles Taliaferro, Shelton's son. He becomes a great friend of Edward McGehee during visits at Montrose. Like his friend, Charles is killed at Pittsburg Landing.
Lucinda (Lucy) McGehee, the daughter of Hugh and Agnes. She falls in love with Charles Taliaferro, who does not pay any attention to her, and is heartbroken at her beloved's death.
Zach McGehee, Hugh's nephew.
Amelie Balfour, Zach's fiancée. She persuades Valette Bedford to marry Duncan Bedford, her foster brother.
Valette Bedford, a coquettish girl loved by Duncan Bedford. After some misunderstandings, they are married, following the Civil War.
Mary Hartwell and Frances Bedford, younger children of Malcolm.
Middleton Bedford, the orphaned nephew of Malcolm.