South Wind: Analysis of Major Characters
"South Wind: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate relationships and diverse personalities found within a fictional community on the Isle of Nepenthe. The narrative features Bishop Heard, an English clergyman traveling from Africa to escort his cousin to England, and introduces a variety of characters that embody different cultural and moral perspectives. Among them is Don Francesco, a Roman Catholic priest who acts as a bridge to Nepenthean society, and the duchess of San Martino, an American woman navigating her conversion to Catholicism.
The story also highlights Mr. Keith, an aging hedonist with libertine views, and Denis Phipps, a college student who learns to assert his independence. Other notable figures include the elderly scholar Mr. Eames and Count Caloveglia, an antiquarian known for his dealings with counterfeit artifacts. The plot thickens with characters such as Mrs. Meadows, who confronts her troubled past with violence, and the eccentric American millionaire Mr. Van Koppen, who embraces his misfortunes with humor. The interplay between these characters, including the local magistrate Signor Malipizzo and lawyer Commendatore Morena, creates a rich tapestry that explores themes of morality, identity, and societal expectations. This analysis provides insight into how these characters reflect and challenge the cultural landscape of their environment.
South Wind: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Norman Douglas
First published: 1917
Genre: Novel
Locale: The island of Nepenthe
Plot: Social satire
Time: Early twentieth century
Bishop Heard of Bampopo, an English clergyman who goes to the Isle of Nepenthe to meet his cousin and escort her to England, where he is going from Africa.
Don Francesco, a Roman Catholic priest who introduces Bishop Heard to Nepenthean society.
The duchess of San Martino, an American-born woman who married a title. She is being converted to Catholicism.
Mr. Keith, an ardent, aging hedonist. He believes people ought to do what they wish.
Denis Phipps, a college student who confides in Bishop Heard. He finally learns how to make a decision for himself.
Mr. Eames, an elderly scholar.
Count Caloveglia, an antiquarian and a dealer in fake antiques.
Freddy Parker, the proprietor of a café. He sponsors a religious procession in an effort to end an eruption of the local volcano.
Miss Wilberforce, an American who drinks heavily and undresses in the streets.
Mr. Van Koppen, an American millionaire. He is something of an eccentric. When cheated by Count Caloveglia, he pays the outrageous price, pleased that the count has fooled an expert.
Mrs. Meadows, the bishop's cousin. She kills Retlow because, as her first husband, he tries to blackmail her.
Retlow, alias Muhlen, a blackmailer and former. Mrs. Meadows murders him because he tries to blackmail her.
Signor Malipizzo, the local magistrate and a Freemason. He hopes to discredit the church by showing that a cousin of Don Francesco committed the murder of Muhlen.
Commendatore Morena, the lawyer who defends the boy accused of murdering Muhlen.