Swallow Barn: Or, A Sojourn in the Old Dominion: Analysis of Major Characters
"Swallow Barn: Or, A Sojourn in the Old Dominion" presents a rich tapestry of characters set against the backdrop of Virginia's rural life. The story is narrated by Mark Littleton, a New Yorker who relishes his time spent with his Virginian relatives at Swallow Barn. The character roster includes Edward (Ned) Hazard, a spirited cousin known for his playful nature and eventual romantic journey with Bel Tracy, a vivacious young woman who is both impulsive and flirtatious. Francis (Frank) Meriwether, Ned's brother-in-law, embodies the unambitious yet gracious host archetype, managing the estate with a contemplative demeanor. Other significant figures include the eccentric Isaac Tracy and his dynamic daughter Bel, as well as a cast of characters like the warm-hearted Harvey Riggs and the dignified yet quirky Scipio, an old freed slave. Through these characters, the narrative explores themes of familial ties, social dynamics, and the genteel lifestyle of the South, while also touching on the complexities of love, ambition, and tradition in a changing world. The interactions among these diverse personalities provide a glimpse into the cultural fabric of Virginia during the time period.
Swallow Barn: Or, A Sojourn in the Old Dominion: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Pendleton Kennedy
First published: 1832
Genre: Novel
Locale: Virginia
Plot: Social realism
Time: Early nineteenth century
Mark Littleton, the narrator, a New Yorker visiting his Virginian relations at Swallow Barn. An observant man who enjoys people, he tells his story of the Virginians with relish and with an obvious love of their easygoing way of life. He returns to his New York home after two months in Virginia.
Edward (Ned) Hazard, his New York cousin, high-spirited and given to joking and playing pranks. He is a favorite with children. Although he is the next heir to Swallow Barn, he is glad for Frank to have the responsibility of running the estate. In love with Bel, he encounters difficulties but at last marries her.
Francis (Frank) Meriwether, Ned's middle-aged brother-in-law who operates the Hazard estate. A handsome, portly, and good-humored man, he is unambitious and of a contemplative nature. He is a generous, pleasant host to his many guests and a considerate master to his servants and dependents, who are happy to wait on him. Argumentative about politics, he is little informed about or interested in religion.
Isaac Tracy, an eccentric, elderly gentleman farmer, master of a neighboring estate, The Brakes. A dignified, sober, old-school Virginia gentleman, he occupies much of his time planning and plotting to get one hundred acres of almost worthless marshland lying between The Brakes and the Hazard land.
Bel Tracy, his vivacious younger daughter, pretty, impulsive, flirtatious, and quick-tempered. She is a good horsewoman. Uncertain for a while as to whether Ned is really the man for her, she at last decides he would be a good husband.
Harvey Riggs, a Tracy kinsman, a waggish, warmhearted man of forty who is well liked by everyone.
Scipio, an old freed slave who enjoys recalling older, better times in Virginia.
Lucretia, Frank's wife, a model administrator of domestic affairs at Swallow Barn and a prodigiously fruitful woman.
Mr. Chub, a scholarly, philosophical, plump old gentleman who is a tutor and Presbyterian minister.
Prudence Meriwether, Frank's unmarried sister, who enjoys bewailing the demise of Virginia's golden age.
Carey, an old black man who prides himself on his knowledge of horses.
Barbara Winkle, an old servant who tends to the numerous Meriwether children.
Catharine Tracy, Bel's older sister, well educated and sober-minded.
Ralph Tracy, the younger brother of Catharine and Bel. He is a slovenly, swaggering sportsman.
Singleton Oglethorpe Swansdown, a dandyish bachelor rejected by a bevy of Southern belles. He is Mr. Tracy's arbitrator in the settlement of the boundary line question.
Philpot (Philly) Wart, a popular lawyer and politician who plots with Frank to let Swansdown win in the litigation over the boundary line.
Hafen Blok, a German immigrant popular for his storytelling prowess.