Tarr: Analysis of Major Characters
"Tarr: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex relationships and emotional entanglements among a group of artists in Paris. Central to the narrative is Frederick Tarr, an English artist who initially engages with Bertha Lunken, a sentimental German art student. Their engagement ends when Tarr becomes disillusioned with Bertha's perceived naivety and subsequently enters a relationship with Anastasya Vasek, a beautiful Russian woman admired by several characters. The plot thickens when Bertha reveals her pregnancy by Otto Kreisler, another artist struggling financially and romantically involved with Anastasya as well. Despite marrying Bertha out of pity, Tarr continues his affair with Anastasya, leading to tension and eventual divorce from Bertha. The story is marked by tragedy, particularly with Kreisler's desperate actions after a duel with Louis Soltyk, another suitor for Anastasya's affections, which highlights the destructive nature of passion and rivalry. This character-driven analysis delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the struggles of artistic life in a competitive environment.
Tarr: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Wyndham Lewis
First published: 1918
Genre: Novel
Locale: Paris, France
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: c. 1910
Frederick Tarr,anEnglishartistinParisengagedtoBertha Lunken. Tired of her stupidity, he breaks the engagement and becomes involved with Anastasya Vasek. When Bertha tells him that she is pregnant by Kreisler, he marries her, though he continues to live with Anastasya. Bertha finally divorces him, but he never marries Anastasya.
Bertha Lunken, a sentimental German art student engaged to Tarr. After he breaks the engagement, she turns to Kreisler, who forcibly possesses her. She informs Tarr of her pregnancy and he marries her out of pity, although he continues to live with Anastasya. Bertha eventually divorces Tarr and marries an eye doctor.
Otto Kreisler, a German artist, chronically short of funds. In love with Anastasya, he makes a fool of himself at a party and then gets involved with Bertha. Seeing Anastasya with Soltyk, he challenges the Pole to a duel and kills him. Fleeing to Germany, he is arrested, and he hangs himself in his cell.
Anastasya Vasek, a beautiful Russian beloved by Tarr, Kreisler, and Soltyk. It is over her that Kreisler and Soltyk fight a duel in which Soltyk is killed. She goes to live with Tarr.
Louis Soltyk, a Pole. Because of his attentions to Anastasya, he is challenged and killed by Kreisler.