The Three Black Pennys: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Three Black Pennys: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and dynamics among a family across generations, revealing themes of love, rebellion, and social class. Central to the narrative is Howat Penny, a strong-willed son of a forge owner who prefers the wilderness over his father's business. His romance with Ludowika Winscombe, the young wife of an older envoy, complicates the family legacy as she navigates both her attraction to Howat and her societal expectations. Their grandson, Jasper Penny, mirrors Howat's rebellious traits while grappling with guilt and the notion of family duty, ultimately leading him to marry Susan Brundon, a proper Victorian woman who once rejected his marriage proposal.
The subsequent generation is represented by Howat, Jasper and Susan's grandson, who embodies a sense of decline within the family. He contrasts sharply with his cousin Mariana Jannan, a modern and independent woman that Howat struggles to understand. Other characters, such as James Polder, Mariana's lover, and Felix Winscombe, Ludowika's husband, add further complexity to the exploration of personal desires versus social constraints. Through these characters, the analysis sheds light on the overarching themes of familial decline and the search for identity within societal expectations.
The Three Black Pennys: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Joseph Hergesheimer
First published: 1917
Genre: Novel
Locale: Pennsylvania
Plot: Historical
Time: c. 1750–1910
Howat Penny, the dark-skinned, somber-eyed, and jut-chinned son of the owner of Myrtle Forge. A free-spirited and strong-willed man, he loves the Pennsylvania wilderness rather than his father's iron works. Once he has fallen in love with Ludowika and possessed her, he has no scruples about taking her from her husband; the theft is unnecessary because Winscombe dies.
Ludowika Winscombe, the young Anglo-Polish wife of an elderly British envoy. She falls in love with Howat Penny and later becomes his wife. Having a background of social life in London, she finds Pennsylvania life interesting but somewhat crude. She submits to Howat's forcefulness, however, and becomes Mrs. Penny.
Jasper Penny, Howat's great-grandson, a widower. He is headstrong, rebellious, and independent like his ancestor, whom he resembles physically. Guilt leads him to rescue Eunice and provide for her. He is unable to persuade Susan to marry him until both have lost their vigor; their son, the second Howat's father, is the weakened product of their diminished selves.
Susan Brundon, Jasper's sweetheart, the mistress of a girls' school and friend of Jasper's cousins, the Jannans. Pale, blue-eyed, and high-cheeked, she is a very proper Victorian and rejects Jasper's marriage proposal because she thinks herself an unsuitable mother for Eunice. After Essie's death, however, she does marry him.
Howat Penny, Jasper's and Susan's grandson, the final issue of a declining family. A delicate aesthete and antiquarian who lives a quiet bachelor life, he is shocked by Mariana's interest in Polder. Howat is a symbol of family decay.
Mariana Jannan, Howat's cousin, a modern young woman whom old-fashioned Howat cannot understand. Howat sees in her something of the first Howat and Jasper combined, a person of vigor and independence in contrast to his own negativity.
James Polder, Mariana's lover, the grandson of Eunice. He is a blunt, self-made man. Deserted by a slatternly wife, he takes Mariana as his mistress until he can get a divorce.
Felix Winscombe, Ludowika's cold, sardonic husband.
Eunice Scofield, Jasper's illegitimate daughter, later legally adopted and named Penny.
Essie Scofield, her repulsive mother, whom Jasper finally pays off permanently.
Gilbert Penny, the first Howat's father.
Stephen Jannan, Jasper's cousin, a lawyer.
Daniel Cusler, Essie's leechlike young lover, who is killed while visiting her.