Tom Brown's School Days: By an Old Boy: Analysis of Major Characters
"Tom Brown's School Days: By an Old Boy" is a coming-of-age novel that explores the experiences of young boys at Rugby School. Central to the story is Tom Brown, a well-intentioned boy who initially succumbs to the mischief of a rough group but ultimately matures into a positive leader. Important figures in Tom's life include his father, Squire Brown, who promotes social mingling with honorable individuals, and Dr. Arnold, the headmaster whose gentle yet firm guidance shapes the boys' moral development. Another key character is George Arthur, a younger boy whose religious fervor and moral courage inspire Tom and fellow student Harry East to rise above their earlier mischief. Harry, characterized as wild yet yearning for goodness, also undergoes significant transformation through the influences of Tom, George, and Dr. Arnold. The narrative also features Flashman, a bully whose reign of terror is ultimately challenged by the unity and strength of Tom and Harry, leading to his expulsion. The novel emphasizes themes of friendship, leadership, and moral growth within the school environment.
Tom Brown's School Days: By an Old Boy: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Thomas Hughes
First published: 1857, anonymously; 1858, with full authorship
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Social realism
Time: Early nineteenth century
Squire Brown, Tom Brown's father, a man who believes in permitting his children to mingle with all sorts of people, as long as they are honorable.
Dr. Arnold, the fine, gentlemanly, and religious headmaster of Rugby. He is gentle but firm with his charges and understands them thoroughly.
Tom Brown, a good boy who finds himself in a great deal of mischief at Rugby after he gets in with a group of ruffians. Because he is essentially good, he responds to the example of a younger boy who becomes his roommate. Before he finishes his work at Rugby to go to Oxford, Tom becomes a great leader in the school and changes the actions and attitudes of the boys for the better.
George Arthur, a younger boy at Rugby who, by his moral courage and religious fervor, reforms Tom Brown and Harry East from wild mischief-makers into school leaders. George is the true leader, working through Tom's influence over the other boys.
Harry East, a wild young lad who, under the influence of Tom, George, and Dr. Arnold, becomes a good young man, as he really wants to be. He finds great help in his religion.
Flashman, a bully at Rugby whose power over the younger boys is broken by the stalwart defense of Tom and Harry. Flashman is expelled from Rugby for drunkenness.