The Unbearable Bassington: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Unbearable Bassington" is a satirical novel that delves into the lives of upper-class society in London, particularly focusing on the ambitions and relationships of its major characters. Francesca Bassington, the main matriarch, is portrayed as a heartless and scheming figure, obsessed with her son Comus’s future and his potential marriage to heiress Emmeline Chetrof. Comus himself is characterized by a casual indifference to his mother’s plans and a lack of direction in his life, leading to his untimely death while serving in Africa—an outcome of his failure to navigate personal relationships and societal expectations.
Emmeline Chetrof, who stands to inherit a significant fortune, is caught in the web of Francesca's ambitions while dealing with her own challenges, including her complex relationship with her brother Lancelot. Meanwhile, Elaine de Frey, another heiress, finds herself at the center of a romantic dilemma between Comus and Courtney Youghal, a young politician whose actions lead to unforeseen consequences. The novel critiques the superficiality and moral ambiguity of its characters, providing a rich commentary on the social dynamics and expectations of the time. Through these interwoven narratives, "The Unbearable Bassington" examines themes of ambition, love, and the pressures of societal status.
The Unbearable Bassington: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Saki
First published: 1912
Genre: Novel
Locale: London, England
Plot: Satire
Time: Early 1900's
Francesca Bassington, a heartless, scheming society matron of London who has an attractive home and a Van der Meulen painting. She wants her son Comus to marry Emmeline Chetrof, heiress to her house, and to go into politics. The news of his death in Africa and of the falsity of her painting reach her at the same time.
Comus Bassington, a young man with a casual attitude toward the world and indifference to his mother's ambitions. Although he is attracted to Elaine de Frey, he ruins his chances by borrowing money from her and being boorish about a silver tray at her tea. He dies at an unwanted political post in Africa.
Emmeline Chetrof, the heiress to a considerable fortune, including Mrs. Bassington's home.
Lancelot Chetrof, Emmeline's brother and a schoolmate of Comus, whom he treats badly because of Mrs. Bassington's matrimonial suggestion.
Elaine de Frey, an heiress who invites both her suitors to a tea, to choose between them. She marries Courtney and discovers her mistake during their honeymoon.
Courtney Youghal, a young member of Parliament whose scurrilous attack on Governor Jull is signed by Comus to escape a political appointment.
Suzette, a cousin of Elaine and the first to hear of her engagement to Courtney.
George St. Michael, a gossiping member of the fashionable world of Mayfair and Ascot.
Sir John Jull, the governor of a West Indian island. He needs a secretary.
Henry Greech, the brother of Francesca and a man of political influence.