The Unfortunate Traveller: Or, The Life of Jack Wilton: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Unfortunate Traveller: Or, The Life of Jack Wilton" is a picaresque novel that chronicles the adventures of Jack Wilton, a young page who leaves the service of King Henry VIII to seek a life filled with excitement and fortune across Europe. The narrative is steeped in historical context and features a cast of diverse characters that reflect the complexities of 16th-century society. Jack’s journey sees him engage with various figures, including the gallant Earl of Surrey, who serves as his friend and ally, and Diamante, a passionate woman entangled in her own struggles with fidelity and societal norms.
The novel also introduces Tabitha, a Venetian prostitute, and her attempt on the Earl's life, highlighting themes of betrayal and desperation. The tragic fates of Heraclide and Johannes de Imola further emphasize the precariousness of life during this period, with elements of romance, adventure, and the harsh realities of existence interwoven throughout the story. Overall, the character dynamics and their individual narratives reveal a rich tapestry of human experience, inviting readers to explore the intricacies of adventure and consequence in a historical setting.
The Unfortunate Traveller: Or, The Life of Jack Wilton: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Thomas Nashe
First published: 1594
Genre: Novel
Locale: England and the Continent
Plot: Picaresque
Time: Reign of King Henry VIII
Jack Wilton, a page to Henry VIII of England. Bored with his life, he leaves King Henry's service to become a soldier of fortune. Because he is a bright and merry lad, he has all sorts of adventures and scrapes. He travels with the Earl of Surrey as a companion throughout Europe. Finally, he returns to England and the service of Henry VIII.
The Earl of Surrey, Jack's friend, benefactor, and traveling companion. He is a gallant courtier.
Tabitha, a Venetian prostitute who meets Jack and the Earl of Surrey. She and her pander try to kill the earl but are caught and executed.
Geraldine, a beautiful woman of Florence loved by the Earl of Surrey. The earl fights all comers in a tourney to prove his love for her.
Diamante, a goldsmith's wife suspected of infidelity by her husband. She takes Jack as a lover to punish her husband for his suspicions. After the goldsmith's death, Diamante travels with Jack, and the two share many adventures, including being bondservants in the household of one of the pope's mistresses.
Johannes de Imola, a citizen of Rome with whom Jack and Diamante live for a time. He is unfortunate enough to die of the plague during an epidemic.
Heraclide de Imola, Johannes' wife. She commits suicide after being raped by a band of cutthroats, and her death is blamed on Jack, putting him for a time in danger of hanging.
Cutwolfe, a famous brigand whose execution Jack witnesses. Cutwolfe confesses to murdering the bandit who led the assault on Heraclide and Diamante.