Union Street: Analysis of Major Characters
"Union Street: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the lives of several individuals living in a challenging urban environment, revealing their struggles and the impact of their circumstances on their identities and relationships. Central to the narrative is Kelly Brown, an eleven-year-old girl grappling with trauma and neglect, who exhibits resilience but also engages in self-destructive behaviors. Joanne Wilson, an eighteen-year-old pregnant woman, reflects on her desires and the societal pressures that confine her, highlighting themes of alienation and conformity through her relationships. Lisa Goddard, a young mother facing domestic abuse, embodies the cycle of frustration and desperation, ultimately seeking agency amidst her hardships.
Muriel Scaife's story focuses on resilience in the wake of loss, as she navigates her family's financial struggles and her son's grief. Iris King presents a complex character who balances her tough exterior with deep care for others, especially during crises. The narrative also includes the poignant tales of Blonde Dinah, who represents the harsh realities of life as a prostitute, and Alice Bell, a widow who fiercely clings to her independence despite her advancing age and declining health. Together, these characters depict a tapestry of human experiences, marked by courage, vulnerability, and the quest for connection in the face of adversity.
Union Street: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Pat Barker
First published: 1982
Genre: Novel
Locale: A depressed inner-city neighborhood in northeastern England
Plot: Social realism
Time: Winter, 1973
Kelly Brown, an eleven-year-old schoolgirl who lives with her older sister Linda and their mother. “Uncle” Arthur, the latest in a succession of her mother's male friends, also lives with the family for a while. A latchkey child who frequently skips school, Kelly has grown accustomed to deprivation and to using deception to survive. Although proud of her independence, Kelly still unconsciously clings to her mother, seeking her love and approval. When Kelly is raped, she is too afraid to tell anyone at first; her reactions emerge later, in a screaming fit. Kelly cuts her hair as an act of self-mutilation and of aggression, and she retreats into an obstinate isolation. Kelly also acts out her pain and anger through petty crime but is increasingly afraid of herself and what she might do.
Joanne Wilson, an eighteen-year-old bakery worker who wants for herself something different from what she observes around her. When she finds herself pregnant and unmarried, however, she gradually realizes that she is caught in the same trap. The pregnancy alienates her from her mother. Moreover, although communication with her resentful boyfriend, Ken, is never good, the couple feel themselves doomed to marry. Joanne is different enough from others to stand up for a coworker, but her conformity is revealed through her relationship with the midget Joss. Joss is handsome and offers hospitality, a refuge, advice, and respect, but Joanne cannot imagine more than friendship because of his size.
Lisa Goddard, a young married woman with two boys (Kevin and Darren) and a third child on the way. She is often forced to cope alone because her unemployed husband, Brian, is always out drinking. He is often abusive when he does return home. Lisa is frequently tired and desperate, and she takes her anger and frustration out on the children. Although this reaction horrifies her, she is unable to stop herself. The discovery that Brian has stolen money she was saving for the new baby finally gives Lisa the courage to take a stand, but it is short-lived, causing Lisa resentment and bitterness. The birth of her daughter in the new hospital does little to free her from this situation.
Muriel Scaife, a woman who works as a school cleaner while her husband John is on disability leave because of prolonged illness. The couple have a twelve-year-old son (Richard) and an older daughter (Sharon). Richard is clever, studious, and protective of his mother. Muriel's happiness is cut short by John's death. Coming to terms with this loss proves difficult for Muriel, who must continue to defend John to her mother and also support the family financially. In addition, Richard, who is also mourning his father, lapses into sullen uncooperativeness. Muriel's love, fortitude, and almost religious optimism finally effect a reconciliation, however, and she and Richard face an uncertain future together.
Iris King, a middle-aged worker for a home health service. She lives with her husband, Ted; her daughter Brenda, who is sixteen years old; and her schizophrenic aunt, Laura. Two other daughters, Sheila and Lindsey, already have families of their own. Solidly built, Iris survives on tea, cigarettes, and adrenaline. To some, she appears vulgar, and she is quick to judge and gossip, but she can be counted on in a crisis and is a good neighbor to everyone. Although she works full-time, she keeps her own house spotlessly clean and cares about her reputation above all. Born in the worst part of town, Iris remains emotionally scarred for life by her childhood and is subject to fits of black depression. Because of these experiences, Iris is overprotective of her own children. When Brenda's pregnancy presents a crisis, Iris arranges for an illegal abortion to save face.
Blonde Dinah, a sixty-year-old prostitute who picks up men in pubs for whatever they can afford to pay. Although Dinah is physically run-down and lives in a sordid rented room, for men like George Harrison, a retired blast-furnace worker, sex with Dinah is a revelation.
Alice Bell, a widow in her mid-seventies who lives on social security. A staunch socialist, her two main fears remain the workhouse and a pauper's funeral. To avoid these supreme indignities, Alice clings to her independence and forgoes heat and food to save for her funeral. The double shame of poverty and her emaciated appearance at first isolate her from others, but, in time, she comes to trust and depend on the help of caring neighbors such as Iris King, her home health worker. In turn, Alice serves as a mother figure and discreet friend to many. After a stroke makes Alice even more helpless, her son decides to transfer her to the dreaded nursing home (formerly the workhouse), causing Alice to make one last gesture of independence.