The Velvet Horn: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Velvet Horn: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and dynamics among a cast of characters facing personal and familial challenges. Central to the narrative is Julia Cropleigh, a resilient widow navigating her roles as a mother and a wife, who must confront the complexities of her son Lucius's legitimacy and his tumultuous romance with Ada Belle Rutter. Julia's late husband, Captain Joe Cree, is portrayed as a devoted figure whose past decisions during the Civil War haunt the family, particularly when his risky business ventures lead to tragedy.
Duncan Cropleigh, Julia's deceased brother, shares a deep yet complicated bond with her, complicated further by his actions and their impact on family dynamics. Lucius, embodying youthful rebellion and emerging responsibility, grapples with guilt and identity following his father's death, ultimately seeking to establish his own legacy. Supporting characters like Jack Cropleigh and Pete Legrand provide contrasting perspectives, with Jack's philosophical inclinations and Pete's enduring affection for Julia adding depth to the family's narrative. Meanwhile, Amelie Cropleigh, often viewed as a vengeful figure, complicates the family's interactions with her revelations. Together, these characters navigate themes of love, betrayal, and the search for self amidst a backdrop of loss and obligation.
The Velvet Horn: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Andrew Lytle
First published: 1957
Genre: Novel
Locale: Tennessee
Plot: Bildungsroman
Time: The 1880's
Captain Joe Cree, Julia Cropleigh's husband. Cree is killed when he moves in front of a tree his crew is felling. The steady older cousin of the Cropleigh orphans, Joe married Julia to provide for her. At the time of his death, Cree was taking part in a risky business venture with Amelie Cropleigh. Cree explains to his son, Lucius, that he took part in the bargain—she sold him timber at a lower price and he agreed to cut it in half the usual time—so he could “repay” her for the death of her husband, whom he had sent on a dangerous mission during the Civil War that ended in his death.
Julia Cropleigh, the youngest child and only daughter in the Cropleigh family. When she is widowed, Pete Legrand, mistakenly believing himself to be the father of her child, Lucius, comes to ensure Lucius' inheritance. Usually strong and independent, Julia accepts his help and his courtship, eventually marrying him. First, however, she tells him that her brother Duncan, not Pete, fathered Lucius. Despite the illicit birth of her own son, Julia is enraged when she discovers that Lucius has run off with Ada Belle Rutter, the daughter of sharecroppers. She eventually accepts their marriage, even suggesting that Ada Belle be taught her letters.
Duncan Cropleigh, who was killed during the Civil War. Duncan shared an unusually strong but pure bond with his sister Julia. Their bond changed, however, when Julia became engaged to Joe Cree. One night in the woods, they slept together, at first in all innocence, but then Duncan took Julia, hoping to keep her to himself. The next day, she left her brothers to track deer with Legrand and was discovered in his arms. Duncan cut Legrand and would have killed him had not their brother Dickie, a doctor, been there to save him. The night of Julia's wedding, Duncan ran off with his brother Dickie's girl, Amelie. Duncan was killed on a dangerous mission the night Amelie came into camp looking for him.
Lucius Cree, Julia's eighteen-year-old son. Rather than help his father cut the timber that is his inheritance, Lucius accompanies his Uncle Jack to witch a well. While with Jack, he experiences his first sexual encounter, with Ada Belle. His idyll ends abruptly when news arrives that his father is dead. Overwhelmed by guilt, Lucius has a revelation that his father realized that Lucius was not worth the inheritance he was providing for him and committed suicide. Lucius matures rapidly as he attempts to fulfill Joe's business venture. When he realizes that he cannot, he goes to Amelie to ask for an extension. His manhood in going to her rather than Legrand causes Amelie to give him the title to the lands. Staggered by the news of his illegitimacy, which Legrand blurts out on his return, Lucius winds up at Ada Belle's home, only to discover that she is pregnant with his child and about to marry someone else. After their elopement, his pride prevents him from telling their families that they are married when they find the couple at Jack's. As a result, Othel shoots Jack, who steps in front of Lucius. As the novel ends, Lucius is coming to terms with who he is and attempting to make a life for his wife and child.
Jack Cropleigh, a water witch, Julia's brother. One of five siblings orphaned when their parents were killed in a riverboat explosion, Jack has an eccentricity that shows up in his philosophical discourse, his affinity for jackasses, and his ability to divine underground currents. His life is forever changed after he falls into the open grave dug for Captain Joe Cree. Jack is shot and killed by Othel Rutter when he steps between him and Lucius, who has eloped with Othel's sister, Ada Belle. Jack is unable to resurrect himself this time.
Pete Legrand, a rich young Virginian madly in love with Julia. Her brothers married her off before he recovered from the wound Duncan inflicted on him. Pete spent the following years amassing a fortune and is able to help Julia when she needs it. Her revelation that Lucius is not his son does not affect Pete's love for her or his protectiveness of her son.
Amelie Cropleigh, called “the witch” by Julia. Amelie gets her vengeance on the entire Cropleigh clan, first when she tells Joe Cree that Legrand is the father of Lucius and again when she does not tell Lucius.