Violet Clay: Analysis of Major Characters
"Violet Clay: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the lives and dynamics of various characters within the narrative centered on Violet Clay, a struggling artist who has moved to New York City after leaving her husband. The story delves into Violet's complex relationship with her past, particularly the impact of her mother’s suicide and her uncle Ambrose’s troubled legacy as an artist. Ambrose, a former writer, serves as both an inspiration and cautionary figure for Violet, reflecting the challenges of artistic ambition versus personal turmoil.
The character of Samantha De Vere contrasts sharply with the Clays, exemplifying resilience and independence as she teaches Violet the importance of looking forward rather than dwelling on past tragedies. Violet’s friendships, especially with Milo Hamilton and the influence of others like Georgette "Granny" Clay and Sheila Benton, further complicate her journey of self-discovery and professional growth. The narrative not only examines familial ties and artistic aspirations but also highlights themes of love, loss, and the struggle for identity in a world filled with expectations and disappointments. Through these characters, the story invites readers to reflect on the varying paths of life and art.
Violet Clay: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Gail Godwin
First published: 1978
Genre: Novel
Locale: Charleston, West Virginia; New York City; and the Adirondacks
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: The 1970's
Violet Clay, the protagonist and narrator. Nine years ago, Violet left her husband and moved to New York City to make her mark as a painter. Since then, however, she has instead illustrated gothic romances. Violet is haunted by her tragic past—her mother committed suicide shortly after her father's death in World War II—and by her own apparent failure to realize her gifts. As a young artist, she particularly modeled herself on her uncle Ambrose, a writer. During the course of the novel, Violet comes to terms with Ambrose's suicide and his ambiguous legacy.
Ambrose Clay, Violet's uncle. As a young man, Ambrose spun a successful novel out of his infatuation with Violet's mother. For years after that early triumph, he made a series of halfhearted attempts at a second novel, first in New York and then in Mexico. Meanwhile, he supported himself with part-time jobs and money from his mother and the women who fell for his Southern charm. Ambrose finally retreated to Plommet Falls, where he made a last-ditch assault on his novel and then killed himself. Ambrose is a very complex character: An alcoholic, a Don Juan, and a manipulator, he is nevertheless an artist of integrity. Violet's ambivalent responses to his life shape her own artistic development.
Samantha De Vere, a poor unwed mother and Ambrose's neighbor in Plommet Falls. Proud, plainspoken, and fiercely independent, Sam is the opposite of the charming, romantic, aristocratic Clays. Despite her own tragic history, she has taught herself carpentry, plumbing, and other constructive skills. Sam is a mysterious figure until the novel's end, when she teaches Violet not to wallow in the past but to look to the future.
Georgette “Granny” Clay, who gave up a promising career as a concert pianist to marry Violet's grandfather. Even as Granny warns Violet not to repeat this mistake, she arranges a similar marriage for her.
Violet Pardee, Georgette's best friend, called “the Big V.” to distinguish her from Violet Clay, her namesake.
Liza Lee Clay, Violet's mother. A nineteen-year-old war widow, she committed suicide shortly after Violet's birth.
Lewis Lanier, the Big V.'s nephew and Violet's husband. Their marriage, orchestrated by the two old friends, does not last.
Ivor Sedge, an embittered Hungarian refugee and conceptual artist. He is Violet's art teacher in New York and eventually her lover. She refuses his marriage proposal.
Jake, a musician and Violet's most recent lover, who leaves her after a bitter quarrel.
Milo Hamilton, Violet's best friend. The author of successful pulp romances under the name Arabella Stone, he is now composing a feminist gothic novel.
Sheila Benton, an editor at Vogue and Ambrose's lover. Sheila offers Violet a job, but Violet's career at Vogue ends when Ambrose marries Carol and Sheila suffers a nervous breakdown.
Carol Gruber, a tycoon whom Ambrose meets and marries in Italy. She loves both Ambrose and Violet but grows impatient with their romantic dreams. The marriage does not last.
Doris Kolb, the art director at Harrow House Publishers. Her firing of Violet, on the day of Ambrose's suicide, sets the plot in motion.