The Violins of Saint-Jacques: A Tale of the Antilles: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Violins of Saint-Jacques: A Tale of the Antilles" is a novel that intricately weaves the lives of its characters against the backdrop of social class conflict and the impending natural disaster of a volcanic eruption on the island of Saint-Jacques. At the center is Berthe de Rennes, the intelligent and independent governess of the Serindan family, who reflects on her youth and the romantic tensions between the aristocratic Josephine de Serindan and Marcel Sciocca, the son of the island's liberal governor. Count Raoul de Serindan, Josephine's father, embodies both hedonism and compassion, ultimately seeking unity between opposing social factions by inviting the Sciocca family to his lavish celebrations. Sosthène, the count's eldest son, matures from a lovesick youth into a protective brother, while the youngest son, Anne-Jules, represents the joyful innocence of childhood. The novel also features the British traveler-journalist, who frames Berthe's narrative as he explores the forgotten stories of Saint-Jacques. As tensions rise and a volcanic eruption looms, the characters face both personal and societal upheavals, highlighting themes of love, class struggle, and the human capacity for resilience.
The Violins of Saint-Jacques: A Tale of the Antilles: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Patrick Leigh Fermor
First published: 1953
Genre: Novel
Locale: Mitylene in Asia Minor and the Caribbean island Saint-Jacques
Plot: War
Time: 1902, as recalled from 1952
Berthe de Rennes (behrt deh rehn), the governess of the Serindan family, wealthy landowners living in Saint-Jacques. Berthe is an intelligent and independent-minded seventy-year-old Frenchwoman who is highly respected for her talents as a painter, pianist, and storyteller. At the time of the novel, she is retelling the events of her life when she was a young woman of eighteen fleeing from a poverty-stricken existence in France and settling into Saint-Jacques. As governess, she is privy to the romantic entanglements that develop between the other characters, in particular between Count Serindan's beautiful, young daughter Josephine and Governor Sciocca's son, Marcel. Berthe senses the calamity that will prevail if this love is revealed, for Josephine represents the social class of decorum and grace, while Marcel embodies the newly emerging political cry of liberation. Just as this class conflict is ready to surface, a volcanic eruption decimates the island, leaving, as almost by chance, Berthe as the lone survivor and, hence, the narrator of the events.
Count Raoul de Serindan (rah-EWL deh sehr-an-DAHN), a wealthy landowner whose Beausejour is Saint-Jacques' most opulent estate. At once the symbol of hedonism and decadence as he parades through the crowds invited to his lavish balls and festivals, he also provides a portrait of a compassionate and sincere man. At the end of the novel, he has relinquished his political prejudices and invited the opposing Sciocca family to the Shrove Tuesday celebration; in doing so, he has created some semblance of peace and goodwill throughout the island. His caring deeds earn for him the unofficial title of mayor of Plessis.
Sosthène de Serindan (sohs-TEHN), the count's oldest son, who is quite enamored of his governess, Berthe. While growing up under the tutelage of Berthe, he is well versed in the arts. As an adolescent, he falls in love with Berthe, or, more precisely, her charming aura. With the imagination and zest of youth, he hurls himself into the classical role of the pining lover who wails and threatens suicide, all because of unrequited love. At the end of the novel, he matures into a concerned brother stepping forward in an effort to save his sister Josephine from a doomed elopement.
Josephine de Serindan, the count's oldest daughter. Beautiful and noble, Josephine enters womanhood by falling in love with Marcel Sciocca, the son of the rival liberal governor. Undaunted by this seemingly hopeless love, she is willing to proclaim her feelings and to sacrifice even her life to preserve them. At the end of the novel, she has decided to meet covertly with Marcel and flee aboard his yacht, where the two lovers intend to marry.
Anne-Jules de Serindan, the count's youngest son. Anne-Jules is a sprightly boy who represents the very best of childhood, in all its wonder. He learns his musical lessons, tames mongooses, and entertains as a snake charmer.
Valentin Sciocca (SEE-oh-kah), the French resident governor of Saint-Jacques. He represents the liberal attitudes that are slowly surfacing and threatening to challenge the traditional customs of the island.
Marcel Sciocca, the governor's son. With somewhat wily flirtations, he awakes passion in young and impressionable Josephine. At the Shrove Tuesday ball, he recklessly ridicules a portrait of Prince Louis and is then challenged to a duel.
British traveler-journalist, who provides the introductory framework of the novel. While traveling through Mitylene, he interviews Berthe, inquiring about the almost-forgotten island of Saint-Jacques. In the process, he allows her to record her reminiscences.