Westward Ho!: Analysis of Major Characters
"Westward Ho!" is a historical novel by Charles Kingsley that explores the lives of several key characters set against the backdrop of the Anglo-Spanish conflict during the late 16th century. The narrative follows Amyas Leigh, a brave and adventurous protagonist whose journeys with notable figures like Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh shape his character. He suffers a tragic fate as he loses his sight but finds solace in his marriage to Ayacanora, a complex figure with her own backstory.
The characters also include Frank Leigh, Amyas' scholarly brother, who meets a grim end due to his unwavering beliefs, showcasing the religious tensions of the era. Rose Salterne, the mayor's daughter, deeply loved by both Leigh brothers, becomes a tragic figure ensnared in the turmoil of her Protestant faith amidst the Inquisition. Don Guzman, her Spanish husband, embodies the conflict through his dual nature as both charming and treacherous.
Further complexity is added by Eustace Leigh, the cousins' Catholic antagonist, whose actions drive much of the conflict, and Salvation Yeo, Amyas' loyal friend who shares in his adventures. The interplay of loyalty, love, and betrayal among these characters highlights the novel's exploration of cultural and religious conflicts, making it a rich study of human relationships against a historical backdrop.
Westward Ho!: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Charles Kingsley
First published: 1855
Genre: Novel
Locale: England and South America
Plot: Historical
Time: Sixteenth century
Amyas Leigh, a handsome blond giant, a hardy adventurer who accompanies Francis Drake around the world and Walter Raleigh to Ireland and who valiantly engages the Spanish in the Old World and the New. Struck blind by lightning during the battle against the Spanish Armada, he retires from the sea and marries Ayacanora.
Frank Leigh, his scholarly older brother, a sometime tutor and courtier. Captured by Don Guzman's men, he refuses to accept Catholicism and is tortured and burned to death.
Sir Richard Grenvile, Amyas' godfather, a famous seaman and explorer.
Sir Francis Drake, the leader of the first English voyage around the world.
Sir Walter Raleigh, an English courtier, navigator, historian, and poet.
Eustace Leigh, the cousin of Amyas and Frank, a Catholic distrusted by his cousins. Spurned by Rose, he vows revenge. Threatening to turn Rose over to the Inquisition, he is attacked by Amyas and Frank. Before escaping and disappearing, he informs the Inquisition that Rose is a Protestant. His villainy is attributed by the author to his Jesuit training.
Rose Salterne, the mayor's beautiful daughter, loved by Amyas and Frank but married to Don Guzman, whom she loves passionately. She is brought before the Inquisition because of her Protestant belief, which she will not renounce. She is tortured and then burned to death.
Salvation Yeo, Amyas' friend, a tall, dark sailor who idolizes Amyas and shares his adventures. Lightning kills him during the storm that aids the English in the destruction of the Armada.
Don Guzman de Soto, a charming but treacherous Spanish nobleman who captures Rose's heart and marries her. Amyas hates him because of Frank's death. In the destruction of the Armada, Don Guzman goes down in a wrecked ship.
Ayacanora, a supposed Indian maiden who falls in love with Amyas. She is really John Oxenham's lost daughter. She dislikes Amyas' brotherly attitude toward her, which finally changes when he becomes her adored, though blind, husband.
Mrs. Leigh, the widowed mother of Amyas and Frank, a devout Protestant made somewhat melancholy by memories of earlier Catholic persecution of English Protestants. Saddened by Frank's death, she is happy at last to have the blind Amyas (Sir Amyas now) home with her.
Lucy, a witch who goes with Rose to Spain and who later reports the deaths of Rose and Frank. Lucy escapes by accepting the Catholic faith.
John Oxenham, Salvation's friend, who is captured by Spanish Inquisitors. He is the father of Ayacanora.