Where Angels Fear to Tread: Analysis of Major Characters
"Where Angels Fear to Tread" is a novel that explores the complexities of human relationships through its major characters, each of whom embodies different perspectives and societal values. Lilia Herriton, a young English widow, seeks liberation from her oppressive in-laws by moving to Italy, where she marries Gino Carella, an Italian man marked by his devotion to their child. Unfortunately, Lilia's pursuit of happiness leads to tragedy, as she dies during childbirth, leaving her family to grapple with the consequences of her choices.
Philip Herriton, Lilia's brother-in-law, initially attempts to bring her back but finds himself entangled in a web of love and loss following her death. His interactions with both Gino and Caroline Abbott reveal his naivety about life and love. Caroline, who initially plays a role in facilitating Lilia's marriage, later returns to Italy and finds herself in a complicated love triangle with Gino. Harriet Herriton, Lilia's sister-in-law, represents the destructive power of familial ambition, leading to a tragic accident that results in the child's death.
Through these characters, the narrative delves into themes of cultural clash, the search for identity, and the often-painful consequences of personal desires, making for a rich exploration of human experience amidst societal expectations.
Where Angels Fear to Tread: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: E. M. Forster
First published: 1905
Genre: Novel
Locale: England and Italy
Plot: Social realism
Time: Early twentieth century
Lilia Herriton, a young English widow. Unhappy in her life with her late husband's family, she goes to Italy with Caroline Abbott. There she marries Gino Carella, but her life is unhappy. She dies giving birth to a son.
Philip Herriton, Lilia's brother-in-law. As the family messenger, Philip is sent to Italy to bring Lilia home, but he arrives too late to prevent her marriage to Signor Carella. He returns to Italy after her death to retrieve the child, only to fall in love with Miss Abbott and to become friendly with Carella. Although he thinks he understands the world, Philip discovers he knows nothing when the baby is killed and Miss Abbott falls in love with Carella.
Gino Carella, an Italian. Although poor and somewhat vulgar, Signor Carella is a man of splendid physique. Completely devoted to his son, he is nearly crushed by the child's accidental death.
Harriet Herriton, Lilia's sister-in-law, whose scheme to kidnap the baby from Carella results in the child's death when a carriage overturns.
Mrs. Herriton, the matriarch of the Herriton family in Sawston, England.
Irma Herriton, Lilia's daughter. Left in England to be supervised by Mrs. Herriton, Irma announces to all of Sawston the news of her dead mother's Italian son.
Caroline Abbott, a friend who is responsible for Lilia's marriage. She goes to Italy again to retrieve the child, only to fall in love with Signor Carella.