Windsor Castle: Analysis of Major Characters
"Windsor Castle: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the lives and relationships of historical figures during the tumultuous reign of King Henry VIII of England. The narrative explores Henry's complex character, depicting him as a blend of virtuous and tyrannical traits, particularly through his marriages to Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. Catherine, whose marriage is annulled to enable Henry's union with Anne, represents the struggle for power and loyalty. Anne, portrayed as both unfaithful and jealous, meets a tragic end due to her supposed infractions, highlighting the perilous nature of courtly life.
Key figures include Cardinal Wolsey, whose political ambitions lead to his downfall, and the Earl of Surrey, whose tumultuous relationships and conflicts—especially with the Duke of Richmond—underscore the personal rivalries at play. The narrative also introduces Morgan Fenwolf, a gamekeeper entwined in the darker, supernatural elements of the story, as well as Herne the Hunter, a spectral figure symbolizing the duality of human nature. Other characters, such as Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald and Princess Elizabeth, further enhance the intricate web of courtly intrigue, love, and betrayal. Overall, the analysis provides insight into the dynamic interplay of power, ambition, and personal relationships in a pivotal historical context.
Windsor Castle: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: William Harrison Ainsworth
First published: 1843
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Historical
Time: Sixteenth century
Henry VIII, the king of England, married to Catherine and later to Anne. After Anne's execution, he is free to marry again. True to history, Henry is presented as a combination of both good and evil.
Catherine of Aragon (EHR-uh-gon), the queen of England, whose marriage to Henry is annulled so that he may marry Anne.
Anne Boleyn (boh-LIHN), Catherine's successor, unfaithful to Henry but jealous of Henry's attentions to Jane Seymour. She is executed for her affair with Norris.
Cardinal Wolsey (WOOL-zee), the Lord High Chancellor, who uses Wyat and later Mabel in attempts to overthrow Anne. Henry removes him from office, publicly disgraces him, and later has him arrested. He dies on the way to London.
The Earl of Surrey, a member of the court, imprisoned after a duel with Richmond over Geraldine. Released, he joins the pursuers of Herne.
The Duke of Richmond, Henry's natural son.
Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald, the fair Geraldine, loved by both Surrey and Richmond.
Mabel Lyndwood, the granddaughter of Lyndwood, a royal forester. She is the unacknowledged daughter of Wolsey and is loved by both Herne and Fenwolf. She dies after being abducted by Herne.
Morgan Fenwolf, a gamekeeper who saves Anne from attack by a stag. He joins Herne's midnight huntsmen and is imprisoned after the huntsmen attack Henry and Suffolk, but he escapes. He fails in an attempt to murder Herne and is later burned in a forest fire while pursuing Herne.
Herne the Hunter, a spectral demon seeking to destroy Henry. He is vaguely symbolic of humanity's dual nature.
Sir Thomas Wyat, who is in love with Anne and bewitched by Herne.
Lady Mary Howard, Surrey's sister, who marries Richmond.
Lady Frances Vere, who is wed to Surrey after Henry refuses him permission to marry Geraldine.
Princess Elizabeth, the young daughter of Henry and Anne.
Jane Seymour, who is loved by Henry after Anne becomes queen. Later, she becomes Henry's third wife.
Sir Henry Norris, who is in love with Anne. He is sent to the Tower of London for intrigue with Anne.