Woodstock: Analysis of Major Characters
"Woodstock: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate personalities and relationships within a historical context marked by loyalty, political tension, and romantic conflict during the English Civil War. The narrative centers around Sir Henry Lee, a Royalist who, along with his daughter Alice, navigates the challenges of supporting the exiled Prince Charles while facing the threats posed by Cromwell's soldiers. Alice, in love with her Puritan cousin Markham Everard, faces her father's disapproval, highlighting the tensions between familial loyalty and personal desire.
Albert Lee, Sir Henry's son, plays a crucial role in concealing Charles and ultimately sacrifices his safety for the cause, while Everard chooses love over allegiance, showing the complexity of loyalty in times of political strife. Other characters, such as Roger Wildrake and the lodgekeeper Joceline Joliffe, further illustrate the theme of steadfast loyalty to the monarchy against the backdrop of a society divided by faith and duty. The story culminates in the eventual ascendance of Charles as King, reflecting the intertwining of personal and political destinies. This rich character analysis invites readers to explore the interplay of love, sacrifice, and loyalty in a tumultuous historical period.
Woodstock: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Sir Walter Scott
First published: 1826
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Historical
Time: 1651
Sir Henry Lee, a Royalist forced by the soldiers of Cromwell to move from the royal lodge, Woodstock, with his daughter. After they move back to the lodge, he helps to hide Prince Charles until the young prince can make his escape from England. Finally, as an old man, he lives just long enough to see the prince crowned as King Charles II.
Alice Lee, the daughter of Sir Henry, in love with Markham Everard, Sir Henry's nephew. Her father will not allow the marriage because Everard is a Puritan. Because of her love for Everard, she spurns Charles's advances when he stays at the lodge disguised as a page. When Charles escapes, he asks Sir Henry to withdraw his objections to her marriage to Everard.
Albert Lee, Sir Henry's son. He helps to keep Charles hidden and makes arrangements for his escape. He disguises himself as the prince and decoys Cromwell's soldiers while Charles escapes. When Albert is captured, Cromwell sentences him to death, but Cromwell later relents and changes the sentence to banishment. Albert finally is killed in battle.
Colonel Markham Everard, Sir Henry's nephew and a Puritan. In spite of his beliefs, he refuses to betray Charles and even helps him to escape. He is in love with and marries Alice.
Roger Wildrake, Everard's friend and a Royalist. He also refuses to betray the king and sends a message to Woodstock warning that Cromwell is coming.
Joceline Joliffe, the lodgekeeper at Woodstock. He is a Royalist, and he kills the Roundhead steward Tomkins for making advances to Phoebe Mayflower, the woman Joliffe loves. He finally marries Phoebe.
Louis Kerneguy, a churlish and mischievous young page, really Prince Charles Stuart in disguise. He has been rescued from the Puritans and is in hiding until he can get out of the country. He cannot understand why his advances to Alice are repulsed, and he readily accepts Everard's challenge to a duel. He finally returns to England, after many years, and is crowned king.
Joseph Tomkins, a steward for the Puritans, killed by Joliffe.
Dr. Anthony Rochecliffe, the Royalist chaplain of Woodstock who helps to rescue Charles from the Puritans.
Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, who is pursuing and trying to capture Charles before he can leave the country.