Characters
Yvette Saywell
Yvette Saywell, the central protagonist of D.H. Lawrence's novella, is a complex character who embodies the duality of youthful innocence and sensual awakening. At nineteen, Yvette returns from school to the oppressive world of the rectory, where she becomes a source of familial tension due to her refusal to conform. Her resemblance to her mother, She-Who-Was-Cynthia, is significant, representing both a physical likeness and a shared yearning for freedom and sensual fulfillment. This connection to her mother, a woman who abandoned societal norms for love, makes Yvette a symbol of rebellion against the stifling conventions of middle-class morality.
Yvette's journey is marked by internal conflict as she struggles to reconcile her desires with the expectations of her family and society. Her decision to avoid romantic entanglements with "common" boys highlights her disdain for the mediocrity she perceives around her. Instead, she is drawn to the gypsies, whose unfettered lifestyle represents the freedom she craves. The character of Joe Boswell, the gipsy, becomes a pivotal figure in her life, awakening her to the mysteries of love and helping her break free from her emotionally detached state after her father's reprimands.
The gypsy's lack of a name for Yvette until the story's conclusion underscores his role as a symbolic figure representing vitality and liberation, contrasting sharply with the restrictive environment of the rectory. Throughout the novella, Yvette's narrative is guided by the judgmental yet sympathetic voice of the narrator, who paints her entrapment within the rectory's confines as a tragic consequence of her family's moral rigidity.
She-Who-Was-Cynthia
Cynthia, or "She-Who-Was-Cynthia," is Yvette's mother and a key figure in the psychological landscape of the novella. Her departure from the rectory for a younger lover left an indelible mark on her family, particularly on Yvette, who inherited her mother's free spirit and rejection of societal conventions. Cynthia is often described metaphorically as a "white snow flower," symbolizing purity and sensuality—a paradox that her husband, the rector, idolizes yet struggles to accept. This duality mirrors Yvette's own internal struggles.
Cynthia's absence is palpable, as her actions serve as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration for her daughters. To the Mater and Aunt Cissie, Cynthia's escape is a badge of shame, yet for Yvette, it represents liberation from the mundane trappings of their bourgeois existence.
The Rector
The rector, Yvette and Lucille's father, is a man whose life is defined by his adherence to conventional morality and the suppression of his true desires. His role as a religious authority necessitates a veneer of respectability, yet his continued reverence for Cynthia betrays a deep-seated conflict with his faith's denial of human sexuality. This internal struggle manifests in his strained relationships with his daughters, as he projects his fears and frustrations onto them, particularly Yvette, whose resemblance to her mother unnerves him.
The rector's aversion to anything unconventional is evident in his forbidding Yvette from visiting the Eastwoods, highlighting his fear of losing control over his family's moral compass. Despite his outward appearance as a wronged husband, the rector's inability to reconcile his desires with his duties ultimately contributes to the family's dysfunction.
Lucille Saywell
Lucille Saywell, the eldest daughter at twenty-one, stands in stark contrast to her younger sister. While Yvette actively rebels against the constraints of rectory life, Lucille is more resigned, embodying the practicality and social conformity her sister rejects. She efficiently manages household matters and holds a job in town, showcasing her pragmatic nature. Her belief that a woman should "have flings and then marry at the age of twenty-six" reflects her acceptance of societal expectations and serves as a counterpoint...
(This entire section contains 1362 words.)
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to Yvette's rebellious spirit.
Lucille's contempt for Granny and Aunt Cissie further aligns her with Yvette's disdain for the oppressive family dynamics, yet she lacks Yvette's inclination to seek escape through the gypsies. Instead, she navigates her dissatisfaction through discreet affairs, highlighting an internalized conflict between societal roles and personal desires.
The Mater (Granny)
The Mater, or Granny, is the formidable matriarch of the Saywell family. Her physical frailty belies her psychological dominance over the household. Described as "toad-like" and bedridden, her compulsive need to control the lives of her children and grandchildren shapes the oppressive atmosphere of the rectory. Granny's manipulative nature is particularly evident in her relationships with the rector and Aunt Cissie, as her emotional hold on them entrenches her central role in the family's dynamics.
Her eventual drowning in the flood symbolizes the collapse of her oppressive reign and the possibility of liberation for those she controlled, particularly Yvette, who sees the flood as a catalyst for change and renewal.
Aunt Cissie
Aunt Cissie, the rector's sister, embodies bitterness and resentment. Her life has been subsumed by her duties to Granny, leaving her with little personal fulfillment. Cissie's animosity towards her nieces stems from jealousy of their freedom and resemblance to Cynthia, whose escape from the constraints Cissie endures daily represents a lost opportunity for personal liberation.
Her relationship with Yvette is marked by conflict, as evidenced by Yvette's theft from her money collection for war heroes, which triggers a torrent of verbal abuse. Cissie's inability to break free from her self-imposed servitude renders her a tragic figure, trapped by her own choices and familial obligations.
Joe Boswell (the "gipsy")
Joe Boswell, the charismatic gypsy, plays a transformative role in Yvette's life. A "resurrected man," having narrowly escaped death in World War I, he represents the antithesis of the rectory's repressive environment. His dapper appearance and mastery over his own fate make him a figure of intrigue and admiration for Yvette, who is drawn to his vitality and freedom.
Joe's relationship with Yvette offers her a glimpse into a world of passion and autonomy, contrasting sharply with her entrapment at the rectory. His rescue of Yvette during the flood serves as both a literal and metaphorical salvation, freeing her from the stifling constraints of her upbringing and encouraging her to embrace her own desires and courage.
Mrs. Fawcett
Mrs. Fawcett is a captivating figure for Yvette, embodying a lifestyle that defies conventional norms. As a wealthy Jewess pursuing divorce and engaged in an affair with Major Eastwood, she challenges societal expectations and represents a freedom that Yvette both admires and aspires to. Her indifference to social conventions regarding marriage and adultery intrigues Yvette, offering her a model for independence and self-determination.
Major Eastwood
Major Eastwood, Mrs. Fawcett's lover, is a kindred spirit to the gypsy, sharing a disdain for societal norms and a celebration of desire. His assertion that "desire is the most wonderful thing in life" resonates with Yvette, reinforcing her quest for authenticity and passion. Like Mrs. Fawcett, he is unconstrained by traditional morality, positioning him as an ally in Yvette's journey toward self-discovery.
Uncle Fred
Uncle Fred, the rector's brother, embodies inertia and passivity within the rectory. His routine of going into town and playing crossword puzzles highlights his detachment from the family dynamics and his lack of meaningful contribution to household life. His presence underscores the stagnation and lack of vitality that pervades the Saywell household.
The Fortune Teller
The fortune teller, Joe Boswell's wife, provides a moment of insight and foreshadowing for Yvette, predicting that a "dark man" loves her and will rejuvenate her spirit. Her prophecy injects an element of mysticism into Yvette's journey, aligning with the novel's exploration of destiny and self-fulfillment.
Leo Wetherell and Gerry Somercotes
Leo and Gerry are among Yvette's suitors, representing the "housedog" boys she dismisses. Leo, in particular, is notable for his proposal to Yvette despite his engagement to another, illustrating the social dynamics and pressures surrounding courtship and marriage.
Bob Framley
Bob Framley, a friend of Yvette, is characterized by his jovial nature and loyalty. He accompanies Yvette on her holiday, providing companionship and support. His role during Yvette's rescue from the flood further cements his position as a steadfast ally in her life.
Lady Louth
Lady Louth, a friend of the Mater, represents the societal obligations that Yvette finds burdensome. The Mater's insistence on visiting Lady Louth during a trip highlights the social expectations that Yvette seeks to escape, reinforcing her desire for autonomy and adventure beyond the confines of her upbringing.
