Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ: Analysis of Major Characters
"Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" is a novel that intricately weaves the themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption through its major characters, set against the backdrop of ancient Judea during the time of Jesus. At the center is Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman unjustly sentenced to slavery, whose journey for vengeance against his former friend Messala reflects the broader struggle between Roman oppression and Jewish identity. Messala, now a Roman officer, embodies the conflict between their shared past and his contempt for Jewish culture, leading to a bitter rivalry culminating in a dramatic chariot race. Supporting characters like Simonides, a loyal servant, and Balthazar, one of the magi, highlight diverse perspectives on faith and hope, particularly in the context of the anticipated Messiah. Esther, the virtuous daughter of Simonides, represents devotion and love, while Iras, drawn to Roman power, exemplifies the allure of wealth and status. The experiences of Ben-Hur's sister, Tirzah, who suffers alongside their mother, further illustrate the personal costs of societal turmoil. Through these interconnected lives, the narrative explores the impact of Christ's teachings and the quest for spiritual fulfillment amidst personal and political strife.
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Lewis Wallace
First published: 1880
Genre: Novel
Locale: Jerusalem, Antioch, and the Mediterranean Sea
Plot: Religious
Time: At the time of Christ
Judah Ben-Hur, the son of a wealthy Jewish merchant. After accidentally injuring Valerius Gratus, the imperial governor of Judea, he is sentenced to life as a galley slave while his mother and sister are entombed in a prison tower. On his way to the sea, he is given water by a young boy, Jesus. He spends three years rowing in the galleys. When Quintus Arrius is given command of the Roman fleet, he is dismayed after he hears the story of the unjust treatment of Ben-Hur and his family. When Ben-Hur rescues Arrius during a sea battle, he is freed and made the son and heir of the rich Roman. After the death of Arrius, Ben-Hur uses his new wealth to search for his family and seek revenge against the treacherous Messala. While he works to accomplish these goals, his life becomes interwoven with the life of Jesus Christ.
Messala (muh-SAH-luh), a Roman raised in Jerusalem, Ben-Hur's boyhood friend. After being educated in Rome, he returns to Jerusalem full of contempt for all things Jewish. When Ben-Hur challenges these attitudes, their friendship turns to hatred. After the tragic accident, he refuses to help Ben-Hur and his family, encouraging and even profiting from their destruction. Eventually Ben-Hur destroys him, both physically and financially, during a chariot race. Messala continues to plot, unsuccessfully, against Ben-Hur.
Simonides (sih-MAH-nih-deez), a servant of Ben-Hur's father. After the family was destroyed, he salvaged what he could of their fortune, refusing to reveal its location even under the questioning of the Roman torturers. He prospered as a merchant in Antioch, saving the wealth he amassed for the family he had once served. When Ben-Hur returns, he gives him the money. Simonides believes that the King of the Jews will come as a mighty warrior who will restore the glory of Israel. He encourages Ben-Hur to form an army in the wilderness in preparation for the messiah who is soon to come.
Balthazar (bahl-THA-sehr), an Egyptian, one of the three magi who visited the Christ child in his manger. He has spent his life waiting for the child to fulfill his destiny. Balthazar is one of the few who realize that the kingdom the child represents is a spiritual, rather than a physical, one. He is unable to convey this message to his companions. His entire life revolves around the birth and death of Christ. When Christ dies on the cross, he also dies.
Esther, Simonides' daughter, also a servant of Ben-Hur's family. She is virtuous and wise. She loves Ben-Hur, but he is torn between her gentle nature and the seductive beauty of Iras. She eventually marries Ben-Hur.
Iras (I-ruhs), Balthazar's daughter, who is fascinated by the power of Rome and the wealth and glamour that Messala represents. She is beautiful and uses her seductive power to betray Ben-Hur. She is contemptuous of the meek manner and simple dress of Christ.
Tirzah (TIHR-zuh), Ben-Hur's sister. After the accident that destroys Ben-Hur's family, the Romans take revenge by walling up Tirzah and her mother in a prison cell. After Pilate acquires control of the country, he demands an examination of the prisons. At this point, Tirzah and her mother are released. Unfortunately, they had contracted leprosy and are now imprisoned by their disease, forced to beg on the outskirts of towns and avoid all human contact. Eventually, they are miraculously cured, and the family of Hur is reunited.
Sheik Ilderim, the greatest ruler in all the desert east of Syria. He is called “the Generous” because of his good deeds. He concealed the wise men from the wrath of Herod. He hates the Romans, who wish to steal his land and strip him of his power and wealth. He owns the horses that Ben-Hur uses to defeat Messala in the chariot race. His influence helps Ben-Hur in many ways.
Quintus Arrius (KWIHN-tuhs AY-rih-uhs), the Roman leader sent to defeat the pirates who have been attacking Roman ships in the Mediterranean. During the battle, Ben-Hur saves him; the two are the only survivors of the battle. In gratitude, he adopts Ben-Hur, who later inherits his wealth and power.