The Cream of the Jest: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Cream of the Jest: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and personal struggles of Felix Kennaston, a romantic author whose life blurs the lines between reality and imagination. Kennaston is deeply invested in writing a novel about an ethereal woman named Ettarre, whose elusive nature captivates him through dreams that transport them to historical moments. However, his romanticized visions are shattered when he discovers that the mystical elements he cherishes, represented by a broken medallion he believes to be the sigil of Scoteia, are mere fragments of a mundane cosmetic jar.
The analysis also delves into the life of Kathleen Kennaston, his wife, whose practical nature and polite demeanor leave Felix feeling unfulfilled. The character of Richard Harrowby serves as a foil to Felix, offering a more cynical perspective as he observes Felix's romanticism with a mix of amusement and annoyance. Other characters from Kennaston’s novel, like Horvendile, Ettarre, and their respective companions, further reflect the complexities of identity and aspiration, intertwining with Felix’s own journey of self-discovery as he navigates the realities of middle age. This exploration highlights themes of disillusionment, the nature of love, and the quest for authenticity amid fantasy.
The Cream of the Jest: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: James Branch Cabell
First published: 1917
Genre: Novel
Locale: Virginia
Plot: Satire
Time: Twentieth century
Felix Kennaston, a successful, highly romantic author. He is writing a novel about Ettarre, an ageless woman, and his plot centers around a broken round medallion with mysterious symbols, which he calls the sigil of Scoteia. In his dreams, he talks with Ettarre and accompanies her to historical places and times; when he tries to touch her, however, the dream invariably ends. One day in his garden he finds a shiny broken disc which, giving full play to his romantic imagination, he chooses to believe is the real sigil of Scoteia. He finds the other half of the disc in his wife's bathroom and wonders about her relation to Ettarre. After his wife dies, he shows his two magic pieces to his neighbor Harrowby, who readily identifies them as the broken top of a cosmetic jar. Disillusioned at last, Felix prepares to face the realities of middle age.
Kathleen Kennaston, his wife (née Eppes). She is thin and capable, and she treats her husband with polite boredom. Though she is a good wife, Kennaston finds her unexciting and a dull conversationalist. She dies in her sleep.
Richard Harrowby, Felix's neighbor, who admits he cares little for Kennaston, whose story he tells. Harrowby manufactures toilet preparations and, for a hobby, studies the occult. He is both entertained and sometimes annoyed by Kennaston's romanticism.
Ettarre (eht-TAHR), a woman in Kennaston's novel and in his dreams. His ideal (and the ideal of all men), she is similar to, and the younger sister of, Dorothy la Désirée in Cabell's Jurgen. Ettarre accompanies Kennaston in his nightly dreams, in which the two are present on important dates in many widely separated ages. When he is about to touch her, however, his dream always ends.
Horvendile (ohr-vehn-DEEL), a clerk, a character in Kennaston's novel with whom the author identifies himself. The names Horvendile and Kennaston are often used interchangeably to suggest that they are two sides of one personality.
Muriel Allardyce (al-lahr-DEES), one of Kennaston's former loves.
Count Emmerick, a character in Kennaston's novel, the brother of Ettarre.
Dame Melicent (meh-lee-SAHN), a character in Kennaston's novel, Count Emmerick's elder sister.
Comte Perion de la Forêt (peh-RYOHN deh lah foh-RAY), Count Emmerick's a character in Kennaston's novel, Melicent's husband.
Maugis d'Aigremont (moh-GEE da-greh-MOHN), a character in Kennaston's novel, a master villain, a brigand slain by Horvendile in Ettarre's bedroom.
Sir Guiron des Rocques (gee-ROHN day rohk), a character in Kennaston's novel, Ettarre's betrothed.