The Crock of Gold: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Crock of Gold" is a richly woven narrative that explores the lives of various characters intertwined with themes of wisdom, grief, and divine intervention. Central to the story is the Old Philosopher, who resides in a serene pine wood and offers counsel to those who seek his wisdom. His journey of enlightenment is tragically interrupted when he is arrested due to the mysterious deaths of two other characters, the second Old Philosopher and his wife, the Grey Woman, who succumb to despair. The Thin Woman, the Old Philosopher’s devoted wife, seeks the help of Angus Og, an early Irish deity, to secure her husband's freedom, leading to the eventual resolution of the philosopher's troubles.
The narrative also features the younger generation, including Seumas and Brigid, who are momentarily ensnared by mischievous leprechauns, and Caitilin, who faces the seductive danger of the Great God Pan. Angus Og plays a pivotal role, compelling Caitilin to choose between worldly temptation and divine guidance. The story culminates in the awaited birth of a child, symbolizing hope and renewal amid the trials faced by the characters. The interplay of divine and human elements, along with the consequences of choices made, invites readers to reflect on the complexities of life and the quest for meaning.
The Crock of Gold: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: James Stephens
First published: 1912
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Irish countryside
Plot: Fantasy
Time: Any time
The Old Philosopher, living in the center of a pine wood. Many come to seek his advice.
Another Old Philosopher, who lives with the first philosopher. When he decides that he has learned all he is capable of learning, he spins around in the room until he falls dead.
The Grey Woman, the wife of the second philosopher. She spins herself to death because of her grief over her husband's demise. These two bodies are buried under the hearthstone by the Thin Woman. The finding of them later results in the first philosopher's arrest.
The Thin Woman, the wife of the first philosopher. After his arrest, she goes to seek help from Angus Og, who with all the other gods comes to bring happiness to the people. The charges against the philosopher are forgotten, and he is freed.
Seumas, the son of the first couple.
Brigid, the daughter of the second couple. For a while they are lured away by the vengeful and troublemaking leprechauns, but they are freed because the leprechauns fear the Thin Woman.
Meehawl MacMurrachu, who, in following the philosopher's advice to steal the leprechauns' crock of gold because they stole his wife's washboard, rouses the ire of the leprechauns.
Caitilin, Meehawl's daughter. The leprechauns send Pan to steal her away.
The Great God Pan, god of the beast that is in every man. He lures Caitilin away and teaches her the meaning of hunger and pain.
Angus Og, an early Irish god. Petitioned by the philosopher, he forces Caitilin to choose between Pan and him. He is Divine Inspiration. She chooses Angus Og and so is saved from the beast in man. At the story's end, the birth of Angus Og's and Caitilin's child is awaited.
The Most Beautiful Man, The Strongest Man, and The Ugliest Man, “the Three Absolutes,” gods whose questions the Thin Woman must answer on her way to seek Angus Og's aid for her husband.