Fruits of the Earth: Analysis of Major Characters
"Fruits of the Earth" is a novel that intricately explores the lives of the Spalding family against the backdrop of prairie life, focusing on the challenges and transformations they face. Central to the story is Abe Spalding, a towering figure both physically and in character, who strives to build a legacy for his family while grappling with personal and external adversities. As he navigates crises including drought and family tragedies, Abe evolves from a determined pioneer to a man questioning the value of his accomplishments as his children grow distant.
Ruth Spalding, Abe's wife, struggles with her role as a prairie homemaker, feeling isolated and frustrated with Abe's dedication to their farm. Their children also embody different struggles: Charlie, the sensitive oldest son, faces a tragic fate; Jim, the rebellious second child, pursues his own ambitions; Marion, the aspiring teacher, challenges familial expectations; and Frances, the youngest, finds herself embroiled in a scandal that tests family loyalty and societal norms.
Supporting characters like Nicoll, Abe's friend, and Charles Vanbruik, a retired physician, provide additional perspectives on the Spaldings' life, reflecting the intricate web of relationships and societal pressures affecting them. Through these characters, the narrative delves into themes of ambition, loss, familial duty, and the quest for identity in a rapidly changing world.
Fruits of the Earth: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Frederick Philip Grove
First published: 1933
Genre: Novel
Locale: The prairies, near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Plot: Historical
Time: 1900–1920
Abe Spalding, a successful pioneer. Standing six feet, four inches, he is a giant both literally and figuratively within the district that bears his name. More than a hardworking farmer, Abe possesses intelligence and foresightedness that help him survive a series of problems ranging from drought and flood to family disgrace and death. Only thirty years old when the novel opens, Abe devotes the next twenty years to building a legacy for his family. Eventually, after surviving numerous crises, he realizes not only that his material affluence is ephemeral but also that it is unwanted by his offspring. As each child moves away from home, Abe feels that the family heritage he has fought to establish is slowly slipping away. With that insight comes the realization that his life has been pointless, and he slips into a depression. By the closing pages, however, he has found a new purpose for his life: He leads a battle against the post-World War I decadence growing in Spalding District.
Ruth Spalding, Abe's wife. The daughter of small-town merchants, she has difficulty adjusting to the life of a prairie wife. Not even capable of milking cows, she resents Abe's preoccupation with the farm and with district politics. As her slim figure becomes “plump” and, later, “stout,” she sequesters herself inside their shack and isolates herself from the community. With four children to rear, she badgers Abe to build a larger house and refuses to acknowledge his financial concerns about losing the farm. After twelve years of marriage, he is able to save enough money to build her dream house. Ironically, one of their children is killed when the construction is completed, and their palace becomes a shell rather than a home. When Frances, their youngest daughter, becomes pregnant out of wedlock, Ruth decides to handle the situation on her own and, perhaps for the first time, realizes how dependent on her husband she has been.
Charlie Spalding, their oldest child. A perceptive and sensitive boy, he is the only family member able to establish a close bond with Abe. His tragic death in a farming accident when only twelve years old has a profound impact on Abe, causing him to question his values and his goals.
Jim Spalding, their second-oldest child. Tall and muscular, he prefers a detailed rather than a holistic approach to life. Jim is labeled, by the principal, as disrespectful when he challenges a fact asserted by one of his teachers. Ruth forbids him to leave school, so he manages to get expelled and moves to Somerville, where he pursues his ambition of becoming a car mechanic.
Marion Spalding, their third child. A tall, feminine version of Charlie, she moves to a boarding school, where she studies to become a teacher. During her visits home, Abe becomes increasingly disturbed by her glowing appearance, believing that she has engaged in immoral sexual behavior. When an aspiring young lawyer asks Abe for permission to marry Marion, Abe demands that they wait one year before the ceremony takes place.
Frances Spalding, their youngest child. She resembles her brother Jim in disposition though not in appearance; she is short. Like her sister, she studies to become a teacher. Frances becomes romantically involved with McCrae, a married farmhand. When Ruth learns that Frances is pregnant, she tricks McCrae into confessing so that he can be brought to trial.
Nicoll, Abe's first neighbor and closest friend on the prairie. Described as medium-sized, middle-aged, bearded, and deliberate, he often acts as an intermediary between Abe and the other farmers. Nicoll deeply admires Abe and is responsible not only for getting the district named after him but also for getting Abe elected as a councilman. When Ruth confronts McCrae about Frances, Nicoll serves as a witness.
Charles Vanbruik, a retired physician. An educated man of slight build, he originally serves as an antipode to his brother-in-law Abe. After Abe endures the death of his oldest son, Charlie, he turns to the doctor for advice and companionship.
McCrae, a farmhand. Supercilious and arrogant, he belongs to a gang of men who seduce young girls. When Abe leaves town on business, Ruth has McCrae arrested for raping her daughter Frances, but McCrae manages to beat the charge.