Murphy: Analysis of Major Characters
"Murphy: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complexities of key characters within a unique narrative that blends absurdity and introspection. The central figure, Murphy, is a former theology student from Cork, now living a life of aimlessness in London, where he works as a night attendant in a mental institution. Despite his shy demeanor and peculiar habits, including a fascination with astrological signs, he possesses a keen intelligence and a penchant for deep contemplation. His relationship with Celia Kelly, a young prostitute who initially falls for him, highlights themes of love and the societal pressures surrounding employment and morality.
Other significant characters include Miss Counihan, who remains devoted to Murphy despite his lack of communication, and Neary, Murphy’s former teacher, who struggles with his own romantic pursuits. Cooper, Neary's industrious yet troubled assistant, and Wylie, a former student who covets Miss Counihan, add further layers to the interpersonal dynamics. The narrative is enriched by a diverse cast, including Murphy's landlady, Miss Carridge, and Celia's grandfather, Willoughby, who provide insight into the characters’ lives and dilemmas. Overall, the character analysis offers a glimpse into the absurd and often humorous interplay of relationships and existential themes within the story.
Murphy: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Samuel Beckett
First published: 1938
Genre: Novel
Locale: Dublin, London, and between these two cities
Plot: Absurdist
Time: The 1930's
Murphy, a former theology student in Cork, Ireland, now living in London. He is inclined to be shy of permanent employment and is attractive to women despite a rather yellow complexion and an unusual wardrobe. He is superstitious and obsessed with astrological signs. He finds his greatest pleasure in rocking back and forth in a chair, bound, naked to the seat. Intelligent despite his seeming aimlessness, prone to minor heart attacks, and happiest in deep contemplation, he is supported, in part, by an uncle, Mr. Quigley, who lives in Holland. He likes the color lemon and things that remind him of other things. He takes a job as a night attendant at the Magdalen Mental Mercyseat, a mental institution on the outskirts of London, to please his lover, Celia Kelly.
Celia Kelly, a young, blond prostitute who falls in love at first sight with Murphy, as he does with her. She finds the work of being a whore dull, although her grandfather, her nearest surviving relative, knows that she is a good girl and will do a good job, however peculiar or improper it might be. She wants to marry Murphy but insists that he get a steady job. Not very intelligent but a pleasant, pretty girl, she quits work when they move in together and concentrates on urging Murphy to take a job.
Miss Counihan, a young woman in love with Murphy, who leaves her behind when he goes to London but promises to send for her. Well endowed, with a lovely mouth and a habit of talking as if in a cheap romance novel, she is determined to be faithful to Murphy until he proves to have abandoned her, despite the fact that he does not correspond with her and seems to have disappeared from her life.
Neary, Murphy's former teacher, who possesses the gift of being able to stop his heart, which he tries to teach Murphy. He falls in love with Miss Counihan after Murphy leaves, but she will have nothing to do with him until he can prove that Murphy has deserted her.
Cooper, Neary's man-of-all-work, industrious but prone to alcoholism. He is short, clean-shaven, and gray-faced, and he has only one eye. He never sits down and never takes off his hat. He finds Murphy in London, then loses him while engaged in a heavy bout of drinking.
Wylie, a former student of Neary, a tiny man who promises to aid Neary in his quest for Miss Counihan, whom he fancies for himself and woos in Neary's absence, with great success.
Miss Carridge, Murphy and Celia's landlady, a worrying, small, thin woman. She has an unpleasant odor about her that she unsuccessfully seeks to alleviate with sample portions of various deodorants. She is somewhat mean but scrupulously honest.
Willoughby Kelly, Celia's grandfather, who spends his time flying his kite when not bedridden. He is completely bald, narrow-faced, and blue-eyed. Celia confides in him, and he admires her considerable gifts. He is not entirely happy when she becomes a whore, but he does not try to talk her out of it. He has a rather peculiar way of reasoning, as do many of the characters in this absurdly comic novel.
Austin Ticklepenny, an Irish poet who knew Murphy in Dublin. He was formerly a heavy drinker but is on the wagon and working in the Magdalen Mental Mercyseat. He fears that the job will drive him mad, and he arranges for Murphy to take over his position at the hospital.