The Ordeal of Richard Feverel: A History of Father and Son: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Ordeal of Richard Feverel: A History of Father and Son" is a novel that explores the complex relationship between a father and his son, Richard Feverel. Richard is the only heir to Sir Austin Feverel, who devises an unconventional parenting "System" aimed at shaping his son in a manner that excludes female influence until Richard reaches the age of twenty-five. This radical method ultimately proves ineffective, as Richard's inherent humanity leads him toward experiences and emotions that contradict his father's intentions.
Key characters include Sir Austin Feverel, who is deeply committed to his flawed System but remains oblivious to its consequences; Adrian Harley, a skeptical nephew tasked with mentoring Richard, who later recognizes the failure of the System; and Lucy Desborough, Richard's love interest, whose tragic fate highlights the emotional turmoil inherent in their lives. The narrative also features Ripton Thompson, Richard's childhood friend, and Clare Forey, his cousin, both adding further layers to the exploration of love, loyalty, and societal expectations. Through these character dynamics, the novel examines themes of parental authority, the struggles of youth, and the complexities of romantic relationships, ultimately reflecting on the challenges of navigating personal desires against imposed structures.
The Ordeal of Richard Feverel: A History of Father and Son: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: George Meredith
First published: 1859
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Tragicomedy
Time: Mid-nineteenth century
Richard Feverel, the only son and sole heir of Sir Austin Feverel. Richard is the subject of his father's plan to produce a young man reared according to a System in which women are to be excluded from the life of the boy until he is twenty-five. Richard becomes the obvious proof that the System will not work. He manages, simply by being human, to foil all plans to keep him from physical danger and from women.
Sir Austin Feverel, master of Raynham Abbey and Rich-ard's woman-hating father, who devises the System for rearing his son. Although he is unrealistic in his approach, his belief in the basic soundness of his System is complete.
Adrian Harley, Sir Austin's nephew, who is designated as Richard's mentor. He is responsible for carrying out the System. Always dubious, Adrian finally is convinced, when Richard marries, that the System has failed utterly.
Lucy Desborough, the niece of a neighboring farmer. Richard falls in love with her and marries her. She bears him a child and finally dies of brain fever and shock when she learns that Richard has been wounded in a duel.
Ripton Thompson, the son of Sir Austin's lawyer, brought to Raynham Abbey as Richard's youthful playmate and companion.
Giles Blaize, Lucy's uncle. He horsewhips Richard and Ripton when he finds that they have shot a pheasant on his property. Richard is responsible for setting fire to Blaize's hayricks.
Clare Forey, Richard's cousin, who falls in love with him. She marries a man much older than she. When she dies, a ring that Richard had lost is found on her finger.
Tom Bakewell, the man Richard bribes to set fire to Blaize's hayricks. Richard insists that he is responsible for the fire and so confuses Blaize's witness that Tom is released, although the witness saw Tom set the fire. He becomes Richard's devoted servant.