The Pit: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Pit: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex dynamics and moral challenges faced by key figures in the narrative. Central to the story is Curtis Jadwin, a self-made man whose ambition in the Chicago wheat market leads to both wealth and devastation. His relentless pursuit of power ultimately results in personal loss, including the suicide of a close friend, prompting a transformation in his character. Laura Dearborn, Jadwin's devoted wife, plays a significant role as she navigates her feelings between her husband and the artist Sheldon Corthell, representing contrasting ideals of love and ambition.
Further enriching the narrative are characters like Samuel Gretry, whose financial acumen initially aids Jadwin's success, and Charles Cressler, a rival broker whose tragic end underscores the high stakes and moral costs of the financial world. The interactions among these characters illustrate the broader themes of ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of greed. As Jadwin and Laura seek a fresh start in the West, the story invites readers to reflect on the impact of their choices and the nature of true happiness. This exploration of character dynamics provides insight into the intricacies of human relationships amid the backdrop of financial ambition.
The Pit: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Frank Norris
First published: 1903
Genre: Novel
Locale: Chicago, Illinois
Plot: Naturalism
Time: The 1890's
Curtis Jadwin, a self-made man whose speculations in the Chicago wheat market make a fortune for him. His ruthless ambition to corner the world wheat market causes a friend's fortune to be wiped out; the friend commits suicide. Jadwin marries Laura Dearborn, but as his hectic financial career develops, he spends less and less time with his wife. His excessive greed and hunger for power at last cause his downfall. Financially ruined and broken in health, he and his wife go West to start a new life, happier in adversity than before.
Sheldon Corthell, a painter who, wooing the woman who also interests Jadwin, exemplifies the author's idea of the temperamental difference that exists between stereotyped artists and financiers.
Laura Dearborn, Jadwin's romantic young wife who, loyal to her husband, finally wins his complete devotion. She at one time is unable to decide between Corthell and Jadwin, and the fact that Jadwin wins her is significant to the author's purpose.
Samuel Gretry, an intelligent broker whose alert mind and shrewdness, manifested in professional advice, count heavily in Jadwin's initial fantastically successful maneuvers in the wheat exchange.
Charles Cressler and Mrs. Cressler, first Laura's friends and, later, Jadwin's. Cressler, after fighting Jadwin in the exchange and losing to him—at no time does either character know the identity of his opponent—takes his own life. Knowledge of this suicide makes such a profound impression on Jadwin that he withdraws for a time from the exchange.
Page Dearborn, Laura's sister, who is a friend of the Cresslers.
Mrs. Emily Wessels (Aunt Wess), the aunt of Laura and Page. She also is a friend of the Cresslers.