The Stoic: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Stoic: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics between the key figures in the narrative, centered around Frank A. Cowperwood, a determined financier with grand ambitions in urban transportation. Cowperwood's relentless pursuit of success leads him to navigate complex relationships, including his neglect of his second wife, Aileen, and his affairs with Berenice Fleming and dancer Lorna Maris. The character of Bruce Tollifer, an artist hired to entertain Aileen, highlights the emotional void in Cowperwood's life, as he juggles multiple relationships while striving for social acceptance. Despite his wealth and aspirations, Cowperwood's journey ultimately reveals the transience of material success, as his fortune vanishes after his death, leaving his grand plans unrealized. Berenice, initially his mistress, later transforms, finding purpose through the hospital he envisioned. The involvement of English financiers and engineers, such as Lord Stane and Philip Henshaw, further intertwines the characters' fates in the ambitious backdrop of the London underground project. Overall, the analysis delves into themes of ambition, neglect, and the quest for meaning beyond material wealth, providing a rich exploration of human relationships and aspirations.
The Stoic: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Theodore Dreiser
First published: 1947
Genre: Novel
Locale: New York, London, and Paris
Plot: Naturalism
Time: Early twentieth century
Frank A. Cowperwood, a hard-driving, ambitious financier interested in city transportation systems. Failing socially in Chicago, he tries to gain control of the London underground, at the same time endeavoring to please both his wife and his mistress. He hires an artist, Tollifer, to amuse his wife, while he lives with his mistress. Returning to America, he has an affair with a dancer, Lorna Maris. His ambition is to leave his New York house as a museum and to found a hospital. After his death, his fortune evaporates, and his plans come to nothing. His money never brings him happiness.
Aileen Cowperwood, his second wife, whom he neglects. He hires Tollifer to amuse her.
Berenice Fleming, his mistress. After his death, she develops a sense of humanity and founds the hospital he had planned.
Bruce Tollifer, an artist whom Cowperwood hires to amuse his wife.
Lorna Maris, a dancer with whom Cowperwood has an affair.
Lord Stane, an English financier who becomes interested in Berenice.
Philip Henshaw and Montague Greaves, English engineers who involve Cowperwood in the London underground system.
Dr. Jefferson James, Cowperwood's physician and friend. He becomes head of the hospital that Berenice founds.