The Waters of Kronos: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Waters of Kronos: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate lives and relationships of the characters connected to the submerged town of Unionville, now beneath Lake Kronos. Central to the narrative is John Donner, a reflective and nostalgic figure who returns to Unionville, seeking closure and a deeper understanding of his family's past. His journey is interwoven with the memories of his grandfather, Elijah S. Morgan, a steadfast pastor and Union supporter, and the legacy of Great-Grandfather Scarlett, a notable historical figure with a significant monument in the town.
The document highlights the complexities of familial ties through characters like Aunt Jessie, who struggles with recognition as she ages, and Valerie M. Donner, John's elusive mother. The cast also includes supportive figures like Joe Heisler, the barber, and Mrs. Bonawitz, who provides refuge in John's moment of need. Themes of memory, identity, and connection are evident, particularly as John confronts his childhood self, Johnny, revealing a poignant exploration of fear and self-acceptance. The narrative ultimately invites readers to reflect on the interplay of memory and legacy within a community forever altered by time and water.
The Waters of Kronos: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Conrad Richter
First published: 1960
Genre: Novel
Locale: Unionville, Pennsylvania
Plot: Allegory
Time: 1960's and the past
John Donner, a prolific author who has written a book about his hometown of Unionville, which is now under the water of Lake Kronos. Donner returns to visit the relocated graveyards holding the bodies of his family: the Donners, the Morgans, and the Scarletts. Perhaps he is secretly trying to find a resting place for himself, perhaps he is trying to go home again, and perhaps he is trying to penetrate the murky waters of memory and find his past.
Elijah S. Morgan, Donner's grandfather, a pastor, a Union supporter, and the father of Aunt Jessie and John's father, Harry.
Great-Grandfather Scarlett, who had helped to name Unionville. This captain in the War of 1812 was a squire, a legislator, and an “oil inspector.” He has a 20-foot marble monument and a plot numbered 732.
Great Aunt Teresa, a teacher who has celebrated both Grandfather Morgan and Great-Grandfather Scarlett in poems, many of which were printed in The Unionville Herald and the Lutheran Messenger. She is in her last years when John returns to Unionville. John remembers how she had fled her home whenever she could. She invites John inside the home, whereas his Aunt Jessie did not.
The Reverend Harry A. Donner, John's father, the only father in town who kisses his boys and loves to sing. John, now an old man, finds his thirty-five-year-old father just after Harry has given up his store and just before he studies for the ministry.
Valerie M. Donner, John's mother. John searches for her in Unionville but does not find her before the guard comes for him.
The horse and driver, who are carrying a cargo of coal from beneath the waters and heading toward Unionville. The mysterious driver allows John to accompany him on his trip.
Aunt Jessie Morgan Ryon, John's lame aunt, who does not recognize him when he returns as an old man to the long-submerged Unionville. She was once a pianist and a singer.
Uncle Dick Ryon, Aunt Jessie's Irish husband who, when he worked, was a railroad conductor.
Palmyra Morgan, the wife of Elijah Morgan and the daughter of Postmaster Williams.
Griff Flail's wife and four children, whom John warns to leave the house before they are killed by Griff.
Joe Heisler, the barber who helps John to look presentable.
Mike, the horse at the stable. Mike is the only character who recognizes John.
Morris Strike, the groomer who curries Mike. He makes the statement that people keep looking for others who cannot come around to them; this message relates well to John.
Mrs. Bonawitz, who takes John into her home when he collapses.
Johnny, the boy whom John recognizes as himself as a child. John realizes that the fear that Johnny faces actually is a sense of dread of the other, older self to come.
Guard, who comes for John at the end of the book.