Questions of Character

At the beginning of the play, Carol is a fiercely independent woman who makes a mockery of her suitors. Later, she promises Fairfield that she shall never love him, and then quickly succumbs to a desire for him. This bit of reverse psychology is interesting because it mirrors our current belief in the power of reverse psychology, especially in regards to children. Does Fairfield’s plot infantilize Carol? Does she become less like a woman and more like a child in this instance? Or, does she become more of a woman due to her adult desire for Fairfield and her rejection of ‘playing games?’ How does an exchange of independence for dependence construct Carol as ‘a woman’ in the context of the period?

At the end of the play, Bonavent reveals himself as the husband ‘lost at sea’ who is in fact alive and well. His wife is ecstatic over this turn of events, although she is married to Lacy. Surprisingly, Lacy is also happy with Bonavent’s return, as he says “I was not ripe for such a blessing; take her, And with an honest heart I wish you joys” (Act V.2). Lacy’s generosity seems astounding. He loses his wife, but implies that he didn’t deserve her, while Bonavent does. Why is Lacy so honorable in this situation? Are there hints of his noble character earlier in the play that make this scene possible? Why doesn’t the loss of his wife upset him more?