"Slammerkin" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the historical novel "Slammerkin" by Emma Donoghue, the protagonist, Mary Saunders, is a young girl living in 18th-century London. The story revolves around Mary and her journey through poverty, prostitution, and the desire for a better life.

Character Descriptions

Mary Saunders

Mary Saunders is a teenage girl who grows up in a poor household. She is described as having striking red hair, which serves as a symbol of her fiery and rebellious nature. Mary is a determined and ambitious character who is willing to do whatever it takes to escape her impoverished life. She becomes enticed by the allure of fine clothes and a glamorous lifestyle, which ultimately leads her down a dangerous path.

Doll Higgins

Doll Higgins is Mary's closest friend and confidante. She is also a Slammerkin, a term used to describe a prostitute. Doll is a street-smart and resourceful character who helps Mary navigate the world of prostitution. She provides emotional support and advice throughout Mary's journey.

Mrs. Jones

Mrs. Jones is Mary's mother. She is depicted as a hardworking woman who struggles to provide for her family. Mrs. Jones is initially strict and disapproving of Mary's actions, but she eventually becomes more understanding of her daughter's circumstances.

Mrs. Nancarrow

Mrs. Nancarrow is a wealthy woman who employs Mary as a maid. She introduces Mary to a world of luxury and elegance, which greatly influences Mary's desires for a better life. Mrs. Nancarrow becomes a significant figure in Mary's life, shaping her aspirations and choices.

Mr. Jones

Mr. Jones is Mary's stepfather. He is portrayed as an abusive and neglectful man who shows no interest in Mary's well-being. His mistreatment pushes Mary to seek a way out of her unhappy home life.

Mr. Nancarrow

Mr. Nancarrow is Mrs. Nancarrow's husband. He is a minor character who plays a small role in Mary's story.

Jonathan

Jonathan is a young man with whom Mary falls in love. He provides her with affection and companionship, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise harsh world. However, their relationship is complicated by Mary's involvement in prostitution, leading to tragic consequences.

Jane

Jane is Mary's daughter, born out of wedlock. Although Jane is not a major character, she serves as a symbol of Mary's mistakes and the responsibilities she carries as a mother.

Mr. Chipping

Mr. Chipping is a lawyer who assists Mary in her legal matters. He represents her in court and plays a crucial role in determining her fate.

Mr. Hadley, Mr. Amos, Mr. Bissett, Mr. Frederick

These characters are Mary's customers who pay for her services as a prostitute. They represent the men who exploit her vulnerability and contribute to her downward spiral.

Character Traits

Mary Saunders

• Ambitious
• Rebellious
• Resourceful
• Determined
• Impulsive

Doll Higgins

• Street-smart
• Loyal
• Supportive
• Resilient

Mrs. Jones

• Hardworking
• Strict (initially)
• Understanding (later on)

Mrs. Nancarrow

• Wealthy
• Influential
• Glamorous
• Sophisticated

Mr. Jones

• Abusive
• Neglectful
• Cold-hearted

Jonathan

• Affectionate
• Understanding
• Tragic

Jane

• Symbolic
• Innocent

Mr. Chipping

• Professional
• Supportive

Mr. Hadley, Mr. Amos, Mr. Bissett, Mr. Frederick

• Exploitative
• Contributing to Mary's downfall

Character Background

Mary Saunders is born into poverty in 18th-century London. Her mother, Mrs. Jones, struggles to provide for the family, and her stepfather, Mr. Jones, is abusive. Mary longs for a better life and is seduced by the idea of escaping her circumstances through fine clothes and a glamorous lifestyle. She enters the world of prostitution, driven by her ambition and the desire for independence.

Doll Higgins, Mary's close friend, also becomes a Slammerkin, working alongside Mary in the world of prostitution. Together, they navigate the dangers and challenges of their new lives, developing a bond of loyalty and support.

Mary's encounter with Mrs. Nancarrow, a wealthy woman who employs her as a maid, introduces her to a different world. Mary becomes infatuated with the luxurious lifestyle Mrs. Nancarrow represents, further fueling her ambitions.

Throughout the novel, Mary forms relationships with various men, including Jonathan, who provides her with love and affection but also becomes entangled in her dangerous lifestyle.

Character Arcs

Mary's character arc in "Slammerkin" is one of tragedy and the consequences of her choices. She starts as a young girl longing for a better life and takes the path of prostitution to achieve her goals. However, as she delves deeper into this world, she faces hardships, violence, and loss.

Initially, Mary is driven by her ambition and desire for independence. She is willing to do whatever it takes to escape poverty, even if it means sacrificing her own well-being. However, as the story progresses, she realizes the dark realities of her choices and the toll they take on her life.

Mary's relationships, particularly with Jonathan, highlight her vulnerability and the consequences of her actions. The tragic events that unfold serve as a cautionary tale, showing the dangers of pursuing a life of prostitution.

Relationships

Mary's relationships play a significant role in shaping her character and the events of the novel. Her friendship with Doll Higgins provides emotional support and guidance as they navigate the world of prostitution together. Doll's loyalty and resilience are essential in helping Mary through difficult times.

Mary's relationship with her mother, Mrs. Jones, initially strained due to Mary's choices, evolves over time. Mrs. Jones eventually comes to understand her daughter's circumstances and provides support when needed.

The relationship between Mary and Mrs. Nancarrow is one of aspiration and influence. Mrs. Nancarrow introduces Mary to a world of luxury, glamour, and sophistication, which becomes a driving force in Mary's pursuit of a better life.

Mary's romantic relationship with Jonathan is filled with love and tragedy. Jonathan offers her affection and companionship but becomes caught up in the consequences of Mary's involvement in prostitution.

The relationships Mary forms with her customers, such as Mr. Hadley, Mr. Amos, Mr. Bissett, and Mr. Frederick, highlight the exploitative nature of the profession and the men who contribute to her downfall.

Overall, the relationships in "Slammerkin" illustrate the complexities of Mary's life and the impact they have on her character development.