"Suttree" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

"Suttree" is a novel written by Cormac McCarthy, published in 1979. The story takes place in Knoxville, Tennessee, during the 1950s, and revolves around the life of Cornelius Suttree, the protagonist. Throughout the book, Suttree encounters a variety of characters, each playing a unique role in his life.

Character Descriptions

Cornelius Suttree

Cornelius Suttree is the central character and the focus of the story. He is a man in his thirties, living a solitary life on the banks of the Tennessee River. Suttree is portrayed as a nonconformist and an outcast from society. He often spends his time fishing and drifting along the river, avoiding societal expectations.

Gene Harrogate

Gene Harrogate is a supporting character in the novel who represents a reflection of Suttree's own choices. Harrogate is a young man who becomes a close acquaintance of Suttree. He is a troubled individual, frequently involved in petty crimes and dangerous situations. Harrogate's actions and experiences parallel Suttree's own struggle with societal norms.

Joyce

Joyce is the love interest of Cornelius Suttree. She is a strong-willed woman who captivates Suttree with her independent nature. Joyce is a beacon of hope and connection for Suttree, providing comfort and companionship amidst his often lonely existence.

Lloyd

Lloyd is one of Suttree's closest friends. He is a fellow river dweller, surviving off the river's offerings. Lloyd's friendship provides Suttree with a sense of camaraderie and support. He is portrayed as a free spirit and a source of flexibility in an otherwise rigid world.

Michael

Michael is Suttree's son, who appears sporadically throughout the story. Due to his estranged relationship with his son, Suttree struggles to form a meaningful connection with Michael. The presence of Michael serves as a reminder of Suttree's responsibilities and the repercussions of his choices.

Character Traits

Cornelius Suttree

Suttree is characterized as introspective, independent, and observant. He is a man of few words, preferring solitude and contemplation. Suttree possesses a deep understanding of the human condition and often questions societal norms.

Gene Harrogate

Harrogate is portrayed as impulsive, desperate, and easily influenced. He lacks self-control, leading him to make poor decisions with dire consequences. His character represents the darker side of humanity and serves as a cautionary tale for Suttree.

Joyce

Joyce is depicted as strong, resilient, and self-sufficient. She is unafraid to challenge societal expectations and lives life on her own terms. Joyce serves as a source of inspiration and a symbol of freedom for Suttree.

Lloyd

Lloyd is carefree, adaptable, and content with a simple existence. He finds joy in the simplicity of life on the river and embraces the freedom it offers. Lloyd's character contrasts with Suttree's, highlighting different approaches to navigating societal expectations.

Michael

Michael is portrayed as distant and elusive due to his strained relationship with Suttree. Despite his limited presence in the story, Michael's character represents the consequences of Suttree's choices and his longing for a meaningful connection.

Character Background

Cornelius Suttree

Suttree comes from a privileged background, but he chooses to abandon his affluent lifestyle in favor of a solitary existence on the river. He rejects societal expectations and embraces a life centered around self-discovery and introspection.

Gene Harrogate

Harrogate grows up in poverty and experiences a tumultuous upbringing. He becomes entangled in a life of crime and recklessness, attempting to escape his circumstances through reckless actions.

Joyce

Joyce's background is not extensively explored, but she is depicted as a self-sufficient woman who refuses to conform to societal norms. Her independence suggests a history of resisting societal expectations and overcoming adversity.

Lloyd

Lloyd's background is also ambiguous, but it is implied that he has chosen to live on the river as a means of escaping the confines of traditional society. He embodies the spirit of freedom and simplicity.

Michael

Michael's background is connected to Suttree's past, but specifics are not extensively explored. His existence serves as a reminder of Suttree's familial responsibilities and the repercussions of his choices.

Character Arcs

Cornelius Suttree

Suttree experiences a profound transformation throughout the novel. Initially, he is detached from society and resigned to a solitary life. However, his encounters with various characters and experiences lead him to question his choices and yearn for connection. By the end of the story, Suttree's character arc culminates in a greater acceptance of the complexities of human relationships and a renewed desire to connect with others.

Gene Harrogate

Harrogate's character arc is one of self-destruction. Initially seeking friendship and guidance from Suttree, he becomes increasingly involved in criminal activities, leading to his downfall. Harrogate's choices and actions ultimately serve as a cautionary tale for Suttree, highlighting the consequences of resisting societal norms.

Joyce

Joyce's character arc revolves around her relationship with Suttree. Initially, she provides him with companionship and emotional support. However, as the story progresses, her personal demons resurface, ultimately leading to a tragic end. Joyce's character arc explores the challenges of maintaining connections in a fractured and complicated world.

Lloyd

Lloyd's character arc is more subtle compared to others. He remains relatively unchanged throughout the story, representing an alternative perspective on life and relationships. Lloyd's presence reminds Suttree of the potential for joy and freedom in embracing a simpler existence.

Michael

While Michael's character arc is not fully developed, his sporadic appearances throughout the story parallel Suttree's own inner transformation. Michael serves as a reminder of the consequences of Suttree's choices and his longing for connection.

Relationships

Suttree's relationships with other characters are integral to his character development and the overall narrative.

• His relationship with Gene Harrogate represents a reflection of Suttree's own choices and serves as a cautionary tale.
• The connection between Suttree and Joyce provides comfort and companionship, allowing Suttree to experience love and emotional support.
• Suttree's friendship with Lloyd represents an alternative way of life, offering a sense of camaraderie and freedom.
• His strained relationship with Michael symbolizes the weight of past decisions and the longing for a meaningful connection.

Conclusion

"Suttree" is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships, societal expectations, and personal transformation. Through diverse characters like Suttree, Harrogate, Joyce, Lloyd, and Michael, the book explores themes of isolation, self-discovery, and the pursuit of freedom. The character analysis highlights the distinctive roles, traits, backgrounds, arcs, and relationships of these characters, emphasizing their impact on the protagonist and the overall narrative.