"The Battle of the Books" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Jonathan Swift's "The Battle of the Books," the characters play various roles, representing different literary figures and deities. The protagonist, Wotton, engages in a debate against the antagonist, Crites, regarding the value and superiority of ancient and modern literature. Hermes serves as the messenger between the gods and the mortals, while Apollo, Minerva, Pallas, Mulciber, and Phoebus represent different aspects of the literary world. Plato and Aristotle are renowned philosophers, and Longinus is a critic. Horace, a famous Roman poet, also makes an appearance.

Character Descriptions

• Wotton: Wotton is the protagonist of the story who passionately defends the value of ancient literature. He is described as a knowledgeable and eloquent speaker, using his wit and rhetoric to support his argument.
• Crites: Crites serves as the antagonist, arguing in favor of modern literature. He is depicted as a staunch advocate for progress and innovation in the literary world. Crites is known for his critical approach and tendency to dismiss the value of ancient texts.
• Hermes: Hermes is the messenger of the gods, providing a connection between the divine and mortal realms. In "The Battle of the Books," Hermes delivers the message from the gods to settle the dispute between Wotton and Crites.
• Apollo: Apollo is the Greek god of poetry, music, and prophecy. In the story, Apollo represents the supreme authority over literature. He is revered for his wisdom and is called upon to mediate the debate between Wotton and Crites.
• Minerva: Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and the arts. She symbolizes wisdom and knowledge and is portrayed as an ally of Wotton, supporting his argument in favor of ancient literature.
• Pallas: Pallas, also known as Athena, is the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic warfare. In "The Battle of the Books," Pallas aligns herself with Minerva, reinforcing the importance of ancient literature.
• Mulciber: Mulciber, also known as Hephaestus, is the Greek god of fire, blacksmiths, and craftsmanship. He represents the skill and craftsmanship required in creating literary works.
• Phoebus: Phoebus, also known as Apollo, is the Greek god of music, poetry, and prophecy. He complements Apollo's role in the story, emphasizing the significance of poetry and artistic expression.
• Plato: Plato was a renowned Greek philosopher known for his philosophical dialogues. In "The Battle of the Books," Plato represents the ancient scholars and their teachings that Wotton defends.
• Aristotle: Aristotle, another prominent Greek philosopher, is known for his contributions to logic, ethics, and metaphysics. He represents the modern thinkers and their emphasis on progress and innovation in literature.
• Longinus: Longinus is a Greek literary critic known for his work "On the Sublime." In the story, Longinus serves as a critic who observes the debate between Wotton and Crites, providing valuable insights and perspectives.
• Horace: Horace is a renowned Roman poet known for his lyric poetry and satires. He is mentioned in the story as an example of a poet who successfully combines elements from ancient and modern literature.

Character Traits

• Wotton: Knowledgeable, eloquent, passionate, persuasive.
• Crites: Critical, progressive, dismissive, argumentative.
• Hermes: Messenger, intermediary, diplomatic.
• Apollo: Wise, authoritative, impartial.
• Minerva: Wise, supportive, knowledgeable.
• Pallas: Courageous, strategic, wise.
• Mulciber: Skilled, creative, passionate.
• Phoebus: Artistic, poetic, prophetic.
• Plato: Traditional, philosophical, intellectual.
• Aristotle: Progressive, innovative, logical.
• Longinus: Observant, insightful, analytical.
• Horace: Versatile, adaptable, influential.

Character Background

The characters in "The Battle of the Books" are primarily mythical figures and literary giants from ancient Greece and Rome. They embody different aspects of literature, philosophy, and craftsmanship. While most of the characters have rich backgrounds in mythology and history, their portrayal in the story focuses on their roles in the literary debate rather than their individual backstories.

Character Arcs

As "The Battle of the Books" is a satirical essay, the characters do not undergo significant character arcs. However, they do represent different perspectives and ideologies regarding literature. Wotton remains steadfast in his defense of ancient literature throughout the debate, while Crites maintains his belief in the superiority of modern literature. The gods and goddesses serve as symbols of authority and wisdom, mediating the debate and providing their perspectives on the matter.

Relationships

The relationships between the characters in "The Battle of the Books" are primarily based on their allegiances and opposing viewpoints. Wotton and Crites engage in a heated debate, representing the clash between traditional and progressive literary ideologies. The gods, including Apollo, Minerva, Pallas, Mulciber, and Phoebus, provide guidance and commentary on the debate, with Apollo acting as the impartial mediator. Plato and Aristotle represent the ancient and modern scholars, respectively, whose teachings influence Wotton and Crites' arguments. Longinus serves as a critical observer, offering insights from a neutral standpoint. Horace is mentioned as an example of a poet who successfully combines elements from both ancient and modern literature.

In conclusion, "The Battle of the Books" by Jonathan Swift showcases a diverse cast of characters, including mythical gods and renowned literary figures. These characters play various roles in the debate between ancient and modern literature, representing different perspectives and ideologies. While the characters do not undergo significant character arcs, they contribute to the satirical and intellectual nature of the essay.