Character Clues

Character Analysis

Actions

Merry is the character most characterized by her actions, at least from the Swede's point of view. Making and detonating bombs which kill innocent people is a reality her family cannot get past. The fact that most of the family doesn't believe she really did it clues us in to the fact that they are loyal and that they think it's out of character for Merry to behave this way. Are they blinded by familial affection?

In contrast to the rest of the family, Jerry does think the bombing is in character for Merry, a character that, according to him, the Swede created. Jerry thinks that the Swede is defined by non-action, or the inability to decide how to act in a crisis. Jerry, on the other hand, is all action. Although he saves lives, Jerry's actions define him as a bully. It's Jerry's way or the highway.

We think the Swede's actions in dealing with Merry when she goes missing define him as a dedicated father, unwilling to abandon his daughter regardless of what she's become. His refusal to turn her in to the authorities characterizes him as a man who is willing to break the law, but only as a last resort.

Occupation

Dawn's initial occupational aspiration, to teach music to public school students in her home city, is an interesting contrast to beauty pageants and beef cattle that end up professionally defining her. All three occupations require strength and stamina and are somewhat showy, though on very different levels.

Teaching school and participating in beauty pageants are both public positions where talent and appearance are important. The cattle business is showy, too. It shows you have money, for one thing. If, like Dawn, you are trying to prove you are more than your looks, it seems about as far away as beauty pageantry as you can get. We're dying to know what Dawn does after the divorce. Her career choices so far (although the music teacher career is unfulfilled) suggest that she's brave, determined, and dedicated—she'll take risks and try new things.

Jerry is largely defined by his occupation as a surgeon. At first, this seems like a big contrast to Lou and the Swede's work at Newark Maid, which helps define them as people. Jerry certainly thinks it's a contrast. His father and brother take away life to create luxury items, while he gives life to the ill. But, moral issues aside, surgery and gloving require some similar skill sets—like precision cutting and sewing skills. In contrast to Dawn, the Levov men seem devoted to their respective occupations and don't seem to imagine doing something else. For these guys, a career is for life.