Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Grew Up… in the 1800swith a father who was a general in the British army. Harry never had a choice about what he wanted to do in life. His father made it clear: Harry needed to become a soldier and serve his country as he did.
Living… in shame. Harry used to be a soldier, but he resigned his commission after hearing that his regiment would be transferred to the Sudan to fight in battle. He was scared and couldn’t bear the thought of being away from his fiancé, Ethne, so he resigned to be with her. But everything backfired. His friends sent him three white feathers – a sign of cowardice. And the fourth feather was sent by Ethne herself. He lost her, the respect of his father, and his closest friends.
Visiting… the Sudan, where he’s arrived from England. He came there on his own disguised as an Arab to follow his former regiment and do reconnaissance work. He traveled from Alexandria to Suakin, across three hundred miles of desert to get there. He nearly died along the way, but he was rescued by a native of the Sudan, Abou Fatma, who is helping him navigate the dangerous terrain.
Relationship Status… heartbroken. Harry was deeply in love with Ethne and is finding it hard to move on with his life without her.
Challenge… defending his honor. Harry is on a journey of redemption to clear his name.
Personality… romantic, tortured, and somewhat naïve. It is surprising that Harry thought he could resign from the Army without any consequences. But even more surprising is the man he becomes in the Sudan. If he starts off as a coward, he ends becoming someone who is willing to risk impossible odds.
Get to Know him in...
-
The story, set in 1875, follows a British officer (Heath Ledger) who resigns his post when he learns of his regiment's plan to ship out to the Sudan for the conflict with the Mahdi. His friends and fianc
-
Just before sailing off to war in the Sudan, British guardsman Harry Feversham quits his regiment. He immediately receives four white feathers-symbols of cowardice-one each from his three best friends and his fiancée. To disprove this grave dishonor, Harry dons an Arabian disguise and leaves for the Sudan, where he anonymously comes to the aid of his three friends, saving each of their lives. Having proved his bravery, Harry returns to England, hoping to regain the love and respect of his fiancée. This suspenseful tale movingly depicts a distinctive code of honor that was deeply valued and strongly promoted by the British during the height of their imperial power.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
