Question

Detailed character sketch of enid underwood in strife

Answer 1

Enid Underwood is a significant character in John Galsworthy's play "Strife." She is the wife of Robert Underwood, the owner of the Welsh coal mine around which the play's conflict revolves. Enid's character is complex, embodying both the privileged position of the mine owner's wife and a sense of moral conscience and empathy towards the plight of the miners.

1. Privileged Background: Enid comes from a wealthy and privileged background, having married into the ownership of the coal mine. As such, she enjoys a comfortable lifestyle and social status, which sets her apart from the miners and their families who work in the harsh conditions of the mine.

2. Compassionate and Empathetic: Despite her privileged position, Enid exhibits a deep sense of compassion and empathy towards the miners and their struggles. She is portrayed as sensitive to the suffering and hardships endured by the miners and their families, which creates a tension between her loyalty to her husband and her moral conscience.

3. Conflict of Loyalties: Enid's character grapples with a conflict of loyalties throughout the play. On one hand, she is loyal to her husband Robert and is expected to support his interests as the mine owner. On the other hand, Enid feels a sense of moral obligation to the miners and is troubled by the injustices perpetuated by her husband's business practices.

4. Voice of Conscience: Enid serves as a voice of conscience and reason amidst the turmoil of the labor dispute. She is one of the few characters who actively questions the ethics of the mine owners' actions and seeks to address the grievances of the miners. Enid's moral integrity and courage make her a compelling figure in the play.

5. Symbol of Change: Enid's character also symbolizes the potential for change and progress within the social and economic hierarchy. Her willingness to challenge the status quo and advocate for justice reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes towards labor rights and worker welfare.

In conclusion, Enid Underwood is a nuanced and multidimensional character in "Strife." Her portrayal as a compassionate yet conflicted individual adds depth to the exploration of class, power, and morality in the play. Enid's character highlights the complexities of social privilege and the moral responsibilities that come with it, making her a significant presence in the narrative.