Tuesday, May 19, 2009

A Minor Essay on the Characterization of Captain Mirvan, That ‘old sea dog’

Frances Burney’s novel, Evelina, displays masculinity in various forms with opposing end poles. At one end of the spectrum Burney constructs the perfect gentleman, while at the opposite and far end, the low, middle class savage. I believe the minor character Captain Mirvan to exist within this spectrum, and though minor in plot or text support, his character, elemental make-up, and existence in the context of the novel, serves to continue the instruction of “a young lady’s entrance into the world”; a man of experience and exposure, Captain Mirvan lends significant insight and influence upon a young lady (Evelina) devoid of such a priori knowledge.

Frances Burney introduces Captain Mirvan, a sea captain, who “having been seven years smoked with a burning sun” (Evelina, pg. 133), now wishes to “retire in the country, and sink into a fair-weather chap” (Evelina, pg.133). To Evelina, the captain is anything but fair and though she remarks that “gallantry, is common to all men” (Evelina, pg. 171) it proves a difficult trait to ascribe such a man as Captain Mirvan. In fact, Evelina’s first descriptions upon his arrival are that “he has really shocked me”, “I do not like him”, and that “he seems to be surly, vulgar, and disagreeable” (Evelina, pg. 132). We begin to perceive Captain Mirvan as the opposite of the perfect man, Lord Orville. Evelina’s descriptions of Lord Orville contrast strikingly against the Captain. She describes Lord Orville to be “the most agreeable and, seemingly, the most amiable man in the world…” (Evelina, pg. 131). Evelina continues to construct a view of Captain Mirvan as the novel progresses. She claims to not be able to “bear that Captain” (Evelina, pg. 143) and to be under duress to even describe him. Evelina quite troubled, states, “I can give you no idea how gross he is” (Evelina, pg. 143). These low descriptions of Captain Mirvan’s character by Evelina paint a convincing picture of both the savage and uncouth man, which also reveal, as the novel advances, exposed, prejudicial views.

Captain Mirvan as a sea captain has experienced much as a former sailor. He remains loyal to British nationalism, displaying, at times, low tolerance for that which is not British, or representative of the non-English, and the “other”. Evelina describes the Captain, to have “a fixed and most prejudiced hatred of whatever is not English” (Evelina, pg. 144). Captain Mirvan, in support of English patriotism, tends to “laugh at the infirmities of [the] others” (Evelina, pg. 49; emphasis added). The word infirmities connote a link with sickness or impurity. The Captain is clear upon the purity of the English versus the impurity of the “other” or non-English. This can be seen with his attacks on the French. Captain Mirvan, introduced to Madam Duval, considers her “the Old French hag” (Evelina, pg.150) and delights in “any opportunity offered of uttering some sarcasm upon the French” (Evelina, pg. 153). He dislikes the French and all their pretension, and lacking manners, though not intelligence, is placed on the spectrum of masculinity closer to Lord Orville, or that of the “perfect” gentleman. An excellent example of the Captain’s keen insight that places his intelligence high but his manners low is in letter xix where they are visiting the museum. The Captain, giving his observations upon a painting, states-“What, I suppose this may be in your French taste? It’s like enough, for its all kickshaw work” (Evelina, pg. 176). This of course expresses his dislike towards objects lacking value or usefulness. He further asks, “will you tell me the use of all this? For I’m not enough of a conjurer to find it out” (Evelina, pg. 176). He is not a character in line with those who enjoy diversions, expressly those of a surface painted “value”. Captain Mirvan is a challenge to those who appear to be in “taste” or in “fashion”. Earlier, I mentioned his distaste for pretension going beyond the French and even extending into the false, or pseudo Englishman. The pretentious character of Mr. Lovel warrants the Captain’s slander. He has no place for Lovel in his world of the “burning sun”. He is genuinely shocked at Lovel’s reply of having “no time to read play-bills” (Evelina, pg. 182) though he keeps coming to the play(s). Captain Mirvan laughs at this Englishman’s infirmity. Lovel’s infirmity is one of vanity and pretension. He claims Lovel to be a man who does not even know his own soul, which in turn breeds shame. Captain Mirvan, with regards to pretentious men, points out that “the men, as they call themselves, are no better than monkeys” (Evelina, pg. 219). This viewpoint clarifies his stance on pretension and the necessity to just be! He frowns on Lovel’s attitude which puts him in a position to be “almost as much ashamed of my countrymen” (Evelina, pg. 219) as that of the pretentious non-English, or French. Captain Mirvan in hating both the French and non-English alike displays both character and elemental traits that influence the instruction of Evelina’s maturation.

Evelina is exposed to experience(s) that allow for her maturation and entry into the public world, with Captain Mirvan as a minor guide. Captain Mirvan’s lack of manners allows Evelina to view would-be suitors in their “proper” setting. Willoughby, seeking the assistance of the Captain, states-“I shall think myself greatly honored, if you will intercede for me” (Evelina, pg. 137). However, Willoughby, another pretentious Englishman finds no solace in the Captain’s world. Captain Mirvan, quickly adds, “That Lady, sir, is her own mistress” (Evelina, pg. 137). It is because of such a brutish mien that Captain Mirvan “walked sullenly on” as if paying no mind to such pretension and falsehood (Evelina, pg. 137). Evelina then experiences the art of owning one’s self and the would-be decisions she can make. Evelina is given enlightenment, or rather an example of an enlightened person acting, within freedom, in the absence of pretension. Burney constructs scenarios upon scenarios that support Captain Mirvan’s lack of manners, high intelligence, and frank attitude which drive his keen instincts and allow for Evelina’s mimicry. Captain Mirvan receives Willoughby coldly (Evelina, pg. 153), thereby setting Evelina do so also. Captain Mirvan, calls into question the usefulness of art and influences, somewhat, Evelina’s attitude on her 2nd visit to a museum, challenging prior view(s). Evelina, a bit more mature, can now describe a museum to be “very astonishing, and very superb; yet, it afforded me but little pleasure, for it is mere show” (Evelina, pg.176). It is this yet, little pleasure, and mere show language from Evelina that suggests the influence(s) of the minor character Captain Mirvan.

Captain Mirvan, a brute, a man lacking pretension, a sailor, a patriot, a “gentleman”, all have their place and purpose within the novel’s framework, and though appearing in a limited context , assist to display a major role in influencing, somewhat, a young lady’s entrance into the world.

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