Godfrey Bernard Harvard Character Analysis

Godfrey Character analysis

Godfrey Bernard is by far the most underrated character within Celia Garth by Gwen Bristow. Godfrey Bernard is created by Gwen Bristow to show the importance of altruistic behavior in order to express the art of truly living for the joy and pleasure of others. Godfrey’s quick thinking and knowledge bring joy to the rebels in Charleston. Godfrey displays immense intelligence and logical thinking throughout the book that allows him to hide from the British but sadly some collateral damage is caused to his friends in the process. When Britain had just taken Charleston and he has to keep a low profile and be nice to the British, Luke has this to say about those hurt by Godfrey “He’s standing

Just took ‘em, I know where he keeps everything… I don’t expect ever to have that much money all at once” (Bristow 163) and ultimately save Jimmy’s life where he could have been furious with Darren for taking his money especially during a time of crisis but instead he generously puts Jimmy’s needs above his own. Also, when Darren’s character is first described it is said “Since he wrote a good hand, his cousin Godfrey had given him a job keeping records” (Bristow 10) Since Darren’s mother and father died and left no money for him Godfrey had taken him under his wing and provided Darren a job with good pay so he can live a normal life. Godfrey through allowing money to be taken from him and giving his cousin a job he shows a great amount of kindness not found in many people. Gwen Bristow strategically uses Godfrey to show the reader how living an altruistic lifestyle can not only help you carry on through hard times but it gives friends the push forward. This is fantastically shown when he keeps a low profile by tricking his friends into thinking that he is allied with the British, puts himself in danger of the British by delivering messages to help the cause of the revolution, and giving Darren a job. Though underrated as a character Godfrey plays a role as big as everyone else in the story and deserves more