The Contrast: Jonathon

As seen in other posts, it can be said that both Jonathon and Colonel Manly are both patriotic. Because both are so patriotic in the story, they both symbolize their country, the U.S.A. However, only Colonel Manly gets the girl at the end. Why didn’t Jonathon end up happy with a girl, too? What was Jonathon’s role? (These two questions remind me of that class lecture where Zanetto’s death was questioned in “The Venetian Twins.”)

                In analyzing the situation, it can be implied that Jonathon represents the stereotypical ignorant, simple-minded American seen by foreigners, whereas Colonel Manly represents the honorable, intelligent, respectful, model American. It’s highly possible that Jonathon didn’t get a girl in the end because he didn’t deserve it. First off, he’s too ignorant and naïve to have a girlfriend. He thought the lady outside the Holy Ground was the deacon’s kind, innocent daughter when she was actually some prostitute standing there. He thought the actors in the play “The Poor Soldier” were part of reality. Jessamy was able to manipulate Jonathon into disgusting Jenny by tricking him into thinking multiple bows, excessive kisses, and incoherent speech on love were the ways to court a lady. Jonathon is not capable to be any woman’s man if he’s too stupid to take care of her.

                The second reason for Jonathon not being matched up in the end is because Jenny and Tabitha didn’t seem compatible with him. When Jenny was first introduced in the play, one of things she said was “Why, Jonathon, the New-England colonel’s servant. Do you know he was at the play last night, and the stupid creature don’t know where he has been (pg. 32).” She calls him stupid and defines him as some animal. Tabitha may seem his only other option, but she’s not. He tells Jessamy in their conversation, “There’s Tabitha Wymen, the deacon’s daughter…. She and I have been courting a great while…. I broke a piece of money with her when we parted, and she promised not to spark it with Solomon Dyer while I am gone (pg. 27-28).” It’s not really true love or a good match if he has to pay his girl to promise to not get with another man. Also, Jonathon admits that a bonus with getting with Tabitha is that her father is rich. He then abandons the idea of getting with Tabitha when Jessamy mentions the better wealth in other women. Thus, Jonathon seems to be some gold digger.

                Even though Jonathon symbolizes the simple-minded, ignorant American, “Jonathon’s basic good intentions are redeemed in his loyalty to Colonel Manly (pg 3).” He was still a loyal friend to Colonel Manly.  He was still a patriotic character. His questions towards Jessamy showed he had a chance of understanding how to court women: “Well, but suppose she should be angry with I?... Must I buss her when I am introduced to her (pg. 29)?” Why give his character a decent ending? It can be said that although Jonathon did not get the happy ending with a girl, he still has a potential to earn it. Symbolically, it can be interpreted as this: Americans who are naïve or ignorant have the potential to educate/better themselves. They have the potential to become like Colonel Manly, a true model American. That’s why Jonathon wasn’t given a girl in the end, but was given a decent ending.