Melchior's Trifles and the Hope Represented by Female Characters Anonymous 12th Grade

Melchior is the biological Father of Dora and Nora but refuses to accept this fact until the very end of the novel at his 100th birthday celebration due to their illegitimacy. He is presented as an extremely selfish, egotistical character and therefore the novel is appropriately based on the day leading up to his party. Despite having a loving wife and children, legitimate ones, we see his real priorities when his mansion sets on fire and he risks his life, not for his family but for his crown. The crown may be ancient and made of cardboard but it is a critical part of who Melchior is and what motivates him.

Melchior's parents were both famous Shakespearean actors who managed to be globally successful, conquering America. The crown was worn by his Father when he played King Lear, a role that Melchior would later go on to play, and there is a sense that Melchior is always trying to live up to the successes of his parents. The desire to follow their footsteps is an obsession of Melchior’s; it is probably the reason that he abandoned Pretty Kitty, Dora and Nora’s Mother, as he was just beginning to break into the acting world. All of these feelings manifest themselves in his protection over the crown; the reader can’t help but...