Mark Rutherford

Mr. Snale

Mark Rutherford and Mr. Snale are in conflict, with Snale representing oppressive religious authority that Rutherford resists.

Theresa

Mark Rutherford and Theresa share a deep romantic bond, marked by emotional intensity and personal sacrifice.

Miss Mardon

Mark Rutherford and Miss Mardon are friends, with Rutherford offering her sympathy and understanding in her difficult circumstances.

Mary Bell

Mark Rutherford and Mary Bell are friends, with Mary Bell representing a gentle, sympathetic presence in his life.

Miss Arbour

Mark Rutherford and Miss Arbour share a respectful friendship, with Miss Arbour offering him moral support.

Ellen

Ellen is likely Mark Rutherford's sister or close female relative, sharing a caring familial bond.

Mr. Snale

Mark Rutherford and Mr. Snale are in conflict, with Snale representing oppressive religious authority that Rutherford resists.

Theresa

Mark Rutherford and Theresa share a deep romantic bond, marked by emotional intensity and personal sacrifice.

Miss Arbour

Mark Rutherford and Miss Arbour share a respectful friendship, with Miss Arbour offering him moral support.

Mr. Snale

Mark Rutherford and Mr. Snale are in conflict, with Snale representing oppressive religious authority that Rutherford resists.

Preface to the Second Edition

Cited as an example of the danger and folly of cultivating thoughts and reading books beyond his capacity, leading to loneliness.

Epigraph

The speaker of the poem, reflecting on his own death and life.

The Autobiography of Mark Rutherford

The protagonist and narrator, reflecting on his early life and education.

Childhood

Narrator and subject of the autobiography; reflects on his childhood, education, and religious upbringing.

II: Preparation

Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his college training, his spiritual awakening through Lyrical Ballads, and his growing alienation from orthodox theology.

III: Water Lane

Narrator and protagonist; begins his ministry at Water Lane, suffers from hypochondria and alcohol dependence, and eventually resolves to abstain.

Edward Gibbon Mardon

Narrator reflecting on his preaching, his involvement in the water-supply meeting, and his encounter with Mardon.

V: Miss Arbour

Struggles with loss of faith, avoids Mardon, reflects on his broken engagement, and decides to visit Ellen.

VI: Ellen and Mary

Visits Mardon for advice after resigning; struggles with faith and purpose; deeply moved by Mary's song; impulsively kisses Mary's hand.

Emancipation

Takes up ministry at D——, proposes to Mary Bell, suffers rejection and monomania.

Progress in Emancipation

Narrates his year with the Unitarian congregation, his encounter with the butterfly-catcher, his resignation, and his move to London.

Oxford Street

Overwhelmed by self-contempt, faints while proofreading, confesses his despair to Theresa, and later recovers after Miss Mardon's death.