The Pit: An Analysis of Curtis Jadwin's Personality

From the first chapter of The Pit, it is very obvious that Curtis Jadwin will be a central figure in the novel. Jadwin's instant interest for Laura and Laura's almost immediate attraction for Jadwin confirm that there is more to see of these two characters. Norris, the author, characterizes Curtis Jadwin as a flawless, impeccable man who revered by everyone. Throughout the first five chapters of the novel Curtis Jadwin is characterized as a man devoted primarily to money, business and interested only in attaining all that he wishes. He is a man who wants to win in all aspects especially in money and challenges. Through the readings, it becomes apparent that Jadwin sees his Sunday school and Laura, not as something that he loves, but something that he wishes to attain to prove how strong he is.

Very detailed attention was focused on Jadwin from the very first moment that he was introduced into the story. The introduction of Jadwin began when Laura Dearborn approached him when he was a stranger to her. When Laura approached Jadwin he became suspicious of her, but then he became interested and fascinated by her because she was the first woman that he had met that seemed so dominant and sure of herself in front of a man. The beauty that the young Laura possessed also attracted Jadwin. Jadwin thought,

"Who was she, then this tall and pretty young woman, with the serious, unsmiling face, who was so perfectly at ease, and who hustled him about and made him feel as though he were to blame for the Cresslers' non-appearance? She had a great air with her" (15).

From this passage we could tell that Jadwin will play in important role not only in Laura's life, but also as a central figure in the novel. The effect that Jadwin caus...

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...aracter and actions we see that Jadwin is simply ambitious. He keeps speculating to make more money even though he is already the richest, most respected man in Chicago. He also created a Sunday school, but not for the poor children, but for himself. He has turned a Sunday school into a business. He is concerned about this children because he wants to use them later on to help him run his businesses. He is also concerned about making his Sunday school more powerful because he wants to prove just how intelligent and dominant he is. He has suited beautiful, young Laura and he will not give up. He does not love her immensely as he claims. He just wants her to be another trophy in his collection. He wants her to be his new victory. His business, his Sunday school, and Laura are all materials that these man desires to make himself happy and to make himself feel satisfied.