Colonel Manley Character Analysis

The Contrast
Royall Tyler’s play is called The Contrast because it focuses on the differences between Americans and Europeans and the contrast between upper class society and lower class society for example, fashion, mannerisms, and lingo. The play introduces Jonathan as Colonel Manly’s Yankee waiter during the war. Jonathan’s way of thinking, his language, and his fashion sense emulates that of his master, Colonel Manly. Both Col. Manly and Jonathan appear to be a more humble nature with little regard to their fashion sense. Jonathan very simple with regard to his lingo and lack of knowledge of the bigger cities. While in the mall, Jonathan meets Jessamy, Mr. Dimple’s servant. In contrast to Jonathan, Jessamy’s style reflects that of his master. Jessamy is very well dressed, educated on the
Jonathan mistook him by his appearance as a congressman. “You a waiter! By the living jingo, you look so topping, I took you for one of the agents to Congress: (Tyler 577). Though both men are of the same rank, they view their titles so differently, whereas Jessamy is happy to be called a servant, Jonathan found it to be more demeaning and prefers the title of waiter “Servant! Sir, do you take me for a neger---I am Colonel Manly’s waiter (Tyler 577). Jessamy also seems throughout the play to make light of Jonathans shortcomings as he found him to be naive, and easily persuaded. Jessamy therefore planned an introduction of the ignorant and unpolished Jonathan to Miss Jenny “As ignorant and unpolished as he is, do you know, Miss Jenny, that I propose to introduce him to the honour of your acquaintance?” (Tyler 583). Thus coaching Jonathan on how and what to say to Miss Jenny. Jessamy’s intention was that she could take him under her wing and refine him or possibly his own amusement. This again is another example of the contrast between the two, whereas Jonathan was very trusting and naive, and Jessamy