Activity III (Character sketch) Sketch the character of Baldwin. Robert Baldwin
Robert Baldwin: A Portrait of Moral Strength
In Percival Wilde’s play The Hour of Truth, Robert Baldwin is shown as a person of strong moral principles. Baldwin, the central character, lives with his wife Martha, his son John, and his daughter Evie. He works as the secretary for John Gresham, the owner of a bank. When Gresham is arrested for financial wrongdoing and is about to go on trial, Baldwin faces a tough decision.
The main conflict in the play happens when Gresham, trying to avoid jail, offers Baldwin a bribe of one hundred thousand dollars to stay silent and not testify against him. Despite the huge temptation of such a large amount of money, Baldwin stays true to his principles. He rejects the bribe because he values honesty and wants to live a life without regrets. Baldwin’s strong belief in "going to his grave clean" shows that he would rather stick to his values than gain money through wrongdoing.
Baldwin’s family, who initially wanted Gresham to go to jail, change their minds when they hear about the bribe. They try to convince Baldwin to accept the money, showing how easily people can be tempted by wealth. Despite their arguments and pressure, Baldwin does not give in. He remains firm in his decision to be honest.
In the end, Baldwin’s integrity is rewarded. Gresham is so impressed by Baldwin’s honesty that he decides to confess to his crimes instead of making Baldwin testify against him. Baldwin’s reaction to this moment is captured in his words: “When John Gresham offered me money, I was angry. But when I rejected it, and he showed no surprise, then I was pleased.” This shows that Baldwin not only values his own principles but also appreciates that Gresham respects him for sticking to his beliefs.
Baldwin’s character is a strong contrast to his family members, who are tempted by the bribe. His commitment to doing what is right and his refusal to be swayed by money highlight the main message of Wilde’s play: staying true to your principles is important and will be rewarded in the end. Through Baldwin’s choices, the playwright shows that honesty and moral courage are more valuable than wealth or personal gain.
In conclusion, Robert Baldwin is a great example of integrity in The Hour of Truth. His ability to stick to his principles, even when faced with a tempting offer, shows that true success comes from staying true to one’s values. Wilde’s play teaches us that maintaining our moral standards is both a noble and a rewarding path.
