Character Sketch of Jane Thompson (Mrs. Thompson) in Angel in Disguise
Jane Thompson the wife of Mr. Joe Thompson, is the antagonist in the story. She is a selfish and ill-tempered lady. She lives in her own world. She does not care for others. She is devoid of the feeling of humanity. As she is childless, she has no love and emotions for the children. She is first introduced as a very cruel and harsh character with little compassion for Maggie, calling her a ‘sick-brat’.
Although after spending time with Maggie, Mrs. Thompson is transformed and decides to take care of Maggie for a few more days, which eventually turns into the rest of her life. Mrs. Thompson ends up falling in love with Maggie and finds purpose in taking care and looking after her. Mrs. Thompson’s character illuminates the theme of caring and how caring for and loving others can bring the best out of someone and give someone a purpose for living.
An Ill-Tempered and Irritable Lady
In the story, Jane Thompson has been described as an ill-tempered and irritable lady who would not deny herself anything for the sake of doing good to others. So, at the beginning of the story, she appears to be a very harsh woman with little compassion for anyone. When her husband brings her home, the poor, sick, and invalid girl, Maggie, grows more furious and asks her husband to take her to the poorhouse without waiting for the next day.
‘Why put it off till tomorrow? Go at once for the permit and get the whole thing off of your hands tonight.’
Her living A Lovely, Desolated and Isolated Life
As she is childless, she has lost her attachment with the children. Her emotions have dried up. Her motherly affection has disappeared. She has isolated herself from humanity. She passes a lonely and desolated life. She has lost the purpose of her life. Her loneliness has made her an ill-tempered and irritable woman. She has begun to take liquor. A kind of gloominess is pervaded her house where no ray of happiness is seen.
A Transformation in Her Life
A little girl, Maggie who is brought by Mr. Thompson in his house proves a boon or blessing in her life. She brings happiness and joy to her lovely and desolated life. Maggie’s innocent looks bring back her tender maternal feelings. Jane develops a motherly attachment with the child and grows great fond of her. She not only gives Maggie her supper but as a mother sits throughout with her while she relishes it. She drops the idea of sending Maggie to the poorhouse and begins to take care of her.
Treasure Trove Poems and Short Stories Workbook Answers