August Rosenbluth Character Analysis
Quick Facts
August Rosenbluth is the volatile equestrian director and superintendent of animals for the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. As the husband of the show's star performer, Marlena Rosenbluth, he wields significant authority, but his unpredictable nature makes him a dangerous figure. He first appears as a charming and stylish man, but his true nature is revealed through his abusive behavior and paranoia. His key relationships include his fraught marriage with Marlena, his tense dynamic with Jacob Jankowski, and his cruel treatment of Rosie the elephant.
Who He Is
August is the charismatic yet brutal face of the Benzini Brothers circus, embodying the dark underbelly of its glittering facade. He is a study in contrasts: capable of great charm and generosity, yet prone to fits of violent rage and paranoia. His complex character serves as both a mentor and a tormentor to Jacob, and his treatment of Marlena and Rosie highlights the themes of Power, Control, and Abuse within the circus world. August's instability and cruelty make him the primary antagonist of the novel, driving much of the conflict and embodying the precarious nature of life on the road.
Personality & Traits
August's personality is a dangerous mix of charisma and brutality, making him dangerously unpredictable. He keeps everyone around him on edge, never knowing which side of him they will encounter.
- Charismatic and Charming: August possesses a magnetic personality, capable of winning people over with his wit, graciousness, and persuasive charm. He woos Marlena away from her family and hosts a lavish dinner for Jacob, showcasing his sophisticated side.
- Violent and Abusive: Beneath the charm lies a core of savage violence, directed at anyone who challenges his authority or triggers his jealousy. This includes his wife, Jacob, and the animals under his care, most notably Rosie the elephant.
- Manipulative and Controlling: August masterfully uses emotional manipulation, intimidation, and violence to control those around him, particularly Marlena. He views her not as a partner but as a prized possession, exerting his dominance at every turn.
- Paranoid and Insecure: August's rage is often fueled by deep-seated insecurity and jealousy. He is intensely possessive of Marlena and perceives Jacob as a rival almost immediately, leading to a dangerous psychological game of cat and mouse.
- Mentally Unstable: Uncle Al diagnoses August as "paragon schnitzophonic" (paranoid schizophrenic), and his extreme mood swings support this assessment. He can shift from paternal affection to murderous rage in an instant, making him dangerously unpredictable.
Character Journey
August's character arc is a descent into increasing paranoia and violence. Initially, Jacob and the reader see his charming side, with his violent tendencies appearing as shocking but isolated incidents. As the forbidden romance between Jacob and Marlena develops, August's paranoia intensifies. His "good" periods become shorter, and his violent outbursts become more frequent and severe. His inability to control Rosie pushes him further into rage, and his jealousy over Marlena consumes him entirely. This downward spiral culminates in the final, violent confrontation in Marlena's dressing tent, where his loss of control leads directly to the stampede and his own demise.
Key Relationships
Marlena Rosenbluth: August's relationship with his wife is the central conflict of the novel. He is passionately in love with her, yet brutally abusive, treating her as both the star of his act and a prized possession. His control over her is absolute until Jacob's arrival provides her with an alternative, challenging August's dominance and sparking his jealousy.
Jacob Jankowski: August's relationship with Jacob is fraught with tension and complexity. He hires Jacob as an asset but immediately views him as a threat, acting as a mercurial boss—sometimes a charming mentor, other times a cruel tormentor. Jacob becomes the primary target of August's jealousy and the catalyst for his ultimate breakdown, as August sees him as a rival for Marlena's affections.
Rosie: August's treatment of Rosie is the clearest window into his soul. When she fails to obey, he beats her mercilessly, revealing his profound cruelty and lack of empathy. When she performs well, he is doting and proud, showcasing his ability to value something only for its utility, highlighting the theme of Cruelty vs. Compassion.
Defining Moments
- The Beating of Rosie: After Rosie fails to perform, August savagely beats her with a bull hook in the menagerie tent. This pivotal moment fully exposes his brutality to Jacob and solidifies his role as the villain.
- Dinner in the Stateroom: August hosts an elegant dinner for Jacob and Marlena, showcasing his charming, sophisticated, and worldly side. However, a moment of intense, cold jealousy while dancing with Marlena reveals the darkness lurking just beneath the surface.
- The Discovery of Rosie's Polish Commands: When Jacob discovers Rosie understands Polish, August's mood swings dramatically. He becomes a proud, paternal figure, treating Rosie with kindness and affection. This "good" period highlights his extreme instability and the performative nature of his charm.
- The Final Confrontation: Consumed by paranoia, August confronts Jacob and Marlena in her dressing tent, accusing them of an affair. He attacks Marlena, leading to a brutal fight with Jacob that spills out onto the lot and triggers the catastrophic stampede.
- Death by Elephant: During the stampede, Rosie picks up her iron stake and kills August, splitting his head "like a watermelon." It is a moment of poetic justice, as the creature who suffered most from his abuse becomes the agent of his demise.
Essential Quotes
"He is delightful. He is charming. He shines like the sun. He lavishes attention on the great storm-colored beast and her tiny rider... He is attentive and tender toward Marlena, and kindly and paternal toward Rosie. He seems unaware that there ever was any bad blood between us... And yet I can see how they might be fooled. He is delightful. He is charming. He shines like the sun."
This quote encapsulates August's ability to manipulate appearances, showcasing his charm and generosity while masking his underlying cruelty. Jacob recognizes the performative nature of August's kindness, understanding that it is a facade designed to deceive.
"You... You... You..." He raises a hand, stirring the air with his fingers. But then he trails off, his attention caught by the silver-tipped cane.
This quote reveals August's volatile and unpredictable nature, as he struggles to articulate his anger and frustration. His attention is easily diverted, highlighting his instability and suggesting a lack of control over his own emotions.
"So, where did you do it, eh, Jacob? Where, exactly, have you fucked my wife?"
This quote exemplifies August's paranoia and jealousy, as he confronts Jacob with a crude and accusatory question. His possessiveness over Marlena drives his suspicion and fuels his violent tendencies, revealing the depth of his insecurity.
"Look, I know I was out of line. Sometimes my imagination gets the better of me."
This quote demonstrates August's ability to rationalize his abusive behavior, minimizing his actions and shifting the blame to his "imagination." It highlights his lack of accountability and his tendency to excuse his violent outbursts.