Sylvia Character Analysis in Nightwood

Sylvia is Jenny Petherbridge’s young niece. Robin Vote takes an uncharacteristic interest in Sylvia as soon as she sees her. After moving in with Jenny, Robin frequently asks Sylvia if she loves her. Eventually, Sylvia has to go back to her parents and Robin seems to be depressed. Jenny gets Sylvia to come back, but when Sylvia returns it’s obvious that Robin has forgotten all about her.

Sylvia Character Timeline in Nightwood

The timeline below shows where the character Sylvia appears in Nightwood. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Sexuality, Gender, and Nonconformity Theme Icon

...to Jenny’s house together. There is already a group of people there, including Jenny’s young niece, who takes an interest in Robin. Jenny talks about this with Felix later. While Robin... (full context)

...hoop skirt and bonnet. Robin, however, doesn’t pay attention because she’s busy talking to Jenny’s niece (whose name is revealed to be Sylvia). Three carriages wait outside for the party and... (full context)

Instead of listening to Matthew, Jenny cries and watches Robin stroke Sylvia’s hair. Noticing this, Matthew tells Jenny that crying makes her look like a single person... (full context)

In Felix’s story, Jenny talked about Robin and her strange relationship with Sylvia, who loved her. Robin would wake Sylvia up to ask if she loved her throughout... (full context)