Reverend Mr. Pleasant Green Character Analysis

Helga’s husband, whom she marries on a whim to spite Dr. Anderson after the Reverend escorts her home from a church that she runs into to seek shelter from a rainstorm. They move to an impoverished town in rural Alabama where the Reverend preaches, and have five children together. Helga describes him as a “rattish yellow man,” and finds his unkempt, overweight appearance repulsive. He is a kind man, but busy with church business for most of their marriage, though he cautions Helga to bear the burden of having lots of children because he believes she should accept what God sends. Larsen leverages the Reverend’s character to show how religious faith can be used as a tool to oppress poor black people.