The Winthrop Woman

Who is Robert Feake from The Winthrop Woman and what is their importance?

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Robert Feake is a London goldsmith. He is summoned by John Winthrop and Emmanual Downing when they are preparing the Bay Colony for emigration to America. Robert is described as a slight, silvery-haired, effeminate man. His behavior is strange, and he has spells of disorientation involving someone named Ralph, and washing his hands in blood or holy water.

Daniel Patrick later makes Robert a lieutenant in the army, which pleases Robert and gives him purpose. When Daniel is killed, Robert goes over the edge and remains insane for the rest of the story, eventually returning to London to confess to the murder of his apprentice. Robert is then acquitted because he is not guilty.

Source(s)

The Winthrop Woman