Mr. Waldo is a memorable and multifaceted character in Dylan Thomas's radio play, Under Milk Wood, known for his many unconventional professions and troubled personal life in the fictional Welsh fishing village of Llareggub.
Mr. Waldo's Diverse Roles and Professions
Waldo is depicted as a man of many trades, often on the fringes of legitimate society. His occupations reflect a blend of practical skills and questionable practices within the close-knit community.
- Rabbit catcher: A common, practical role for sustenance.
- Barber: Providing essential grooming services.
- Herbalist: Suggesting knowledge of traditional remedies.
- Cat doctor: Indicating a specific, perhaps unconventional, approach to animal care.
- Quack: This term implies that many of his remedies and services are unreliable or fraudulent, contributing to his reputation as a general troublemaker.
Personal Life and Notoriety
Beyond his eccentric professions, Mr. Waldo's personal life is marked by misfortune and disrepute. He is a figure who evokes both pity and disdain among the villagers.
- Marital Troubles: He dreams of his many unhappy and failed marriages, highlighting a consistent pattern of romantic failure and personal sorrow.
- Alcoholism: Waldo is notoriously an alcoholic, a vice that likely fuels his other troubles and contributes to his outcast status.
- General Troublemaker: His actions and character often lead to disruption and conflict within Llareggub.
- Affair with Polly Garter: He is involved in a secret affair with Polly Garter, another prominent character in the play, adding to the layers of scandal and human frailty explored in Under Milk Wood.
Key Characteristics of Mr. Waldo
To better understand the essence of Mr. Waldo, here's a summary of his defining traits and roles:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Roles | Rabbit catcher, barber, herbalist, cat doctor, quack |
| Personal Vices | Notorious alcoholic |
| Social Standing | General troublemaker |
| Romantic History | Dreams of many unhappy, failed marriages |
| Significant Affair | Involved in an affair with Polly Garter |
| Dreams/Desires | Haunted by his past relationships, particularly with his mother and wives |
Mr. Waldo embodies the complex, often flawed, human spirit that Dylan Thomas so vividly brings to life in Under Milk Wood, showcasing the underbelly of village life with its secrets, sorrows, and peculiar characters.
