I feel that Rowena's part in the movie was completely unnecessary. It was really just the director's need to put in a love interest because Holland's relation with his wife was nowhere near as hot. Anyway it took time and money away from their budget. Doesn't anyone else feel that the movie could have been better without Rowena?
shareI didn't read this whole thread so if someone already touched on this, I apologize.
Rowena wasn't really there as a character as much as she was there symbolically to represent a crossroads Mr. Holland was at in his life. At the time she shows up, he still has doubts about the direction he's going with his life and he is faced with a decision - pursue his initial dreams of making it as a performing musician, or choosing the path that leads to what he feels is a lackluster, average (albeit responsible) life as a High School teacher, husband and father.
To examine the character of Rowena a bit more, a quick internet search shows Rowena as Saxon femme fatale, where she seduces the British High King and tricks him into giving away the Kingdom of Kent. There are definitely parallels, but instead of Mr. Holland giving away his "kingdom" (his life with his wife and son, and his career as a HS Music Educator) he instead chooses to turn down the offer Rowena presents to him.
The character of Rowena is crucial to the plotline of the movie, and she represents one of the biggest conflicts Glen Holland faces - try to start over and try again at the life he left behind, or fully embrace his current life.
It's seems pretty simple to me.
"My name is Gladiator"
Rowena was a muse for Mr Holland. She also represented temptation for Mr Holland not only physically but musically. His wisedom at not acting on the tempation is part of the nature his character as a devoted husband, father and educator. That was the purpose of her character.
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