The Macdermots of Ballycloran
Publication Details
Written: Between September 1843 and June 1845, while Trollope was stationed in Drumsna, County Leitrim, Ireland.
Published: March 1847
Publisher: Thomas Cautley Newby, London
Format: Single-volume hardback
Serialisation: None
Earnings: Trollope received £48 for this novel
Summary
Trollope's first novel, set in rural Ireland, tells the tragic story of the Macdermot family as they struggle to maintain their home and honour in the face of financial hardship, legal threats, and social pressure. The plot centres on Thady Macdermot, caught between loyalty to his family and an escalating feud with their landlord.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Themes
Land, law, and power in 19th-century Ireland
Set in a period when Irish Catholic landowners were steadily losing ground, economically and politically, Trollope shows how the Macdermots’ legal ownership of their land does not protect them from poverty, prejudice, or pressure. The novel reflects a society shaped by colonial structures, where land is not just property but a symbol of autonomy. The English legal and military presence enforces an order that disfavours families like the Macdermots..
Honour and family loyalty
Thady Macdermot’s identity is bound up in his loyalty to his family and his desire to preserve their honour in the face of decline. Trollope explores how such loyalty, especially in the absence of wealth or power, can lead to destructive choices. In a society that places value on reputation but offers few means for poorer families to defend it, Thady’s honour becomes both a moral anchor and a trap.
Class and marriage
The novel illustrates the rigid class divisions of Irish society and the limited possibilities for social mobility. Feemy’s involvement with Captain Ussher, an English officer of higher social rank, seems to offer the prospect of upward movement, but it’s ultimately a danger rather than an opportunity. Her position as a Catholic woman of a declining family makes her especially vulnerable.
Corruption and injustice
Trollope presents a society where those in power, landlords, soldiers, magistrates, operate within a system skewed in their favour. Legal procedures are slow and unsympathetic, particularly to those without influence. The idea that justice is objective is undermined throughout the novel, reflecting contemporary Irish realities in which Catholics often had little faith in the courts.
Gender and vulnerability
Feemy’s fate underscores the vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society. Her limited choices and the consequences of her relationship with Ussher highlight the double standards applied to men and women. Trollope draws attention to how a woman’s reputation could be destroyed by rumour or association, and how little recourse she had to protect herself.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope present Anglo-Irish tensions in the novel?
What role does honour play in Thady's decisions?
How are gender and power explored through Feemy's story?
BIG READ
The Macdermots of Ballycloran has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme, so there are currently no associated introductory or concluding lectures available.
However, this guide can still be used independently by reading groups and individuals. It provides context, key themes, and discussion questions designed to support close reading and shared reflection, especially on the novel’s treatment of land, law, honour, and gender in 19th-century Ireland.
Resources
The Kellys and the O'Kellys
Publication Details
Written: 1847
Published: 1848
Publisher: Henry Colburn, London
Format: Three-volume hardback
Serialisation: None
Earnings: Trollope received £123 for this novel
Summary
Set in Ireland during the time of the Famine, this novel mixes romantic plotlines with a sharp look at legal and social systems. The honourable Martin Kelly and his cousin Lord Ballindine must navigate love, inheritance, and the manipulations of the ambitious attorney Mr Daly.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Lord Ballindine – A young nobleman navigating financial and romantic challengesLord Cashel – A relative of Lord Ballindine, involved in his affairsMr Daly – An attorney in TuamMartin Kelly – A prosperous tenant farmer and cousin to Lord BallindineMrs. Mary Kelly – Martin's mother, known for her strong will and business acumenAnastasia Lynch – Barry's sister, whose inheritance becomes the focal point of familial conflictBarry Lynch – A scheming landowner intent on securing his sister's inheritanceFanny Wyndham – A young woman connected to the central families, involved in romantic developments
Themes
Class and marriage
Trollope explores the social tensions between landed gentry, professional classes, and tenant farmers in Ireland. Marriage is presented as both a personal choice and a strategic tool for securing wealth and status. Lord Ballindine, though a peer, is financially insecure and must consider the social and financial implications of marrying Fanny Wyndham, a wealthy heiress. Martin Kelly, a prosperous Catholic farmer, is from a lower social tier but more financially secure, highlighting the unstable boundaries of class in post-Union Ireland. Trollope shows how affection and ambition often pull in opposite directions, and how love rarely exists outside the structures of money and class.
Legal manipulation
The plot turns on the misuse of the legal system by Barry Lynch, Fanny’s brother, who attempts to control her inheritance. Trollope critiques how solicitors and agents can exploit vague or poorly enforced legal frameworks for personal gain. Mr Daly, a politically active lawyer, also uses the law tactically. Through these characters, Trollope reflects common fears among Irish families that the law served the interests of the clever and connected, rather than the just.
Honour vs self-interest
Trollope frequently sets personal honour against social or financial gain, and in this novel the contrast is especially stark. Martin Kelly and Lord Ballindine try to act honourably, even when it places them at a disadvantage. Barry Lynch, on the other hand, is driven entirely by greed and self-preservation, using deceit and manipulation to pursue his goals. The moral distinction between characters is often found in how they balance principle against opportunity.
Anglo-Irish identity and land ownership
Set in the early 1840s, the novel reflects a period when Anglo-Irish landlords were under pressure and Catholic landholders were emerging with greater wealth and influence. Martin Kelly’s role as a successful Catholic farmer is significant: he’s respectable and shrewd, yet still socially marginalised compared to his Protestant peers. Trollope presents land not only as a source of income, but as the foundation of status, identity, and political control in Irish life.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope use the legal system as a source of drama?
In what ways do class and money complicate personal relationships?
How is land ownership used to comment on Anglo-Irish identity?
BIG READ
The Kellys and the O'Kellys has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme, so there are currently no associated introductory or concluding lectures available.
Nonetheless, this guide is ideal for reading groups or individuals interested in Trollope’s early Irish novels, particularly for its treatment of legal ethics, class tension, and emerging Catholic prosperity.
Resources
La Vendée
Publication Details
Written: Early 1840s
Published: 1850
Publisher: Henry Colburn, London
Format: Three-volume hardback
Serialisation: None
Earnings: Trollope received £20 for this novel
Summary
La Vendée is Trollope’s only full-length historical novel, set during the royalist uprising in western France during the French Revolution. The story follows the efforts of a group of royalist nobles and peasants as they resist the republican government. Drawing on real historical events and figures, Trollope weaves a narrative of loyalty, rebellion, love, and tragedy, exploring how individuals navigate ideological conflict and personal conviction.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Themes
Loyalty and rebellion
Trollope explores the competing claims of personal loyalty, political allegiance, and moral conviction. Characters face difficult choices that test their principles and alliances, often at great personal cost. The novel portrays both royalists and republicans with moments of sympathy and critique, suggesting the tragedy of civil conflict.
War and personal honour
The novel is structured around battles, campaigns, and decisions made in wartime. Trollope contrasts the ideals of honour and courage with the brutality and uncertainty of revolutionary warfare. Characters are judged not just by their politics, but by how they behave in moments of fear, sacrifice, and moral dilemma.
Religion and revolution
Set in a deeply Catholic region of France, La Vendée considers the role of religion as both a personal faith and a political force. For many characters, religious belief is inseparable from their resistance to the secular republican state. Trollope shows how religious and national identities are intertwined in the motivations of both peasant and aristocrat.
Class alliances and divisions
The royalist cause unites nobles and peasants under a common banner, but Trollope does not ignore the tensions and inequalities within that alliance. The republicans, meanwhile, offer a different vision of equality, though often pursued through violence. The novel reflects on how class shapes both belief and experience in a time of upheaval.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray both royalists and republicans in the novel?
What does the novel suggest about the nature of honour in wartime?
How are faith and politics interwoven in the characters’ choices?
Does Trollope take a side in the conflict, or does he resist judgement?
BIG READ
La Vendée has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme, so there are currently no associated introductory or concluding lectures available.
However, this reading guide can support independent readers or groups exploring Trollope’s only historical novel, particularly for its unusual subject matter, moral complexity, and early insight into his development as a storyteller.
Resources
The Warden
Publication Details
Written: 1853Published: 1855Publisher: Longmans, LondonFormat: Single-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Trollope received modest profits from this novel. In his Autobiography , Trollope notes that he received £727 for The Warden and Barchester Towers.
Summary
Set in the fictional cathedral town of Barchester, The Warden is the first novel in Trollope's Chronicles of Barsetshire series. The story centres on the moral dilemma faced by the gentle and conscientious Rev. Septimus Harding, who serves as the warden of Hiram's Hospital, an almshouse for elderly men. When John Bold, a zealous reformer and suitor to Harding's daughter Eleanor, questions the fairness of the warden's income compared to the bedesmen's stipends, a public controversy ensues. The novel explores themes of conscience, reform, and the complexities of ecclesiastical life.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Rev. Septimus Harding – The warden of Hiram’s Hospital, known for his musical talents and gentle conscience.Eleanor Harding – The younger daughter of the Rev. Septimus Harding.Archdeacon Theophilus Grantly – Harding’s son-in-law, a forceful defender of the Church’s authority and income.Mrs Susan Grantly (née Harding) – Harding’s elder daughter, devoted to her family and married to the Archdeacon.John Bold – A principled reformer who initiates the legal challenge, and suitor to Eleanor Harding.Mary Bold – John Bold’s sister and Eleanor Harding’s close friend and confidante.Tom Towers – A journalist for The Jupiter , representing the distant yet influential power of the press.Sir Abraham Haphazard – A legal expert called in to advise the Church during the dispute.Bunce – A loyal bedesman who supports Mr Harding and upholds the old traditions of the hospital.
Themes
Conscience and Duty
Mr Harding’s personal moral crisis lies at the heart of The Warden . Though legally entitled to his income as Warden of Hiram’s Hospital, he questions whether it is ethically justifiable when the bedesmen in his care receive so little. Trollope explores how personal conscience can be at odds with institutional loyalty and legal correctness. Harding’s decision to resign, though painful, marks him as a figure of quiet moral strength.
Church Reform and Charitable Endowments
The novel reflects the intense scrutiny faced by the Church of England in the mid-19th century, particularly around the use and management of charitable funds. The Warden was published just three years after the 1852 Charitable Trusts Debate in Parliament, which exposed abuses in the administration of church endowments. Many long-established ecclesiastical charities were found to benefit clergy more than the poor they were meant to serve.
Trollope’s fictional Hiram’s Hospital is closely modelled on the Hospital of St Cross in Winchester, where it had been alleged that a wealthy churchman was drawing a substantial income while the almsmen lived in near poverty. The scandal contributed to public unease about the fairness and transparency of church-run charities, and Trollope channels these debates into the conflict between John Bold, representing reform, and Mr Harding, who finds himself caught between law, custom, and justice.
Tradition vs Reform
John Bold’s campaign to reform Hiram’s Hospital pits him against the entrenched values of the Church establishment. Trollope presents the tensions between well-meaning reformers and a conservative institution struggling to adapt. While sympathetic to Bold’s motives, Trollope also shows how reform driven by abstract principle can overlook the human cost. The novel does not offer simple answers, but instead invites readers to weigh tradition against fairness, and personal morality against public duty.
The Role of the Press
Through The Jupiter , a fictional stand-in for The Times , Trollope critiques the influence of the press in shaping public opinion. Tom Towers, a journalist who has never met Harding, plays a powerful role in turning public sentiment against him. Trollope suggests that the growing reach of newspapers brought new forms of scrutiny and injustice, particularly when issues were presented in stark moral terms without attention to nuance.
Ecclesiastical Life
Drawing on his close observation of Church structures, Trollope depicts the routines and hierarchies of clergy life with accuracy and subtle satire. The relationships between clergy, lawyers, journalists, and reformers are drawn with careful attention to power and influence. The character of Archdeacon Grantly embodies the defensive instincts of a Church under siege, while Harding’s personal conflict highlights the strain placed on individuals within that system.
Discussion Questions
How does Mr Harding's personal conscience influence his decisions throughout the novel?
In what ways does Trollope portray the conflict between reform and tradition?
How are real-life controversies, such as the Hospital of St Cross, reflected in the novel?
What is the role of the press in shaping public judgement in The Warden ?
BIG READ
The Warden was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme from April to May 2023. These recordings offer valuable context and interpretation and can be used alongside the reading guide to enrich group or individual discussion.
Resources
Barchester Towers
Publication Details
Written: 1855–1856Published: 1857Publisher: Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, & Roberts, LondonFormat: Three-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Trollope recorded that Barchester Towers was his first major commercial success, earning him £727 (together with The Warden) and solidifying his reputation with the reading public.
Summary
Set in the fictional cathedral town of Barchester, this second novel in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series continues the story of Mr Harding and his family, while introducing a wider range of characters embroiled in ecclesiastical politics and social ambition. When a new bishop is appointed, accompanied by his overbearing wife Mrs Proudie and the manipulative chaplain Mr Slope, conflict erupts between conservative and reformist factions in the diocese. At the centre are personal rivalries, questions of church patronage, and romantic entanglements, especially those involving the young widow Eleanor Bold. Barchester Towers is both a satire of church life and a nuanced study of character and power.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Rev. Francis Arabin – A thoughtful and honourable clergyman drawn into the struggle for influence.Mrs. Eleanor Bold – Harding’s widowed daughter, independent-minded and emotionally honest.Mrs. Susan Grantly – Daughter of Mr. Harding, loyal wife to the Archdeacon.Rev. Theophilus Grantly – Archdeacon of Barchester, defender of High Church authority.Rev. Septimus Harding – Former warden of Hiram’s Hospital, modest and principled.Signora Madeline Neroni – A charming and manipulative invalid who delights in social intrigue.Mrs. Proudie – The Bishop’s assertive and domineering wife, determined to shape diocesan policy.Thomas Proudie, Bishop – The new Bishop of Barchester, amiable but pliable and often overruled by his wife.Rev. Mr. Quiverful – Poor clergyman with a large family, a pawn in diocesan politics.Rev. Obadiah Slope – The bishop’s chaplain, ambitious and insincere.Rev. Dr. Vesey Stanhope – Canon recalled from Italy, negligent but likeable clergyman.
Themes
Church Politics and Patronage
The central conflict in Barchester Towers revolves around ecclesiastical appointments and the struggle for control of the diocese. Trollope explores the influence of both Low Church (Evangelical) and High Church (Anglo-Catholic) factions through characters like Mr Slope and Archdeacon Grantly. This theme reflects contemporary debates in the Church of England following the Oxford Movement and reforms under successive governments. Clerical appointments become a proxy for ideological conflict and personal ambition, highlighting the uneasy blend of religion and politics in Victorian church life.
Power and Influence
Throughout the novel, Trollope examines how power is acquired, exercised and resisted, not just within the church, but also in domestic and social spheres. Mrs Proudie’s authority over her husband, Mr Slope’s manipulative charm, and Mr Arabin’s moral steadiness all provide insight into different models of influence. Trollope shows that true authority often lies not in titles or offices but in character, reputation, and the ability to sway others subtly. The novel’s humour frequently comes from watching these different strategies play out in rivalry and alliance.
Gender and Authority
While the world of Barchester Towers is dominated by clergymen and church politics, women play a powerful role in shaping outcomes. Eleanor Bold’s independence, Mrs Proudie’s assertiveness, and Signora Neroni’s strategic wit all challenge conventional ideas of female submission. Trollope complicates the idea of domestic femininity by presenting women who are influential, manipulative, or morally resilient, even in a patriarchal society that denies them formal power.
Hypocrisy and Ambition
Mr Slope represents the theme of self-serving morality: he claims to champion religious reform and social improvement, but is chiefly motivated by personal gain. Trollope draws a sharp line between integrity and opportunism, with Mr Harding and Mr Arabin standing as examples of quiet, sincere faith. The novel critiques not just hypocrisy, but also the tendency to use piety as a cover for ambition, a message that would have resonated in a time of institutional reform and clerical scandal.
Marriage and Money
Romantic entanglements in Barchester Towers are rarely just about love. Trollope explores how financial motives underpin many proposals, whether it is Bertie Stanhope's reluctant pursuit of Eleanor, or Mr Slope’s scheming courtship. Yet Trollope also suggests that affection and compatibility can win out over calculation. Eleanor’s choices, in particular, challenge assumptions about women as passive inheritors and highlight the emotional and economic stakes of Victorian marriage.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray the tensions within the Church of England through its characters?
In what ways is Eleanor Bold underestimated by those around her?
What commentary does the novel offer on the nature of power and influence?
How are courtship and marriage used to explore social mobility and financial pressure?
BIG READ
Barchester Towers was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from October 2020 to January 2021. The programme included fortnightly online meetings, each focusing on a short section of the novel and culminating in a concluding lecture by a leading academic.
Resources
The Three Clerks
Publication Details
Written: February–August 1857Published: December 1857 (title page dated 1858)Publisher: Richard Bentley, LondonFormat: Three-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Trollope received £250 for this novel
Summary
The Three Clerks is Trollope’s most autobiographical novel (see Chapter 3 of his Autobiography ). Drawing on his years in the General Post Office, it follows the intertwined lives of three young Civil Service clerks: Henry Norman, Alaric Tudor, and Charley Tudor. Henry is earnest and principled; Alaric is ambitious and morally vulnerable; and Charley is carefree, flirtatious, and aspiring to become a writer. Their lives intersect with the Woodward family: Mrs Woodward and her three daughters, Gertrude, Linda, and Katie, whose affections, ambitions, and fortunes shape the clerks’ fates. Blending romance, moral conflict, and institutional satire, the novel explores ambition, trust, and integrity, with Trollope’s own working life providing vivid authenticity.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Alaric Tudor – Ambitious Civil Service clerk whose rise through promotion (rather than by examination) exposes him to temptation and moral downfall through reckless financial dealings.Henry Norman – A steady and principled Civil Service clerk who marries Linda Woodward, having lost her sister Gertrude and his chance of promotion to Alaric Tudor.Charley Tudor – Alaric’s cousin, initially frivolous and self-indulgent, whose love for Katie Woodward inspires self-discipline and reform.Undecimus “Undy” Scott – A self-serving stockbroker and Member of Parliament who draws Alaric into corrupt financial schemes.Gertrude Woodward – The eldest Woodward daughter, admired by both Henry and Alaric; her romantic tragedy underscores the cost of misplaced ambition.Linda Woodward – The second daughter, intelligent and compassionate, who marries Henry Norman.Katie Woodward – The youngest daughter; her affection and moral influence help redeem Charley Tudor.Mrs. Bessie Woodward – The widowed mother of the Woodward sisters, maintaining family stability and moral example at their Hampton home.
Themes
Ambition and Moral Compromise
Alaric Tudor’s rise and fall exemplify the dangers of ambition untempered by integrity. His involvement with Undy Scott and speculative investments highlights the moral hazards of the expanding world of finance and public office. Trollope’s treatment reflects his own Civil Service experience and his criticism of the system of public entry competitive examinations for Civil Service clerks (introduced in the 1850s; see Autobiography Ch. 3). Trollope never lost an opportunity to criticise these examinations, viewing them as an imperfect measure of character and ability.
Redemption and Personal Growth
Charley Tudor begins as a light-hearted figure, shirking duty for pleasure and drink. Yet through love, loss, and example, he grows into a more responsible man. Trollope portrays redemption not as instant moral reform but as gradual, believable change rooted in affection, work, and humility.
Love and Courtship
The relationships of the Woodward sisters illustrate different kinds of love, ambitious, steadfast, and redemptive. Trollope’s heroines demonstrate quiet strength and emotional intelligence, while the male characters’ struggles expose the consequences of moral weakness and indecision.
Satire of Bureaucracy and Public Life
Drawing directly from his General Post Office experience, Trollope satirises Civil Service inefficiency and the petty politics of promotion. Through scenes at the Weights and Measures Office and the Board of Civil Engineers, he exposes both the absurdity and humanity of bureaucratic life. The system of examinations symbolises a new bureaucratic order, while also critiquing the misplaced faith in procedure over character. The novel’s satire of corruption and institutional shortcomings anticipates later works such as The Way We Live Now .
Friendship, Loyalty, and Integrity
The friendship between Alaric, Henry, and Charley is tested by ambition, love, and betrayal. Trollope explores how far loyalty can stretch when moral principles are compromised, asking whether friendship can survive the corrosion of trust.
Experiment and Influence
As one of Trollope’s comparatively early novels, The Three Clerks is experimental in its use of parody and in its attempt at social satire. It was praised on publication for widening the social canvas beyond that of Barchester Towers , marking Trollope’s breakthrough as a novelist of public as well as private life. Strongly influenced by Dickens, its critique of institutional corruption paved the way for later novels such as The Way We Live Now .
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope’s portrayal of the Civil Service reflect his own experience in the General Post Office?
What distinguishes Alaric’s ambition from Henry’s sense of duty and Charley’s moral awakening?
How do the Woodward sisters influence the men’s development, and what does this suggest about Trollope’s view of women’s moral authority?
In what ways does the novel anticipate the social and institutional critique of Trollope’s later works?
Why might Trollope have regarded this as his most autobiographical novel, and how does that shape its tone and realism?
BIG READ
The Three Clerks was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from August to September 2025. The programme included four Zoom meetings, each focusing on a segment of the novel, culminating in a concluding lecture given by Professor Dinah Birch.
Resources
Doctor Thorne
Publication Details
Written: 1857–1858Published: 1858Publisher: Chapman and Hall, LondonFormat: Three-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Trollope received £400 for this novel
Summary
Doctor Thorne , the third novel in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series, centres on the intertwined lives of the Gresham, Thorne, and Scatcherd families. The Greshams, once wealthy landowners, face financial ruin and pressure their heir, Frank Gresham, to marry into wealth. However, Frank is in love with Mary Thorne, the niece of the local physician, Dr Thomas Thorne. As family secrets, romantic attachments, and social pressures unfold, Trollope explores themes of class, legitimacy, inheritance, and moral integrity.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Dr Thomas Thorne – A respected physician in Greshamsbury and guardian to his niece, Mary.Mary Thorne – Dr Thorne's niece, whose true parentage and inheritance become central to the plot.Frank Gresham – Heir to the Greshamsbury estate, in love with Mary Thorne.Squire Francis Gresham – Frank's father, struggling to maintain the family's estate.Lady Arabella Gresham – Frank's mother, determined to restore the family's social standing through a wealthy marriage for her son.Sir Roger Scatcherd – A wealthy former stonemason and Mary's maternal uncle.Sir Louis Scatcherd – Sir Roger's dissolute son and initial heir to his fortune.Miss Martha Dunstable – A wealthy heiress and friend to the Gresham family.
Themes
Social Class and Legitimacy
Trollope explores the tension between birth and merit in a society where legitimacy and inheritance define social rank. Mary Thorne’s uncertain parentage places her outside acceptable norms despite her personal virtue. The novel critiques the rigidity of Victorian class structures and challenges the notion that worth and birth must align. Trollope ultimately suggests that moral character should outweigh legal status.
Wealth and Morality
The contrast between old money and new money is central to the story. The Greshams, with inherited land and status, are impoverished but uphold a traditional sense of honour. In contrast, the Scatcherds acquire wealth rapidly through trade, but their rise brings moral complications. Sir Roger’s self-made fortune gives him social influence, yet his background and behaviour remain suspect to the aristocracy. Trollope critiques both the corruption of wealth and the snobbery that excludes those who earn it.
Love Versus Duty
Frank Gresham is expected to restore his family's fortunes by marrying a wealthy heiress. However, his love for Mary Thorne sets up a conflict between personal happiness and filial duty. Trollope presents this dilemma sympathetically, questioning the morality of a society that values financial alliances above emotional connection. The novel suggests that true love must be tested and affirmed by time, patience, and resolve.
Redemption and Personal Growth
Characters such as Sir Roger Scatcherd and Frank Gresham undergo moral or emotional journeys. Sir Roger, though flawed and intemperate, shows genuine remorse and affection for his niece. Frank matures as he reconsiders his responsibilities and affections. Dr Thorne’s quiet integrity provides a moral centre throughout, showing the power of constancy and patience in the face of pressure.
Inheritance and Power
Much of the novel’s drama revolves around who will inherit Sir Roger’s fortune. Trollope uses this question to expose the randomness and injustice often built into the inheritance system. The novel shows how financial control, especially in the form of expectations or withheld information, can shape lives and distort values.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray the influence of social class on personal relationships?
In what ways does the novel challenge or reinforce Victorian ideals of legitimacy and inheritance?
What role does Dr Thorne play in mediating between different social classes?
How are themes of morality and integrity explored through the characters' decisions?
What commentary does Trollope offer on the concept of marrying for love versus duty?
BIG READ
Doctor Thorne was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from January to March 2021. The programme included four Zoom meetings, each focusing on a segment of the novel, culminating in a concluding lecture by Dr Ellen Moody.
Resources
The Bertrams
Publication Details
Written: 1858–1859Published: 1859Publisher: Chapman and Hall, LondonFormat: Three-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Trollope received £400 for this novel
Summary
The Bertrams follows the fortunes of George Bertram, an idealistic young man educated at Oxford, and his friend Arthur Wilkinson, a modest and dutiful clergyman. As the two men pursue their futures, George through travel, writing, and conflict with his wealthy grandfather, and Arthur through parish life, they both become entangled with Caroline Waddington, a clever and thoughtful woman who must choose between them. The novel ranges widely in setting, including scenes in the Middle East, London, and rural England. Trollope reflects on themes of ambition, belief, inheritance, and romantic disappointment, making this one of his more philosophically rich novels.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
George Bertram – A young Oxford-educated man torn between faith, ambition, and emotional loyalty.George Bertram Sr – George’s wealthy grandfather, whose control over the family fortune influences many lives.Lady Caroline Harcourt (née Waddington) – George’s former fiancée who marries into politics and status but later seeks personal fulfilment.Sir Henry Harcourt – Caroline’s ambitious and ultimately tragic husband, a rising legal and political figure.Rev. Arthur Wilkinson – George’s friend, a clergyman caught between duty to family and his personal desires.
Themes
Faith and Doubt
The Bertrams explores religious uncertainty in a rapidly modernising world. George Bertram wrestles with questions of belief, especially during his travels in the Middle East, and Arthur Wilkinson must navigate faith as part of his daily profession. Trollope reflects Victorian anxieties about religion, truth, and public morality.
Ambition and Disillusionment
Several characters strive for success, politically, professionally, or socially, but find that their achievements come at a personal cost. George seeks literary fame and intellectual freedom; Sir Henry Harcourt pursues power; Caroline seeks both independence and security. Their disappointments shape the emotional tone of the novel.
Love, Marriage, and Choice
Romantic choices are central to the novel, particularly Caroline Waddington’s decision between George and Arthur. Trollope presents love not as destiny, but as a complex interaction of feeling, circumstance, and timing. The novel offers a sobering account of missed opportunities and the quiet sadness of ill-matched marriages.
Inheritance and Control
George Bertram Sr represents the power of capital and the limitations it imposes. His control over his grandson’s future is both protective and oppressive. Trollope uses inheritance as a lens through which to examine dependency, freedom, and generational tension.
Colonialism and the East
George’s journey to Jerusalem and the Holy Land introduces questions of imperial perspective, religion, and cultural encounter. Though filtered through a Victorian lens, Trollope’s portrayal of the East reflects contemporary fascination with empire and the moral complexities it entailed.
Discussion Questions
How does George Bertram’s journey reflect his inner conflict about faith and purpose?
What do Caroline’s choices reveal about women’s roles and limitations in Victorian society?
In what ways does Trollope critique ambition and social climbing?
How are themes of inheritance and control explored through George Bertram Sr?
What role does setting, particularly the Holy Land, play in shaping the novel’s moral and emotional landscape?
BIG READ
The Bertrams has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. There are currently no associated introductory or concluding lectures available. However, this guide has been created to support individual readers and reading groups exploring one of Trollope’s more philosophical novels.
Resources
Castle Richmond
Publication Details
Written: August 1859 – March 1860Published: 10 May 1860Publisher: Chapman and Hall, LondonFormat: Three-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Trollope received £600 for this novel
Summary
Castle Richmond is set in southwestern Ireland during the early years of the Great Famine (1846–47). The novel follows two cousins of English descent, Herbert and Owen Fitzgerald, who both vie for the affections of Lady Clara Desmond, the noble yet impoverished daughter of the widowed Countess of Desmond. As the romantic rivalry unfolds, a complex legal and moral dilemma arises when a man named Matthew Mollett claims that Lady Fitzgerald's previous marriage was invalid, threatening the legitimacy of her children and the inheritance of Castle Richmond. The story intertwines personal drama with broader social issues, including the devastating impact of the famine and the responses of various characters to the crisis.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Sir Thomas Fitzgerald – A wealthy landowner residing at Castle Richmond.Lady Mary Fitzgerald (née Wainwright) – Sir Thomas's wife, whose past marriage becomes a central issue.Herbert Fitzgerald – Son of Sir Thomas and Lady Mary; heir to Castle Richmond.Owen Fitzgerald – A relative of Sir Thomas and Herbert's cousin; a passionate and impulsive suitor of Lady Clara.Lady Clara Desmond – Daughter of the Countess of Desmond; the object of both Herbert and Owen's affections.Countess of Desmond – Lady Clara's mother, who harbours her own feelings for Owen.Matthew Mollett – A man who claims to have been previously married to Lady Mary, threatening the legitimacy of her current marriage and her children's inheritance.Mr Prendergast – The family lawyer who investigates Mollett's claims.
Themes
Legitimacy and Inheritance
At the heart of the novel is a legal dilemma: if Lady Mary Fitzgerald’s previous marriage to Matthew Mollett is valid, then her children are illegitimate and cannot inherit Castle Richmond. Trollope uses this question of legitimacy not only to drive the plot but to explore how society values legality over personal integrity. The anxiety over birthright and honour reflects broader Victorian concerns with lineage, status, and reputation.
Love and Duty
The love triangle between Herbert, Owen, and Lady Clara brings out tensions between romantic feeling and societal pressure. Owen acts with passion and spontaneity, while Herbert is more measured and responsible. Trollope shows that affection must be balanced by maturity, and that honour sometimes means stepping aside rather than pursuing personal desire. Lady Clara’s own position, as a young woman from a noble but impoverished family, underscores how marriage was often shaped by necessity as much as sentiment.
Social Class and Responsibility
Set in the landed aristocracy of Ireland, the novel raises questions about the moral duties of the wealthy during times of national crisis. Trollope contrasts different approaches to charity and aid during the famine: from sincere involvement to empty gestures and self-interest. Herbert is portrayed as a conscientious landlord, while others are criticised for doing too little. Trollope does not offer radical solutions but invites the reader to consider the role of privilege in alleviating suffering.
The Irish Famine
Castle Richmond is Trollope’s only novel set explicitly during the Great Famine (1845–1852). While the main plot focuses on inheritance and romance, the famine is a constant presence, providing context, urgency, and a moral backdrop. Trollope depicts the effects of hunger, eviction, and disease, as well as the failures of government relief. Though criticised by some contemporaries for being too reserved in his condemnation, Trollope gives a complex and often moving portrayal of a devastating chapter in Irish history. His own experience working for the Post Office in Ireland informs the novel’s careful observation of social conditions and administrative response.
Religious and Cultural Identity
The characters are primarily Anglo-Irish Protestants, part of a minority that held disproportionate power in a predominantly Catholic country. Trollope subtly explores the distance between this class and the native Irish population. The tension between English and Irish identities, and the complications of governance, religion, and tradition, are present throughout the narrative, even as they remain in the background of the central domestic drama.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray the responsibilities of the Anglo-Irish gentry during the famine?
In what ways do personal desires conflict with social expectations in the characters' relationships?
What commentary does the novel offer on the legal system and its impact on personal lives?
How are themes of legitimacy and inheritance used to drive the plot and develop characters?
How does the setting of Ireland during the famine influence the narrative's tone and themes?
BIG READ
Castle Richmond has not yet been included in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. Currently, there are no associated lectures or discussions available through this initiative.
Resources
Framley Parsonage
Publication Details
Written: 1859–1860Published: Serialised in the Cornhill Magazine from January 1860 to April 1861; later published in book form by Smith, Elder & Co., LondonFormat: Monthly serial and three-volume hardbackIllustrations: First published with 24 original illustrations by John Everett MillaisEarnings: Trollope received £1000 for this novel, his highest payment to date, reflecting the magazine’s large readership and the growing popularity of his Barsetshire series.
Summary
Framley Parsonage , the fourth novel in the Chronicles of Barsetshire, follows the fortunes of the young clergyman Mark Robarts. Ambitious and sociable, Mark hopes to rise in church and society, but his decision to guarantee a loan for the unreliable MP Mr Sowerby plunges him into financial and moral trouble. Alongside his story is the romance between his sister Lucy and Lord Lufton, a match resisted by Lady Lufton, the young peer’s mother. Trollope blends social comedy, financial drama, and subtle romance, continuing his portrait of rural English life and the moral dilemmas facing Victorian clergy and aristocracy.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Rev. Josiah Crawley – A poor clergyman known for his pride and integrity, living in Hogglestock.Lady Lufton – A strong-willed patroness and mother of Lord Lufton, keen to manage her son's future.Lord Ludovic Lufton – A young nobleman and friend to Mark Robarts, caught between duty and love.Lucy Robarts – Mark's sister, whose modesty and moral strength win Lord Lufton’s love.Rev. Mark Robarts – The young vicar of Framley, whose imprudent financial decisions drive much of the novel’s plot.Mrs Fanny Robarts (née Monsell) – Mark’s loyal and sensible wife.Nathaniel Sowerby – A persuasive but debt-ridden MP whose charm and influence draw others into financial and moral trouble.
Themes
Social and Political Ambition
Mark Robarts’s story is one of social climbing rather than clerical ambition. His visits to Chaldicotes and Gatherum Castle, where he is drawn into the world of politicians and social elites, reveal his desire for advancement and acceptance among those above his station. Trollope uses Mark’s mistakes to illustrate the risks of seeking status through patronage and appearances rather than genuine merit or moral steadiness.
Money, Debt, and Honour
A central theme of the novel is the moral hazard of financial entanglements. Mark’s signing of a loan guarantee becomes a turning point in his character’s development. Trollope illustrates how debt undermines not just security but also integrity and social standing.
Romance and Social Barriers
The romance between Lucy Robarts and Lord Lufton explores class differences and the social expectations of marriage. Lucy’s modest background makes her an unlikely match for a nobleman, but Trollope ultimately rewards moral character over pedigree, challenging social prejudice.
Influence and Patronage
Lady Lufton’s role as both patroness and mother reveals how personal relationships and power structures shape the careers and marriages of others. Trollope questions the fairness of a system based on personal influence rather than merit, particularly within the Church.
Community and Moral Example
Framley functions as a close-knit rural society where decisions reverberate widely. Trollope examines how clergy are expected to be moral exemplars, and how personal failings, however well-intentioned, can affect an entire parish.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope contrast Mark Robarts and Josiah Crawley in their approaches to poverty and pride?
What role does class play in the relationship between Lucy Robarts and Lord Lufton?
In what ways does Lady Lufton influence the lives of those around her, for better or worse?
How does the novel treat the theme of financial responsibility within a religious vocation?
What commentary does Trollope offer on social mobility and merit through Mark’s rise and fall?
How do Mark Robarts’s visits to Chaldicotes and Gatherum Castle illuminate his ambitions and temptations?
BIG READ
Framley Parsonage was featured in the Trollope Society’s Online Conversazione group reading. The programme concluded with a seminar on Saturday 20 June 2020. Professor Francis O’Gorman, editor of the Oxford World’s Classics edition of Framley Parsonage , spoke at the meeting, offering reflections on the novel’s characters, themes, and moral dilemmas.
Resources
Orley Farm
Publication Details
Written: 1860–1861Published: Serialised in The Illustrated London News from March 1861 to October 1862; later published in book form by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Two-volume novelIllustrations: First published with 40 illustrations by Sir John Everett MillaisEarnings: Trollope received £3,135 for this novel, reflecting its popularity and the success of the serialisation.
Summary
Orley Farm is a compelling legal drama centred around Lady Mason, whose past actions become the subject of renewed scrutiny when a challenge is made against the inheritance of her son, Lucius. The novel delves into questions of justice, reputation, and moral complexity, and is noted for its psychological insight and richly drawn characters. Alongside the central legal case, Trollope weaves a series of romantic entanglements involving Felix Graham, Mary Snow, and Madeline Staveley, as well as Albert and Peregrine Orme, to explore the expectations and realities of love and marriage within Victorian society.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Lady Mason – The protagonist at the centre of the legal and moral conflict.Lucius Mason – Her son, determined and idealistic, proud of his family’s position.Sir Joseph Mason – Her late husband, whose will is central to the plot.Sir Peregrine Orme – A nobleman drawn into the case by his admiration for Lady Mason.Mrs Orme – His gentle and principled daughter-in-law.Samuel Dockwrath – A sharp and ambitious solicitor intent on pursuing the case.Mr Furnival – A leading barrister whose role in the case becomes personally complicated.Felix Graham – A young barrister with strong principles and conflicting romantic ties, whose choices reflect Trollope’s interest in the motives for marriage.
Themes
Justice and Morality
Trollope explores the complexities of legal and moral judgment, asking whether justice delivered in a courtroom always aligns with what feels morally right. The novel invites readers to reflect on the purpose of law and the grey areas that often lie between guilt and innocence, intention and outcome.
Maternal Responsibility and Devotion
At the heart of the novel is a mother determined to protect her child’s future. Trollope presents a sympathetic but subtle portrayal of the emotional weight of motherhood. The narrative considers how parental love can lead to difficult choices, and how acts of devotion may come into conflict with societal norms and expectations.
Social Reputation and Honour
The story unfolds in a world where personal honour and social reputation carry immense weight. Trollope shows how respectability is both a shield and a burden, particularly for women. The fear of public disgrace hovers over many characters, revealing the precariousness of social standing in Victorian society.
The Legal Profession and Ethics
With its courtroom scenes and barristers’ chambers, Orley Farm offers a detailed depiction of the legal world. Trollope contrasts different approaches to legal practice: some characters are driven by ambition and strategy, while others value integrity and fairness. The novel raises questions about professional duty, ambition, and the moral responsibilities of those who interpret and apply the law.
Love, Marriage, and Moral Choice
Felix Graham’s relationships with Mary Snow and Madeline Staveley, together with the romantic tensions involving Albert and Peregrine Orme, reveal Trollope’s recurring preoccupation with the reasons people marry. The novel contrasts marriages based on affection, convenience, and expectation, asking whether moral principle, social ambition, or emotional security should guide such choices. These intertwined stories deepen the novel’s psychological realism, showing how private feeling intersects with public morality.
Conscience and Private Truth
Beyond public trials and formal arguments, Orley Farm is a story about internal struggle. Trollope is deeply interested in how individuals live with their actions and justify their decisions. The novel suggests that truth is not only a matter for judges and juries, it is also something each person must face within themselves.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray the conflict between legal justice and personal morality?
In what ways does Lady Mason’s character challenge the reader’s sympathies?
What role does social reputation play in the characters’ decisions and relationships?
How are the legal professionals depicted, and what insight does the novel offer into the Victorian legal system?
What do Trollope’s characters in this novel seek and expect from marriage?
What does the novel suggest about the limits of truth and the burden of conscience?
BIG READ
Orley Farm was featured in the Trollope Society’s Online Conversazione group reading. The programme concluded with a seminar on 21 March 2022.
Watch the concluding lecture – Professor Francis O’Gorman, editor of the Oxford World’s Classics edition of Orley Farm , provided reflections on the novel’s literary and moral complexities.
Resources
The Struggles of Brown, Jones and Robinson
Publication Details
Written: Early 1860sPublished: Serialised in The Cornhill Magazine from August 1861 to April 1862; published in book form by Smith, Elder & Co., London in 1862Format: Serial and single-volume novelEarnings: Trollope does not record his earnings for this novel in An Autobiography
Summary
This comic novel, set in the world of Victorian advertising and middle-class commerce, follows the rise and fall of a London drapery firm. Brown, Jones and Robinson form a partnership to run a shop in Holborn, but business acumen is not their strength. Narrated by Robinson, whose self-confidence far exceeds his judgment, the novel satirises the world of retail, advertising, and commercial puffery. It explores what happens when marketing triumphs over substance, and ambition outpaces ability.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Maryanne Brown – The daughter of Mr Brown; ambitious, flirtatious, and determined to climb socially. Her romantic and personal manoeuvring drives much of the novel’s action.William Brisket – A prosperous tradesman and rival to the Brown, Jones and Robinson enterprise. He courts Maryanne and ultimately provides a counterpoint to the trio’s chaotic business.Robinson – The narrator and one of the partners in the firm. Self-important and comically unreliable, his account shapes the novel's satirical tone.
Mr Brown – Senior partner in the firm and Maryanne’s father. Easily influenced and lacking in business sense.
Mr Jones – The quietest member of the firm, often sidelined and with little influence over events.
Themes
Commerce and Advertising
The novel pokes fun at the emerging culture of advertising in Victorian Britain. Robinson believes in bold slogans, eye-catching signage, and promotional stunts, but lacks sound business judgment. Trollope explores how marketing can distort reality and deceive both sellers and buyers.
Satire of Middle-Class Ambition
The story offers a comic portrait of misguided social and commercial aspiration. Trollope critiques the inflated self-image of his narrator and the illusion of upward mobility through entrepreneurship, suggesting that character, not cleverness, is the foundation of success.
Gender and Manipulation
Maryanne Brown is one of Trollope’s more flamboyant characters, a woman who uses charm, flirtation, and strategic thinking to get what she wants. The novel examines how women navigated a world where marriage, rather than work, was expected to be their path to influence.
Failure and Delusion
More than a story of success, this is a tale of self-deception and failure. The narrator’s version of events does not always align with reality, and Trollope uses irony to highlight the difference between how things are and how people choose to see them.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope use the narrator’s voice to shape the reader’s view of the story?
What does the novel suggest about the relationship between advertising and honesty?
How is Maryanne Brown portrayed, as a manipulator, a survivor, or something else?
In what ways is this a novel about failure rather than success?
How does Trollope balance comedy with criticism in his depiction of commerce and ambition?
BIG READ
The Struggles of Brown, Jones and Robinson has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. This guide may still be used by individual readers and reading groups for context, themes, and discussion prompts.
Resources
Rachel Ray
Publication Details
Written: Early 1860sPublished: First published in book form by Chapman & Hall, London in 1863Format: Single-volume novelEarnings: Trollope received £1,645 for this novel, which was originally intended for serial publication in Good Words magazine but withdrawn due to concerns about its portrayal of Evangelicals.
Summary
Rachel Ray is a domestic novel set in a small Devon town, focusing on the emotional and moral struggles of a young woman whose prospects of happiness are clouded by family pressure and religious intolerance. When Rachel meets Luke Rowan, a spirited young man with unclear intentions, she must navigate conflicting advice from her kindly mother and her strict Evangelical sister. The novel offers a sharp critique of religious hypocrisy and the limits placed on women’s independence, while providing a tender portrait of love, reputation, and small-town life.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Rachel Ray – A young woman of strong feeling and good judgement, caught between affection, family pressure, and social expectation.Mrs Ray – Rachel’s kind-hearted but easily swayed mother, anxious about appearances and propriety.Mrs Dorothea Prime (Ray) – Rachel’s elder sister, a strict Evangelical and dominant moral voice in the household.Luke Rowan – A spirited and ambitious young man who shows interest in Rachel, but is mistrusted by her family and the town.Mrs Margaret Tappitt – A neighbour who disapproves of Rowan and influences others against him.Thomas Tappitt – A local brewer and Rowan’s reluctant business partner, representative of commercial conservatism.
Themes
Religious Influence and Hypocrisy
A major focus of the novel is the contrast between genuine personal faith and rigid, performative religiosity. Through Mrs Prime, Trollope critiques Evangelical dogmatism, presenting her piety as narrow, cold, and judgemental. Her strict views, backed by her position in the church community, wield disproportionate influence over her mother and sister. Trollope contrasts this with the more intuitive morality of Rachel and the mild, affectionate Christianity of Mrs Ray, raising questions about the role of religion in everyday life and the dangers of using faith to control others.
Women’s Autonomy and Family Control
Rachel’s choices are not entirely her own. The novel examines how women, even when intelligent and morally upright, could be subject to the dictates of older female relatives or male social norms. Trollope captures the subtleties of domestic authority: Mrs Prime may not hold formal power, but she exerts real control. Rachel’s struggle to assert herself becomes a quietly powerful story of emerging self-determination. Trollope avoids caricature, instead showing the emotional and social costs of living under someone else’s judgement.
Reputation, Respectability, and Gossip
Set in a provincial town, the novel depicts a community where gossip spreads rapidly and reputation is paramount. Rachel’s contact with Luke Rowan is viewed not as a private matter but as one with implications for her standing in society. Trollope shows how hearsay, fuelled by suspicion and moral posturing, can shape destinies. He critiques the culture of surveillance that governs small-town respectability, particularly in the treatment of women.
Commerce and Social Standing
Luke Rowan’s efforts to modernise a local brewery bring him into conflict with traditional ways of doing business. His entrepreneurial energy threatens those with a stake in the status quo. Trollope uses this conflict to explore broader themes: how economic innovation is resisted by fear, how character and reputation influence commercial partnerships, and how business can become entangled with personal resentment and pride.
Love, Trust, and Moral Certainty
At its heart, Rachel Ray is a novel about love shadowed by uncertainty. Rachel must decide whether to trust her own instincts or the cautions of others. Trollope suggests that moral strength lies not in pious certainty but in quiet integrity, affection, and thoughtfulness. The love story between Rachel and Luke is not idealised, but grounded in misunderstanding, restraint, and slow-building respect.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope contrast the religious views of Mrs Prime and the more open-hearted approach of Mrs Ray?
What do Rachel’s decisions reveal about the pressures facing women in Victorian society?
How does gossip function in the novel, and what consequences does it have?
What is the significance of the brewing business subplot, and how does it mirror the main themes of the novel?
In what ways does Trollope critique or uphold traditional gender roles through Rachel’s story?
BIG READ
Rachel Ray has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. This guide may still be used by individual readers and reading groups for context, themes, and discussion prompts.
Resources
The Small House at Allington
Publication Details
Written: 1862–1864Published: Serialised in Cornhill Magazine from September 1862 to April 1864; published in two volumes by Smith, Elder & Co., London in 1864Format: Serial and two-volume novelIllustrations: First published with 18 original illustrations by Sir John Everett MillaisEarnings: Trollope received £3,000 for this novel
Summary
Part of the Chronicles of Barsetshire series, The Small House at Allington shifts focus from ecclesiastical matters to the emotional lives of the Dale family. At the heart of the novel are two sisters, Lily and Bell Dale, who live with their widowed mother in the “small house” in Allington. The story explores romantic entanglements, personal pride, and social convention in a rural setting. Trollope contrasts worldly ambition with sincere feeling, examining themes of love, self-respect, and personal growth in a world bound by class and tradition.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Lily Dale – Spirited, affectionate, and deeply romantic, Lily’s emotional journey drives the novel’s central plot.Bell Dale (Isabella) – Lily’s quieter, more reserved sister; thoughtful and loyal.Mrs Mary Dale – The widowed mother of Lily and Bell, concerned for her daughters’ happiness and security.Adolphus Crosbie – A self-assured civil servant who becomes involved with the Dale family while seeking social advancement.Johnny Eames – A young clerk working his way up in the world; loyal, awkward, and sincere in his affections.Lord de Guest (Theodore, Earl) – A kind-hearted nobleman and patron to Johnny, offering both comic perspective and genuine support.
Themes
Love and Emotional Constancy
Trollope explores how different people respond to love, loss, and disappointment. The novel presents a contrast between passionate attachment and quiet, enduring feeling. Emotional resilience, self-respect, and the tension between private feeling and public opinion are central to the way characters experience romantic relationships.
Ambition, Social Aspiration, and Compromise
The novel examines the impact of ambition and the desire for social advancement. Characters must navigate expectations around wealth, marriage, and public standing, and Trollope explores the cost of pursuing position at the expense of principle. He critiques a society in which appearances can take precedence over sincerity and trust.
Female Agency, Vulnerability, and Constraint
Trollope gives attention to the inner lives of women navigating societal expectations. The novel shows how women exercised emotional intelligence and moral agency, even as their futures were often shaped by family dynamics, social reputation, and economic dependence. Strength of character is shown to exist within constraint.
Friendship, Mentorship, and Moral Growth
Alongside romantic plots, Trollope presents a compelling depiction of friendship and support between men of different generations. Mentorship is shown as a source of personal growth, where kindness, humour, and example help characters develop in judgement, self-awareness, and confidence.
Class, Respectability, and Rural Life
The setting of the small house, modest in status but rich in warmth and integrity, is central to the novel’s social landscape. Trollope contrasts simplicity and quiet virtue with the formal, sometimes shallow concerns of the upper classes. Through this, he raises questions about what truly defines respectability and moral worth.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray Lily Dale’s response to personal challenges? Is her emotional consistency a strength or a limitation?
What does Adolphus Crosbie’s behaviour suggest about the risks of unchecked ambition?
How does Johnny Eames develop over the course of the novel, and what does his journey reveal about Trollope’s values?
In what ways does Trollope critique or uphold traditional gender roles?
What does the “small house” represent within the social structure of the novel?
BIG READ
The Small House at Allington was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ in 2022. The programme concluded with a final Zoom seminar on 5th September 2022.
Resources
Can You Forgive Her?
Publication Details
Written: 1863–1864Published: Serialised in Saint Paul’s Magazine from July 1864 to February 1865; published in two volumes by Chapman & Hall, London in 1864–65Format: Serial and two-volume novelIllustrations: First published with 40 original illustrations by Phiz (Hablot Knight-Browne) and othersEarnings: Trollope received £3,525 for this novel
Summary
The first novel in the Palliser series, Can You Forgive Her? explores the consequences of choice, independence, and societal pressure in the lives of three women. Alice Vavasor, the central character, finds herself torn between two suitors, her honourable fiancé John Grey, and her dangerous cousin George Vavasor. Around her, Lady Glencora struggles with life inside a political marriage, and the widow Mrs Greenow must choose between two contrasting suitors. Through these parallel stories, Trollope examines Victorian expectations of women, the limits of forgiveness, and the tension between passion, duty, and self-respect.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Alice Vavasor – A wealthy young woman facing pressure from family and society over her conflicting romantic commitments.John Grey – Alice’s principled and patient suitor, representing steadiness and moral strength.George Vavasor – Alice’s cousin, charismatic but reckless and self-serving.Kate Vavasor – George’s sister and Alice’s confidante, who manipulates events in favour of her brother.Lady Glencora Palliser (née MacCluskie) – Alice’s cousin, a spirited woman trapped in a political marriage.Mrs Arabella Greenow – A wealthy widow torn between two suitors, offering comic contrast to Alice’s dilemma.
Themes
Choice, Autonomy, and Responsibility
At the heart of the novel is the question of how much freedom individuals, particularly women, have to make meaningful choices. Alice Vavasor’s indecision about marriage reflects a struggle between emotional desire, personal independence, and social pressure. Trollope examines how such choices are shaped by family influence, financial dependence, and moral expectation.
Gender and Social Convention
Through Alice, Glencora, and Mrs Greenow, Trollope explores how Victorian women navigated the expectations of marriage, widowhood, and propriety. The novel highlights both constraint and resistance, Glencora’s political match, Alice’s uncertainty, and Arabella Greenow’s ironic enjoyment of widowhood all point to the varied ways women responded to convention.
Power, Influence, and Ambition
Power dynamics in the novel are subtle and varied: between men and women, parents and children, cousins and suitors. Characters like George and Kate Vavasor manipulate for personal or political gain, while others, such as John Grey, exert quieter, steadier influence. Trollope contrasts integrity with ambition, and questions how authority should be earned or used.
Money, Politics, and Marriage
The novel links romantic decisions with political and financial motives. Inheritance, status, and ambition play central roles in who marries whom, and why. Trollope critiques a world where personal feeling often collides with practical or public concerns, especially for women whose lives are shaped by the choices of men and the structures of property.
Humour and Satire
The comic subplot involving Mrs Greenow gently mocks romantic and mourning conventions. Still in full mourning dress while choosing between two suitors, she parodies Victorian expectations around grief, respectability, and feminine behaviour. Trollope uses her story to expose the performative nature of such customs, even as he treats her with warmth.
Discussion Questions
Why does Alice struggle so much with the question of marriage, and how is her indecision portrayed?
How do the three main women in the novel, Alice, Glencora, and Mrs Greenow, illustrate different responses to Victorian expectations?
What does the novel suggest about the link between power and morality, especially in George Vavasor’s character?
In what ways is the novel political, and how does it connect domestic life to public affairs?
How does Trollope use humour in the novel, particularly in Mrs Greenow’s scenes?
BIG READ
Can You Forgive Her? was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ in 2023. The programme included six fortnightly Zoom meetings covering the novel in sections, culminating in a concluding lecture.
Resources
Miss Mackenzie
Publication Details
Written: 1864–1865Published: 1865 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Single-volume hardbackEarnings: Trollope received £1,300 for this novel
Summary
Miss Mackenzie tells the story of Margaret Mackenzie, a quiet, unremarkable woman of thirty-five who inherits a modest fortune after years of caregiving for elderly relatives. Stepping for the first time into independence, she must navigate a series of suitors, new social circles, and her own sense of self-worth. As her fortune attracts romantic attention, some sincere, some opportunistic, Margaret must decide what kind of life she wants and whether she can claim happiness on her own terms. This is a quietly radical novel, offering an unusually sympathetic portrayal of a middle-aged woman as heroine and moral centre.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Margaret Mackenzie – A timid and plain 35-year-old woman whose unexpected inheritance gives her a chance at independence.Mrs Sarah Mackenzie – Margaret’s self-interested sister-in-law, representing familial duty and financial expectation.Rev. Jeremiah Maguire – A pompous Evangelical clergyman who courts Margaret for her money.Samuel Rubb, Jr. – The son of Margaret’s former business associate, an earnest but socially awkward suitor.John Ball – Margaret’s cousin, a respectable widower with nine children who slowly becomes a romantic interest.Lady Ball – John Ball’s formidable mother, who disapproves of Margaret’s background.
Themes
Independence and Respectability
Margaret’s journey centres on what it means to live independently, financially, socially, and emotionally, at a time when women were expected to marry or remain dependent on family. Trollope explores the costs of respectability and the quiet resistance of a woman forging her own path.
Marriage and Motivation
Margaret is courted by three men, each offering different prospects and carrying different motives. Trollope critiques not only mercenary marriage but also the emotional risks of settling, and he allows Margaret space to reflect, hesitate, and ultimately choose on her own terms.
Middle Age and Female Visibility
Unlike many Victorian heroines, Margaret is not young or conventionally attractive. Trollope offers a compassionate portrait of a woman often overlooked, giving her emotional complexity, intelligence, and dignity. The novel challenges assumptions about female worth and desirability.
Religion and Hypocrisy
Through Rev. Maguire and the religious community in Littlebath, Trollope examines Evangelical piety, social performance, and religious hypocrisy. He presents faith as vulnerable to self-interest and ambition, while highlighting the social capital religion can offer.
Money and Moral Pressure
Margaret’s inheritance draws pressure from her extended family and acquaintances, testing her judgement and values. Trollope reveals how financial independence does not protect women from moral obligation or social judgement, and how money can complicate love, kinship, and autonomy.
The Griselda Figure and Female Endurance
Margaret Mackenzie has been described as a modern-day Griselda, a literary archetype from medieval literature, known for patient endurance and moral constancy. Popularised by Chaucer’s Clerk’s Tale , Griselda represents feminine submission to trials and suffering. Trollope reimagines this figure for the Victorian era: Margaret is long-suffering and patient, but not passive. She exercises choice, questions social pressures, and ultimately asserts her independence. In doing so, Trollope challenges the value of unquestioning female obedience, offering instead a portrait of quiet strength and resilience.
Discussion Questions
In what ways does Margaret challenge or conform to Victorian ideals of womanhood?
How do the various suitors reflect different aspects of class, character, and social aspiration?
What does the novel suggest about female independence, both its possibilities and its limits?
How does Trollope balance satire and sympathy in his portrayal of religious and social communities?
How might we understand the novel’s title in relation to Margaret’s final choices?
BIG READ
Miss Mackenzie was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ in 2023. The programme included six fortnightly Zoom meetings, concluding with a seminar on 30th October 2023.
Resources
The Belton Estate
Publication Details
Written: 1865Published: 1866 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Two-volume novelEarnings: Trollope received £1,757 for this novel
Summary
The Belton Estate follows Clara Amedroz, a young woman from a declining landed family who must navigate the competing expectations of duty, affection, and social survival. When the family estate passes to a distant cousin, Will Belton, Clara finds herself torn between an offer of marriage from a kind but unpolished heir and her lingering attachment to the refined but unreliable Captain Aylmer. Trollope explores the changing landscape of rural England, the shifting nature of class and respectability, and the emotional complexities of a woman caught between tradition and self-determination.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Clara Amedroz – An intelligent and principled young woman facing a difficult choice between security and affection.Will Belton – Clara’s distant cousin and the new heir to Belton Castle; a decent and earnest Norfolk farmer.Captain Frederick Folliott Aylmer – Clara’s former suitor, a polished but self-serving MP and beneficiary of her aunt’s will.Mrs Mary Askerton – Clara’s close friend, whose past as a remarried woman causes social scandal.Colonel Askerton – Mrs Askerton’s supportive husband, who lives with her on the Belton estate.Mrs Winterfield – Clara’s wealthy aunt, whose inheritance and influence shape Clara’s options.
Themes
Class, Property, and Social Change
The novel reflects the shifting landscape of Victorian England, as traditional landowning families like the Amedroz decline and new, practical heirs like Will Belton rise. Trollope explores how property, class, and social identity intersect, and how these changes affect personal relationships, pride, and belonging.
Marriage, Morality, and Female Autonomy
Clara’s dilemma, whether to marry for affection, duty, or security, raises questions about what makes a marriage meaningful. Trollope examines the emotional and moral consequences of marrying for convenience, the pressure placed on women to be grateful or obedient, and the value of personal conviction. Clara’s independence of thought and loyalty to friends like Mrs Askerton signal her strength within restrictive social norms.
Respectability and Reputation
Through the character of Mrs Askerton and Clara’s defence of her, Trollope probes the idea of scandal and the weight of reputation. He contrasts social judgement with inner morality, suggesting that compassion and loyalty are more valuable than public approval.
Travel, Perspective, and Modernity
Captain Aylmer’s extended tour, including a visit to the Holy Land, reflects the Victorian fascination with travel, both as a marker of culture and as a moral or spiritual venture. The Middle East, in particular, carried religious significance and was viewed with a mix of reverence and exoticism. Trollope contrasts this outward-facing experience with Clara’s domestic challenges, suggesting that travel does not always lead to insight. The novel also nods to the role of railways and modern communication in reshaping the pace and expectations of social life.
Discussion Questions
What values guide Clara’s decisions, and how does she weigh emotion against duty?
How does Trollope use Will Belton and Captain Aylmer to represent different models of English masculinity?
What does the novel suggest about social mobility and the declining power of the landed gentry?
How is the character of Mrs Askerton used to challenge conventional morality?
In what ways is The Belton Estate a novel of transition, both personally for Clara and socially for England?
What role does travel play in the novel, and how does Trollope contrast domestic and international experience?
BIG READ
The Belton Estate has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. However, this reading guide offers context, themes, and discussion questions to support independent or group reading.
Resources
The Last Chronicle of Barset
Publication Details
Written: 1865–1866Published: 1867 by Smith, Elder & Co., LondonFormat: Two volumes (issued in monthly parts with illustrations by George H. Thomas)Serialisation: Monthly parts, 1866–1867Illustrations: First published with 12 original illustrations by George H ThomasEarnings: Trollope received £3,000 for this novel
Summary
The Last Chronicle of Barset brings together many familiar characters from the Barsetshire series while introducing a central crisis of justice and integrity. As public suspicion falls on a poor clergyman, the community must decide where it stands. Romantic, professional, and spiritual dilemmas intersect in a story that explores pride, loyalty, and resilience. Trollope’s concluding Barsetshire novel is a moving and complex portrait of a society grappling with moral and social uncertainty.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Grace Crawley – A young woman of strong principles, daughter of Rev. Crawley, caught in social disgrace through no fault of her own.Rev. Josiah Crawley – A proud and impoverished clergyman struggling to uphold his integrity under public pressure.Madalina Demolines – A socially ambitious young woman with romantic designs and social aspirations.Major Henry Grantly – Archdeacon Grantly’s son, deeply in love with Grace Crawley.Archdeacon Theophilus Grantly – A senior churchman and powerful father figure with strong views on marriage and propriety.Mrs Proudie – The domineering wife of the Bishop of Barchester, entangled in diocesan control.Bishop Thomas Proudie – Her husband, often overshadowed in decision-making.
Themes
Justice, Honour, and Social Judgement
Trollope explores how reputation and integrity are shaped, and often damaged, by public suspicion and social commentary. Through one clergyman’s ordeal, he examines the fragile line between guilt and innocence in the eyes of the community. The novel questions how honour is preserved or lost when others presume to judge.
Poverty, Pride, and Clerical Struggle
The novel offers a powerful portrait of the emotional toll of poverty, particularly for those in positions of moral authority. Trollope critiques the Church’s unequal structures and shows how financial hardship can erode dignity and isolate even the most conscientious of individuals.
Love, Loyalty, and Moral Courage
Relationships in the novel are often tested by public pressure, family expectation, and personal doubt. Trollope values emotional honesty and steadfastness, showing how quiet conviction and care for others can offer stability amidst turmoil.
Art, Secrecy, and Transgression
A subplot involving a secret portrait commission brings together questions of artistic ambition, social propriety, and emotional manipulation. Trollope contrasts the world of middle-class London with that of Barsetshire, revealing how performance, secrecy, and desire often intertwine in the name of art and respectability.
Closure and Continuity
As the final novel in the Chronicles of Barsetshire , this book gathers threads from earlier volumes while introducing new characters and dilemmas. Trollope blends personal, social, and institutional themes into a wide-ranging meditation on change, ageing, and endurance. While not all tensions are resolved, the series ends with compassion, balance, and emotional insight.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray Rev. Crawley’s inner turmoil, and what does it suggest about Victorian understandings of mental and emotional strain?
In what ways does the novel explore the relationship between personal dignity and financial hardship?
How are family loyalty and romantic love challenged by social pressure and expectation?
What does the subplot involving the portrait commission reveal about art, gender, and reputation?
How does Trollope use this final novel to reflect on themes developed throughout the Barsetshire series?
BIG READ
The Last Chronicle of Barset was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ in 2023. The reading concluded with a single online seminar.
Watch the concluding lecture – Dr Ellen Moody reflected on the novel’s moral complexity, psychological insight, and the challenges of clerical life. The talk considers how Trollope brought the Barsetshire series to a powerful and moving close.
Resources
Nina Balatka
Publication Details
Written: 1866Published: 1867 by Smith, Elder & Co., LondonFormat: Single-volume novel, originally published anonymouslySerialisation: NoneEarnings: Trollope received £450Note: Published anonymously, Nina Balatka was an experimental departure for Trollope in both setting and tone, aimed at a more European literary style.
Summary
Set in 19th-century Prague, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Nina Balatka tells the story of a young Christian woman who falls in love with Anton Trendellsohn, the son of a wealthy Jewish merchant. Prague is not merely a backdrop but an active element in the novel, its narrow streets, old courtyards, and divided communities reflect the cultural and religious tensions shaping Nina's world. As she struggles with poverty, isolation, and family pressure, Nina must decide whether she can remain true to herself and her love in the face of deep-rooted suspicion and social constraint. This sombre and introspective novel is distinct from Trollope’s English fiction, showing a more psychological and symbolic approach.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Nina Balatka – A young Christian woman in Prague, living in poverty and torn between family loyalty and her love for Anton.Anton Trendellsohn – The son of a wealthy Jewish merchant, deeply in love with Nina, but facing prejudice from both their communities.Ipser Balatka – Nina’s late father, whose past business dealings cast a shadow over her present.Rebecca Loth – A relative of Anton’s, suspicious of Nina and hostile to their union.Karil Zamenoy – Nina’s uncle, who strongly disapproves of her relationship with Anton and seeks to end it.
Themes
Religious and Cultural Division
Set in Prague’s Jewish and Christian quarters, the novel reflects the complex coexistence, and frequent conflict, between religious communities in the city. Trollope uses this setting to explore the weight of inherited prejudice, the dangers of cultural isolation, and the difficulty of crossing communal boundaries, especially through love and marriage.
Love, Honour, and Personal Integrity
Nina’s love for Anton places her in conflict with family loyalty, social convention, and financial pressure. Trollope presents love as a moral decision, one that requires trust and courage rather than romantic fantasy.
Isolation and Social Constraint
The narrow, enclosed spaces of Prague reflect Nina’s restricted life. As a woman with little money and no independent standing, she is subject to the will of male relatives and judged by the standards of a rigid society. Her struggle becomes a symbol of individual conscience against social orthodoxy.
Money, Trust, and Suspicion
A central concern of the novel is the inheritance of debt and mistrust. Trollope shows how disputes over money, especially between Christians and Jews, can become entangled with pride, power, and identity. Economic concerns are rarely separated from religious or emotional ones.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope present the religious and cultural tensions between Christians and Jews in Prague?
In what ways is Nina’s position shaped by her gender and her economic vulnerability?
What moral questions does the novel raise about loyalty, to family, community, and self?
How does Trollope use the city of Prague to enhance the atmosphere and themes of the novel?
Why do you think Trollope chose to publish Nina Balatka anonymously?
BIG READ
Nina Balatka has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. However, this guide can be used by reading groups and individuals to support reflection on the novel’s setting, characters, and ideas. Its distinctive tone and Central European context provide a fascinating contrast to Trollope’s English fiction.
Resources
The Claverings
Publication Details
Written: 1866Published: 1867 by Smith, Elder & Co., LondonFormat: Two volumes, originally serialised in the Cornhill Magazine (February 1866 – May 1867)Serialisation: Cornhill Magazine , 1866–1867Illustrations: First published with 16 original illustrations by Mary Ellen EdwardsEarnings: Trollope received £2,800 for this novel
Summary
The Claverings follows Harry Clavering, a Cambridge Fellow and former schoolmaster, who chooses to pursue a career in civil engineering, a field expanding rapidly during the 19th-century railway boom. Through an apprenticeship with the firm of Beilby and Burton, he steps outside his upper-class world and into the working life of the middle class. His engagement to Florence Burton, his employer's daughter, is tested when Lady Julia Ongar, his former love and now a wealthy widow, returns to England. The novel explores themes of ambition, social mobility, emotional maturity, and the different paths open to men and women in Victorian society.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Harry Clavering – A Cambridge Fellow and former schoolmaster, son of a rector and cousin of a baronet, who apprentices as a civil engineer to forge an independent path.Julia, Lady Ongar (née Brabazon) – A wealthy widow and Harry’s former love who jilted Harry to marry for money, now a wealthy widow whose return into his life challenges his honour and resolve.Florence Burton – Harry’s fiancée, the principled and supportive daughter of his employer.Sophie Gordeloup – Lady Ongar’s cunning, conniving, self-serving companion.Count Edouard Pateroff – Sophie’s brother and Lord Ongar’s friend, entangled in Lady Ongar’s affairs, also her suitor.Sir Hugh Clavering – 11th Baronet of that name, Harry’s cousin and the head of the Clavering family, embodying traditional aristocratic values.Archibald Clavering – Sir Hugh’s ne’er-do-well younger brother and also Lady Ongar's suitor.Rev. Samuel Saul – A hardworking clergyman who embodies constancy and moral clarity as a suitor for the hand of Harry Clavering’s sister, Fanny.
Themes
Ambition and Social Mobility
Harry Clavering’s career path reflects the growing value placed on professional work and self-reliance in mid-Victorian England. His training at an engineering firm introduces him to a new professional class, setting him apart from his family’s world of landed privilege and clerical tradition. Trollope explores how ambition intersects and sometimes clashes with identity and class expectations.
Love, Honour and Emotional Conflict
The novel explores how personal loyalty, social expectation and emotional uncertainty can come into conflict. Several characters (Harry and Julia especially) must navigate the moral weight of the promises they’ve made, the consequences of both choice and vacillation, as well as the challenges of trying to act honourably.
Marriage and the Choices Available to Women
Trollope highlights the limited social and economic options available to women in Victorian society. Marriage offers protection and respectability, but also carries risks, particularly when driven by financial pressure or societal expectation. The novel contrasts different models of womanhood and the consequences of the choices women make, or have made for them.
Class Interactions and Social Perception
The story brings together characters from different classes, including landed gentry, professionals, and the working middle class. Through these interactions, Trollope questions assumptions about status, morality, and merit, and suggests that virtue is not confined to any one class.
Reputation and Moral Judgement
Public opinion can be a powerful incentive, obstacle or concern, as characters struggle with how they are perceived. Trollope critiques, sometimes satirises, the rigidity of social judgement and the double standards that especially affect women. The novel invites readers to consider how reputations are formed, and how difficult they can be to reclaim or redefine.
Discussion Questions
How does Harry Clavering's career shift reflect broader changes in professional aspiration during the Victorian era?
What do Florence Burton and Lady Ongar reveal about different models of Victorian womanhood?
How does the novel address the social pressures on women to marry, and the risks involved in doing so?
In what ways do class and profession shape the characters' moral choices?
How does Trollope explore the consequences of hesitation and indecision in both public and private life?
BIG READ
The Claverings was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from April to May 2025. The programme included online meetings covering sections of the novel, concluding with a talk by Dr Nicholas Shrimpton (University of Oxford).
Resources
Linda Tressel
Publication Details
Written: 1867Published: 1868 by Smith, Elder & Co., LondonFormat: Single-volume novelEarnings: Trollope received £450Note: Like Nina Balatka , Linda Tressel was published anonymously and set outside England, reflecting Trollope’s interest in European settings and moral conflicts.
Summary
Set in the conservative town of Nuremberg, Linda Tressel tells the story of a young woman living under the strict control of her aunt, Frau Staubach, a devout Lutheran. Linda’s life is marked by religious rigidity, social expectation, and a looming unwanted marriage proposal from the elderly town magistrate, Peter Steinmarc. Her heart, however, lies with Ludovic Valcarm, a politically rebellious young man whose radical views further threaten her fragile social position. The novel explores how personal desire, piety, and repression collide in a closely monitored world where women have little room to choose their own fate. Though short, the novel is one of Trollope’s most psychologically intense.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Linda Tressel – A sensitive and intelligent young woman struggling under oppressive religious and social expectations.Frau Charlotte Staubach – Linda’s austere and pious aunt, who believes it is her religious duty to govern Linda’s life.Peter Steinmarc – An elderly magistrate who seeks to marry Linda, largely for her inheritance.Ludovic Valcarm – A politically outspoken young man who wins Linda’s affection.Tetchen – The household servant, observant and aware of the tensions around her.Mrs Fanny Bogen – A neighbour and social observer.
Themes
Religious Authority and Female Submission
The novel centres on the repressive control exercised by Frau Staubach, whose rigid religious beliefs justify her domination over Linda. Trollope critiques the damage that can be done when piety is used to suppress rather than support.
Freedom, Choice, and Rebellion
Linda’s quiet rebellion against her aunt and society reflects the broader tension between personal will and collective conformity. Trollope explores how young women, in particular, face limited choices, especially in matters of love and independence.
Marriage and Power
As in many of Trollope’s novels, marriage is shown as a social transaction. Linda is expected to accept a match that suits her family and status, regardless of affection. Trollope critiques the coercive pressure placed on women to marry for others’ benefit.
Social Surveillance and Respectability
Set in a tightly knit and judgemental society, Linda Tressel portrays how communal pressure restricts behaviour, especially for women. Trollope shows how reputations are maintained through fear and control, not support or kindness.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope depict the relationship between religion and control in the novel?
What does Linda’s story suggest about the position of women in conservative societies?
How does the setting of Nuremberg shape the tone and moral atmosphere of the book?
What role does economic and social power play in the relationships portrayed?
How does Linda Tressel compare to Trollope’s English novels in its style and subject matter?
BIG READ
Linda Tressel has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. However, this guide is designed for individual readers and reading groups to support close reading and reflection on the novel’s portrayal of religious repression, female agency, and moral struggle in a European setting.
Resources
Phineas Finn
Publication Details
Written: 1866–1868Published: 1896, London, Virtue and Co., 2 volumes.Format: Originally serialised in Saint Paul's Magazine, October 1867 - May 1869.Illustrations: First published with 20 original illustrations by Sir John Everett MillaisEarnings: Trollope received £3,200 for this novel
Summary
Phineas Finn , the second novel in the Palliser series, follows a young Irish barrister as he enters the world of British parliamentary politics. With modest means but striking personal charm, Phineas rises quickly, gaining support from political patrons and forming close connections with powerful women. As he learns to balance personal honour with the demands of party loyalty, he faces romantic complications, ethical dilemmas, and class barriers. Trollope weaves a sharp portrait of 19th-century political life, highlighting both its idealism and its compromises. The novel explores the place of Ireland in British politics and the difficulty of remaining principled within a partisan system.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Themes
Politics and Conscience
Trollope draws readers into the daily workings of parliamentary politics in the mid-Victorian era. Phineas’s experience reveals the tension between private values and public pressure. Through committee work, debate, party loyalty, and patronage, Trollope explores whether integrity can survive in a system built on negotiation and ambition.
National Identity and the Irish Question
Phineas’s background as an Irish MP is central to the novel. His experience reflects the political and cultural tensions of the United Kingdom in the 1860s, especially regarding Ireland’s representation in Westminster. Trollope shows how Irish identity can be both a strength and an obstacle in British public life.
Class, Patronage, and Social Mobility
Phineas’s rise depends not only on talent but also on social connections and political patronage. Trollope presents a nuanced view of upward mobility, showing the emotional and ethical costs that come with advancement. Phineas is never quite secure among the elite, and his position remains vulnerable to gossip, rivalry, and financial constraint.
Gender and Power
Although women cannot hold office, they shape political opinion and careers in powerful ways. Lady Laura, Madame Max, and Glencora Palliser are among the most influential figures in the novel. Their agency often comes through conversation, encouragement, and strategic relationships, showing the informal but real power Victorian women could exercise.
Romantic Entanglements and Political Strategy
Phineas’s romantic prospects are intertwined with his political ambitions. Trollope uses courtship as a mirror of political choice: idealism, calculation, and compromise play out in both spheres. The novel suggests that love and politics often demand similar sacrifices and similar self-deceptions.
Reputation and the Cost of Public Life
As Phineas becomes a public figure, he is subject to scrutiny and rumour. Trollope probes how reputation is built and threatened, and how public service can come at personal cost. The novel asks what kind of life is possible for a man who is both honourable and ambitious.
A Roman à Clef?
Some contemporary readers believed Phineas Finn to be a roman à clef, with fictionalised portraits of real-life politicians. While Trollope denied modelling characters on specific individuals, the novel draws heavily on the atmosphere and personalities of Westminster in the 1860s. Its portrayal of parliamentary debates, party manoeuvring, and reformist tensions reflects Trollope’s close observation of political life, and lends the novel a strong sense of authenticity.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray the British parliamentary system, idealistically or critically?
In what ways does Phineas’s Irish identity influence his opportunities and challenges in London society?
How do women exercise political and social power in a world that excludes them from formal office?
What compromises does Phineas make in order to succeed, and are they justified?
What aspects of the novel suggest it might be a roman à clef, and does that affect its realism or impact?
BIG READ
Phineas Finn was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from April to July 2021. The programme included a series of online discussions focusing on key segments of the novel and concluded with a lecture by Professor Helen Small (University of Oxford).
Resources
He Knew He Was Right
Publication Details
Written: 1867–1869Published: March 1869 by Strahan & Co., LondonFormat: Two volumesSerialisation: Published in monthly partsIllustrations: 64 original illustrations by Marcus Stone. 32 wood-engraved plates and 32 wood-engraved vignettesEarnings: Trollope received £3,200 for this novel
Summary
He Knew He Was Right is a study of marital breakdown, pride, and the destructive force of jealousy. When Louis Trevelyan suspects his wife Emily of impropriety with a family friend, their marriage begins to unravel. The novel traces the emotional damage caused by his refusal to forgive or forget, even in the absence of real evidence. Running alongside this main plot are subplots that explore love, independence, inheritance, and expectation, including the story of Dorothy Stanbury and her formidable aunt, as well as a series of romantic entanglements involving clergyman Mr Gibson. One of Trollope’s most psychologically probing works, the novel examines how stubbornness and self-righteousness can erode love and destroy lives.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Louis Trevelyan – A proud and jealous husband whose sense of injury blinds him to reason.Mrs Emily Trevelyan (née Rowley) – His independent-minded wife, wrongly accused and determined to defend her dignity.Nora Rowley – Emily’s younger sister, caught between family loyalty and her own wishes.Sir Marmaduke Rowley – Their father, Governor of the Mandarin Islands.Colonel Frederic Osborne – A widower and family friend whose presence sparks suspicion.Hugh Stanbury – A journalist and loyal friend to Emily, Nora, and the Trevelyan family.Dorothy Stanbury – Hugh’s gentle, shy sister, sent to live with their domineering aunt.Jemima (Aunt) Stanbury – A formidable widow whose views on class and religion shape many lives.Rev. Thomas Gibson – A clergyman courted by two sisters, with comic consequences.Brooke Burgess – A good-natured man connected to Aunt Stanbury and a source of romantic tension.The Hon Charles Glascock – A Member of Parliament, heir to a very rich peer, and a suitor for Nora's hand.
Themes
Jealousy and Marital Tension
Trollope explores how suspicion and mistrust can damage relationships, even in the absence of clear wrongdoing. The novel reflects on the fragility of trust in marriage and the social pressures that shape how couples respond to conflict.
Power, Pride, and Honour
The novel examines the consequences of personal pride and the desire to be vindicated. Trollope invites readers to consider the cost of holding firm to principle when it means refusing reconciliation or compromise.
Marriage and Courtship
Through several intertwined romantic plots, Trollope considers the different motivations for marriage, ranging from affection and financial need to social pressure and personal ambition. He also weighs the benefits and penalties for a woman who remains single, including greater independence balanced against social scrutiny and economic vulnerability. The novel contrasts relationships based on freedom of choice with those shaped by external expectation.
Gender and Independence
Women in the novel challenge the social norms that expect them to submit to male authority. Trollope presents female characters who insist on fairness and respect, reflecting broader changes in Victorian attitudes to women’s agency and autonomy.
Social and Emotional Isolation
Trollope explores the impact of obsession and emotional isolation with psychological depth and compassion. Characters are imprisoned by societal expectations and by their own weaknesses. The settings near Dartmoor, including the shadow of the prison, underscore this sense of constraint and inward captivity.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray the causes and consequences of jealousy in this novel?
In what ways are Emily’s actions shaped by the expectations placed on Victorian wives?
How do the 'tragic' and 'romantic-comic' elements of the novel complement each other?
How does Aunt Stanbury influence the lives of others, and what does she represent?
How does the novel portray the social stigma attached to mental health and marital separation?
What’s love got to do with it? Compare Hugh Stanbury’s thoughts on love with those of Louis Trevelyan.
Much of the novel is set near Dartmoor Prison. In what ways are the characters imprisoned, socially and emotionally?
BIG READ
He Knew He Was Right was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from October to December 2021. The programme included online meetings covering sections of the novel, concluding with a talk by Dr Nicholas Shrimpton (University of Oxford).
Resources
The Vicar of Bullhampton
Publication Details
Written: 1867–1868Published: 1870 by Bradbury, Evans & Co., LondonFormat: Single-volume hardbackSerialisation: Originally written for serial publication, but published in one volume due to delaysEarnings: Trollope received £2,500 for this novel
Summary
The Vicar of Bullhampton is a novel about morality, redemption, and the tensions between social respectability and Christian charity. The Reverend Frank Fenwick, vicar of a Wiltshire village, seeks to reintegrate Carry Brattle, a young woman cast out by her family, into respectable society. Alongside this storyline, the novel explores romantic uncertainty through the experience of Mary Lowther, a young woman caught between loyalty to a former fiancé and pressure to marry a wealthy suitor. With a strong emphasis on moral complexity and social justice, Trollope uses the village setting to explore differing attitudes to class, gender, and forgiveness. The novel is notable for Trollope’s outspoken defence of women like Carry, and for its critique of religious hypocrisy and rigid social norms.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Carry Brattle – A young woman returning to her village after being cast out; her treatment becomes the novel’s moral centre.Jacob Brattle – Carry and Sam's proud and unforgiving father, a miller with deeply held beliefs.Sam Brattle – brother of Carry; works at his father's mill; accused of murdering a neighbouring farmer but eventually acquitted.Rev. Frank Fenwick – The Vicar of Bullhampton, determined to act with compassion even when unpopular.Mrs Janet Fenwick (née Balfour) – His wife, active in the village’s social life and supportive of her husband’s efforts.Mary Lowther – A principled and intelligent young woman struggling to reconcile duty and affection.Harry Gilmore – A wealthy landowner and persistent suitor to Mary.Captain Walter Marrable – Mary’s former fiancé, whose return raises difficult questions.Marquis of Trowbridge (John Augustus Stowe) – A pompous nobleman and antagonist to the Vicar.
Themes
Redemption and Forgiveness
At the heart of the novel is a call for compassion and social reintegration. Trollope critiques the harsh judgement shown to women like Carry Brattle, who are excluded by rigid moral codes, and contrasts this with the vicar’s efforts to offer acceptance and support.
Moral Responsibility and Christian Duty
Through Frank Fenwick’s actions, Trollope presents a model of active, humane Christianity that puts people before reputation. The novel asks whether the church and its ministers should prioritise appearances or true moral leadership.
Marriage and Personal Integrity
Mary Lowther’s dilemma highlights the expectations placed on women to marry for security rather than affection. Trollope explores the emotional cost of such pressure, and suggests that personal conviction is more valuable than social approval.
Class, Respectability, and Hypocrisy
The novel shows how class and status shape ideas of virtue and respectability. Characters like the Marquis of Trowbridge uphold external respectability while lacking compassion, whereas figures like the vicar embody integrity through action.
Gender and Social Expectation
Women’s choices, and the limits placed upon them, are central to the novel. Trollope critiques the double standards that punish women more severely than men for perceived moral failings, and he advocates for empathy and reform.
Discussion Questions
How does the novel challenge Victorian attitudes to female “fallenness”?
What role does the Vicar play in shaping the community’s moral values?
In what ways is Mary Lowther’s story used to critique social pressure around marriage?
How does Trollope contrast different models of religious and social authority?
What relevance does the novel’s discussion of forgiveness have today?
BIG READ
The Vicar of Bullhampton was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from January to March 2025. The programme included online discussions of the novel and concluded with a lecture by Professor Deborah Denenholz Morse (College of William & Mary, Virginia).
Resources
Ralph the Heir
Publication Details
Written: 1870–1871Published: December 1871 by Hurst and Blackett, LondonFormat: Three-volume hardbackSerialisation: Appeared in St. Paul’s Magazine (January–July 1871)Earnings: Trollope received £2,520 for this novel
Summary
Ralph the Heir is a novel about inheritance, self-indulgence, and integrity. It follows Ralph Newton, a spendthrift young man expecting to inherit his uncle’s estate. The novel contrasts him with his cousin, the illegitimate but honest Ralph, who earns the love and respect of others through decency and perseverance. A parallel plot follows Polly Neefit, daughter of a prosperous tradesman, whose hopes for a respectable marriage are clouded by class prejudice. Set partly during a contested parliamentary election, the novel blends political satire with moral exploration. Trollope critiques snobbery, questions the value of entitlement, and presents alternative models of merit and respectability.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Ralph Newton (the Heir) – The central figure; entitled, idle, and financially reckless.Rev. Gregory Newton – His illegitimate cousin, a clergyman of quiet honour and principle.Mary Bonner – Intelligent and independent-minded; ultimately drawn to stability and sincerity.Ontario Moggs – Son of a radical bootmaker, sincere and deeply in love with Polly.Polly Neefit – The spirited daughter of a breechesmaker, navigating class expectations and romantic uncertainty.Clarissa Underwood – A thoughtful woman who sees through Ralph’s charm.Sir Thomas Underwood – A retired MP and barrister who offers wise counsel and political insight.
Themes
Inheritance and Entitlement
Trollope explores the consequences of inherited privilege through Ralph Newton, whose status as heir encourages irresponsibility. The contrast between legal inheritance and moral worth is central to the novel’s message.
Class, Marriage, and Respectability
Social class and marriage intersect throughout the story, particularly in Polly’s dilemma. Trollope challenges the rigid class boundaries that restrict genuine affection and reinforce inequality.
Integrity and Self-Reliance
The honest Ralph and Ontario Moggs represent virtue through action and determination. Trollope praises those who earn respect through effort, rather than through title or wealth.
Politics and Corruption
Set during an election campaign, the novel offers a cynical portrait of electoral politics, highlighting bribery, manipulation, and the limits of reform. Trollope satirises both parties and questions whether political virtue can thrive in a flawed system.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope contrast the two Ralphs, and what do they represent?
What does Polly Neefit’s storyline reveal about class and gender expectations?
How does the novel portray political life and electoral reform?
In what ways does Trollope critique the idea of entitlement?
How are women’s choices shaped by class, money, and reputation?
Resources
The Golden Lion of Granpère
Publication Details
Written: 1869Published: 1872 by Tinsley Brothers, LondonFormat: Single-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Trollope received £550 for this novel
Summary
The Golden Lion of Granpère is set in a small village in the Vosges mountains of France and tells a compact, heartfelt story of love, misunderstanding, and community life. Marie Bromar, niece of the innkeeper Michel Voss, is expected to marry a respectable suitor, Adrian Urmand. However, she harbours deeper feelings for her cousin George, Michel’s son. The novel revolves around the clash between duty and affection, with Michel at the centre, trying to balance his desire for Marie’s security with his affection for both young people. The story explores questions of independence, social expectation, and emotional honesty, all within a tight-knit provincial setting.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Marie Bromar – Michel’s niece, sensible and loyal, working at the Golden Lion inn.George Voss – Michel’s son, deeply in love with Marie and hoping to win her back.Adrian Urmand – A successful tradesman and Marie’s formal suitor.Michel Voss – The energetic and well-respected innkeeper who wants the best for both Marie and his son.Mme Josephine Voss – Michel’s wife, warm-hearted but cautious in family affairs.
Themes
Love and Duty
Trollope explores the tension between romantic feeling and the expectations of family and society. Marie is pulled between two suitors, one approved by the community, the other chosen by the heart.
Parental Influence and Authority
Michel Voss is central to the story’s emotional tension, embodying both care and control. The novel examines the difficulty of balancing parental authority with respect for a young woman’s autonomy.
Marriage and Social Respectability
Through Marie’s engagement to Urmand, Trollope addresses how marriage is often treated as a social contract, influenced by status and practicality rather than affection alone.
Setting and Community
The remote mountain village provides a vivid backdrop, reinforcing the sense of close community and the pressures of local custom. Trollope, writing outside an English setting, still touches on familiar concerns of class, connection, and conscience.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope depict the balance between love and duty in Marie’s decisions?
What role does Michel Voss play in shaping the story’s moral and emotional dynamics?
How are expectations around marriage challenged or reinforced in the novel?
In what ways does the setting influence the characters’ behaviour and choices?
How does Trollope portray the differences between public reputation and private feeling?
Resources
The Eustace Diamonds
Publication Details
Written: 1871–1872Published: 1873 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Three-volume hardbackSerialisation: Published in The Fortnightly Review (July 1871 – February 1873)Earnings: Trollope received £2,500 for this novel
Summary
The Eustace Diamonds , the third novel in the Palliser series, focuses on the unscrupulous and beguiling Lizzie Eustace, a young widow determined to retain a valuable diamond necklace that her late husband’s family insists is part of the estate. As Lizzie manipulates suitors, friends, and the law, her schemes entangle a cast of morally varied characters. Trollope draws a sharp contrast between Lizzie and the virtuous Lucy Morris, who is also at the centre of a romantic struggle. The novel blends satire, social comedy, and crime fiction, asking searching questions about truth, possession, and respectability.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Themes
Truth, Lies, and Social Acceptance
Trollope delves into the moral ambiguity of truth-telling in a society that often rewards polish and performance over sincerity. Lizzie’s lies about the diamonds, her false persona, and her ability to manipulate others highlight the ease with which truth can be bent. Trollope contrasts her with Lucy Morris, whose commitment to honesty often leaves her vulnerable. The novel suggests that in a world driven by appearances, falsehoods may be more socially advantageous than inconvenient truths.
Possession, Property, and Legal Ambiguity
The dispute over the Eustace diamonds brings to the fore the legal uncertainty surrounding women’s rights to property. Trollope draws attention to the murky space between personal possession and legal ownership, especially for women who, under Victorian law, had limited claims to inherited wealth. Lizzie’s insistence on keeping the diamonds is both a symbol of her resistance and a commentary on the precarious status of widows in a patriarchal society.
Morality, Reputation, and Hypocrisy
Characters in the novel are judged not necessarily by their actions but by their public image. Lizzie maintains a veneer of gentility and respectability despite her lies, while Lucy, though virtuous, is socially and financially marginal. Trollope highlights the hypocrisy of a society that values performance over principle and exposes the moral compromises made for the sake of status.
Marriage, Manipulation, and Transactional Relationships
Marriage in The Eustace Diamonds is often depicted as a tool for social advancement or financial stability. Lizzie’s pursuit of a husband is calculated and strategic; Mrs Carbuncle schemes to secure a match for her niece Lucinda, regardless of affection. In contrast, Lucy and Frank’s relationship, though sincere, is undermined by social pressure. Trollope critiques the institution of marriage when it becomes a transaction rather than a union based on mutual respect.
Women’s Autonomy and Constraints
Lizzie Eustace, despite her moral failings, is one of Trollope’s most assertive female characters. She controls her household, asserts her legal claims, and actively pursues her ambitions. Yet her agency is always limited by societal judgement and legal structures. The novel explores the paradox of a woman who is simultaneously powerful and powerless, and suggests that Victorian women had to bend the rules to assert independence in a world designed to silence them.
Sensationalism and Public Fascination
As a novel partially influenced by the popular sensation fiction of the time, The Eustace Diamonds reflects a society enthralled by scandal, crime, and melodrama. Trollope draws on tropes of theft, deceit, and romantic entanglement, but treats them with irony and distance. The novel asks readers to consider how much of their moral outrage is genuine, and how much is fuelled by entertainment.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray Lizzie Eustace, as villain, victim, or something in between?
What does the novel suggest about the relationship between truth and social success?
How is Lucy Morris used to contrast Lizzie’s character?
What role does property, especially the diamonds, play in shaping the characters’ actions?
In what ways are gender and power linked in the novel’s treatment of marriage?
BIG READ
The Eustace Diamonds was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from June to August 2022. The programme concluded with a lecture by Professor Helen Small (University of Oxford), who reflected on the novel’s blend of sensation fiction, legal drama, and social satire.
Resources
Phineas Redux
Publication Details
Written: 1872–1873Published: 1874 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Two-volume hardbackSerialisation: The Graphic , July 1873 – January 1874Illustrations: First published with 24 illustrations by Francis M. HollEarnings: Trollope received £2,500 for this novel
Summary
Phineas Redux , the fourth novel in the Palliser series and a direct sequel to Phineas Finn , follows the return of its title character to Parliament. Phineas, once disillusioned with politics, re-enters public life and becomes entangled in controversy and personal conflict. Trollope blends political realism with suspense, examining the costs of political ambition and the complexities of public and private integrity.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Themes
Politics, Honour, and Disillusionment
Trollope deepens his portrait of parliamentary life, showing it as a space where ambition, principle, and personal loyalty often collide. Phineas’s return to politics forces him to confront the compromises demanded by his party and the shifting allegiances of those around him. Trollope questions whether it is possible to act with honour in a system that increasingly rewards calculation over conviction.
Justice, Reputation, and the Power of the Press
The novel explores how legal decisions are shaped not only by evidence, but also by social standing, gossip, and the influence of the newspapers. Public opinion becomes a force in its own right, often swift to judge and slow to forgive. Trollope is particularly critical of how reputation can be distorted, and how media exposure can undermine fairness and dignity.
Women’s Influence and Social Boundaries
Marie Goesler and Lady Laura Kennedy play central roles in the social and political narrative, each exercising influence in ways that challenge the expectations of women in their class. Marie’s independence and insight place her at the centre of political and emotional life, while Laura navigates the costs of choices made within a constrained legal and social system. Trollope illustrates how women, though excluded from formal power, shape outcomes through determination, intelligence, and moral authority.
Grief, Resilience, and the Demands of Society
Phineas and Laura are both shaped by emotional wounds, but expected to maintain composure and fulfil their roles in public life. Trollope examines how grief and trauma are managed, or hidden, within a world that values steadiness and self-control. The novel suggests that resilience is not simply endurance, but the ability to act with integrity in the face of pressure and loss.
Marriage, Class, and Compatibility
Questions of partnership, social mobility, and emotional understanding run throughout the novel. Trollope contrasts relationships built on mutual respect with those shaped by convenience or convention. Through the developing relationships among central characters, he reflects on what makes a marriage desirable, not just in terms of wealth or rank, but in terms of companionship and trust.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray the moral challenges of public service in Phineas’s career?
In what ways does the novel critique the justice system?
How are the female characters, especially Marie and Laura, portrayed in terms of independence and influence?
What does the novel suggest about the role of public opinion in shaping personal fate?
How do grief and resilience shape the arcs of the main characters?
BIG READ
Phineas Redux was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from April to June 2023. The programme included four Zoom meetings and concluded with a lecture by Professor John Bowen (University of York), who reflected on the novel’s treatment of justice, politics, and Trollope’s evolving narrative form.
Resources
Lady Anna
Publication Details
Written: 1871Published: 1874 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Two-volume hardbackSerialisation: First appeared in The Fortnightly Review , April 1873 – April 1874Earnings: Trollope received £1,200 for this novel
Summary
Lady Anna centres on a legal and moral dispute over legitimacy, inheritance, and the power of social class. Lady Anna Lovel, the daughter of a contested marriage between an aristocrat and a woman of lower rank, must choose between the expectations of her noble status and her loyalty to the man who has supported her throughout her hardship. Trollope combines courtroom drama with social commentary, exploring how law, custom, and conscience intersect.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Themes
Legitimacy, Inheritance, and the Law
At the heart of the novel is a legal case to determine whether Anna is the legitimate daughter of a nobleman. Trollope uses this courtroom battle to expose the rigid and sometimes contradictory nature of the British legal system, and how deeply inheritance laws were tied to class, gender, and family honour.
Class, Love, and Social Barriers
Lady Anna’s dilemma highlights the restrictions of social mobility in Victorian England. Trollope presents her loyalty to Daniel Thwaite as a challenge to aristocratic norms, prompting readers to question the true basis for respectability: lineage or character.
Maternal Influence and Generational Tension
The Countess Lovel’s determination to control her daughter’s choices reflects broader questions about maternal authority and generational change. Trollope explores how love and protection can turn into coercion when shaped by pride and fear of social disgrace.
Duty and Individual Conscience
Lady Anna’s internal conflict between what is expected of her and what she believes to be right anchors the novel. Trollope probes whether social duty should ever override personal integrity, and how conscience can clash with cultural tradition.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope use the legal case to explore the social structures of Victorian England?
In what ways is Lady Anna both empowered and constrained by her position?
How does the novel critique the British class system through the character of Daniel Thwaite?
What role does the Countess play in shaping the central conflict?
How does Trollope present the tension between romantic loyalty and social expectation?
BIG READ
Lady Anna was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from October to December 2021. The programme included four Zoom meetings and concluded with a lecture by Professor Dinah Birch (University of Liverpool), who explored the novel’s themes of legitimacy, class, and female agency, and considered its place within Trollope’s wider body of work.
Resources
Harry Heathcote of Gangoil
Publication Details
Written: 1873Published: December 1874 by Sampson Low, LondonFormat: Single-volume hardback, initially published as a Christmas storySerialisation: NoneEarnings: Trollope received £450 for this novel
Summary
Harry Heathcote of Gangoil is set in the Queensland bush during a hot and perilous Australian summer. It tells the story of a young English squatter defending his property from the threat of fire and sabotage. Heathcote’s determination to uphold justice and protect his land leads to tension with neighbouring settlers, including a rival family suspected of bushranging. The novel unfolds over the Christmas season, using its dramatic landscape to explore themes of colonial life, land ownership, and community tension in a frontier society.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Harry Heathcote – A proud and principled squatter in Queensland, determined to defend his land from perceived threats.Mrs Mary Heathcote (née Daly) – Harry’s wife, who tempers his impulsiveness with calm good sense.Giles Medlicot – A neighbouring sugar grower, initially mistrusted by Harry but ultimately proves himself honourable.Kate Daly – Mary’s younger sister, staying with the Heathcotes and quietly observant of the tensions around her.The Brownbies of Boolabong – A disorderly neighbouring family, rumoured to be involved in bushfires and crime.
Themes
Colonial Settlement and the Bush
Trollope paints a vivid picture of rural Queensland during the 1870s, capturing both the opportunities and dangers of pioneering life. The harsh landscape, bushfires, and isolation create a constant sense of threat, while also representing the possibility of self-sufficiency and prosperity. The novel reflects the tensions between the established “Squatocracy”, wealthier settlers who had acquired vast tracts of land, and the Free Selectors, often poorer settlers who were entitled to take up land under colonial law. Harry Heathcote, as a young member of the squatter class, represents the traditional landowning elite, fiercely protective of his property. Trollope draws out the social and economic divides that shaped rural colonial society, where land was the source of both identity and conflict.
Justice, Property, and Vigilance
The novel explores the fine line between law enforcement and vigilantism. Heathcote’s desire to defend his property is driven by principle, but also by pride. Trollope questions how justice is interpreted on the frontier, where formal authority is distant and settlers are often left to defend themselves.
Temperament and Leadership
Harry’s moral seriousness and strong sense of justice are admirable, but his quick temper and suspicion of others challenge his role as a community leader. Trollope examines how trust, communication, and restraint are essential in maintaining order and gaining allies in isolated communities.
Community and Mistrust
Conflicts in the novel stem from differences in background, status, and values. Trollope shows how fear, rumour, and class prejudice can disrupt community cohesion. Yet the story also hints at the potential for cooperation and mutual respect across these divides.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray colonial life in Queensland?
In what ways is Heathcote both heroic and flawed?
How does the threat of fire function as a symbol in the novel?
What role do women play in shaping and tempering the male conflicts of the story?
How are outsiders and community boundaries represented in the novel?
BIG READ
Harry Heathcote of Gangoil has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. This guide can nonetheless support reading groups or individuals with insights into its colonial themes and character conflicts, particularly the pressures of life at the frontier of empire.
Resources
The Way We Live Now
Publication Details
Written: 1872–1873Published: 1875 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Two-volume hardbackSerialisation: The Graphic , February 1874 – July 1875Earnings: Trollope received £3,000 for this novel
Summary
The Way We Live Now is Trollope’s most scathing and ambitious satire, written in response to financial scandals and social corruption in early 1870s London. At its centre is Augustus Melmotte, a mysterious financier whose wealth and charisma win over society, despite rumour and fraud. Around him swirl a host of characters driven by ambition, desperation, and misplaced values. Trollope explores political cynicism, media manipulation, failed courtships, and the precarious foundations of respectability in a society obsessed with wealth. The novel remains strikingly relevant for its portrayal of greed, status, and the moral compromises demanded by modern life.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Augustus Melmotte – An imposing and secretive financier who gains rapid social prominenceMarie Melmotte – His daughter, pursued for her wealth and unexpectedly independentMadame Melmotte – His quiet and obedient wifeSir Felix Carbury – A self-indulgent young baronet, scheming to marry MarieLady Carbury – A determined but superficial writer trying to manage her family’s fortunesHenrietta Carbury – Her honest daughter, caught between her affections and principlesRoger Carbury – A country gentleman with strong values, disillusioned by modern societyPaul Montague – A promising investor caught in Melmotte’s railway scheme and a personal dilemmaMrs Winifred Hurtle – A strong-minded American widow with a shadowy pastHamilton K. Fisker – A Californian speculator behind the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway
Themes
Finance, Fraud, and Modern Corruption
At the centre of the novel is a scathing critique of speculative finance and the collapse of traditional values under pressure from unchecked capitalism. Trollope was inspired by real financial scandals of the 1860s and early 1870s, such as the collapse of Overend, Gurney and Company in 1866 and the rise of fraudulent joint-stock companies. These events led to widespread public disillusionment and calls for reform. Parliament responded with measures like the Companies Act 1862, which introduced limited liability, but also enabled unscrupulous operators to launch dubious ventures under the guise of legitimacy. Trollope channels this social anxiety into the character of Melmotte, whose success in society is built on deception, bluster, and a shared willingness to ignore ethical concerns in pursuit of profit.
Reputation, Class, and Social Mobility
Trollope explores a world where old aristocracy is vulnerable and wealth has become the new measure of worth. Melmotte, with no clear background or lineage, is able to buy access to Parliament, elite clubs, and noble marriages. Trollope shows how easily reputation can be manufactured, and how fragile it is when based on appearances rather than substance. The traditional elite are often complicit, eager to restore their fortunes by aligning with dubious financiers.
Marriage and Market Values
Throughout the novel, marriage is negotiated more like a business contract than a romantic union. Sir Felix Carbury’s pursuit of Marie Melmotte is entirely mercenary, and even Lady Carbury weighs her daughter’s options in terms of financial security. Trollope critiques a society in which affection and moral judgement are secondary to monetary advantage, contrasting the hollow courtships with rarer moments of emotional honesty.
Media, Politics, and Public Performance
Lady Carbury’s manipulation of her public image and Melmotte’s venture into politics reflect a growing concern with performance over substance. Trollope satirises a media landscape eager for gossip and flattery, and a political system that rewards spectacle. The novel mirrors concerns about the decline of civic integrity in an era where image carries more weight than action.
Gender, Power, and Resistance
Trollope presents a number of female characters who challenge their expected roles. Marie Melmotte asserts her independence in surprising ways, while Mrs Hurtle, an American widow, confronts the double standards of transatlantic society. These characters complicate Victorian assumptions about femininity and moral influence, showing how women could assert power even when constrained by law and custom.
Discussion Questions
What does Melmotte represent in Trollope’s view of modern society?
How does Trollope satirise the world of finance and speculation?
In what ways is marriage portrayed as a social and financial contract?
What role does the press play in shaping public perception?
How do female characters challenge or conform to Victorian gender roles?
BIG READ
The Way We Live Now was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from January to March 2022. The programme included four online discussions and concluded with a lecture by Professor Francis O’Gorman (University of Leeds), who explored the novel’s moral and literary significance in the context of Victorian anxieties about capitalism, politics, and character.
Resources
The Prime Minister
Publication Details
Written: 1874–1875Published: 1876 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Four-volume hardbackSerialisation: The Fortnightly Review , November 1875 – February 1876Earnings: Trollope received £2,500 for this novel
Summary
The Prime Minister is the fifth novel in the Palliser series and one of Trollope’s most searching explorations of political power and moral integrity. It tells two interwoven stories: the reluctant premiership of Plantagenet Palliser, now Duke of Omnium, and the social rise and fall of Ferdinand Lopez, an ambitious outsider seeking money and respectability through marriage and politics. The novel contrasts private loyalty with public service, ambition with honour, and appearance with substance. It examines the burdens of leadership and the fragility of trust in both political and domestic life.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Themes
Political Burden and Conscience
The novel centres on the Duke of Omnium’s reluctant term as Prime Minister, a role he accepts from duty, not desire. Trollope presents the inner conflict of a man whose private integrity is at odds with the compromises of party politics. The Duke’s inability to play the political game becomes both a moral strength and a professional weakness, reflecting Trollope’s scepticism about modern political life.
The novel was written in the aftermath of a decade of unstable British government. From 1868 to 1876, Britain saw frequent shifts in power, with Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone exchanging the role of Prime Minister amid ongoing debates about parliamentary reform, Irish policy, and the balance of party control. Trollope, who had stood unsuccessfully for Parliament in 1868, was deeply attuned to the frustrations of governance. The Duke’s premiership echoes the era’s uncertainty, his moral idealism proves ill-suited to an increasingly pragmatic and partisan political world.
Ambition and Social Aspiration
Ferdinand Lopez represents a new type of social climber, polished, persuasive, and hollow. His pursuit of political office and a prestigious marriage exposes the vulnerability of a society obsessed with appearances. Trollope critiques the erosion of traditional values and the ease with which a well-spoken outsider can exploit social conventions and personal vanity.
Marriage, Choice, and Trust
Emily Wharton’s marriage to Lopez, made against her family’s advice, drives much of the emotional tension in the novel. Trollope explores how trust can be misplaced, and how individual autonomy, especially for women, collides with societal expectations. The contrast between Emily and characters like Glencora Palliser and Marie Finn offers a spectrum of female agency in Victorian society.
Private Integrity vs Public Image
Both storylines examine the pressures of maintaining a public reputation in a world of scrutiny and suspicion. The Duke’s sense of honour leads him to self-sacrifice; Lopez’s concern is only with how he appears. Trollope examines what happens when sincerity and ambition pull in different directions, and what society rewards in the end.
Roman à Clef and Real-World Parallels
While The Prime Minister is not a strict roman à clef, Trollope draws on contemporary political concerns and character types. The political world of the Palliser novels reflects the instability of British government in the 1870s, and earlier characters like Mr Gresham bear some resemblance to William Gladstone in their reformist zeal and parliamentary style. In contrast, the Duke of Omnium represents an aristocratic model of reluctant leadership: morally upright but politically inflexible. Trollope uses these fictional figures to explore what kinds of personalities succeed or fail in the volatile world of Victorian politics.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope explore the cost of leadership through the character of the Duke?
In what ways does Ferdinand Lopez expose vulnerabilities in social and political life?
How does Emily’s marriage reflect Victorian anxieties about female independence and judgement?
What does the novel suggest about the distinction between public and private morality?
How are different models of power, political, social, and personal, represented in the novel?
BIG READ
The Prime Minister was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from April to June 2023. The programme included four online sessions and concluded with a lecture by Dr Nicholas Shrimpton (University of Oxford), who examined the novel’s moral framework, the legacy of the Palliser series, and Trollope’s view of integrity in politics.
Resources
The American Senator
Publication Details
Written: 1875–1876Published: 1877 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Three-volume hardbackSerialisation: Temple Bar , May 1876 – July 1877Earnings: Trollope received £1,800 for this novel
Summary
The American Senator is a social and political novel set in rural England. It weaves together the perspectives of an outspoken American visitor and several interrelated domestic plots. At the centre is Senator Elias Gotobed, who scrutinises British institutions and customs with blunt rationalism, challenging ideas of tradition and class. Around him orbit the stories of Mary Masters, a modest young woman with strong principles, and Arabella Trefoil, a cynical beauty in pursuit of a wealthy husband. The novel contrasts honesty and ambition, reform and tradition, and individual conscience with social performance.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Elias Gotobed – An American senator visiting England, whose forthright views on English society provoke controversyMary Masters – A kind, principled young woman torn between social expectation and personal integrityReginald Morton – A thoughtful landowner and observer of village lifeArabella Trefoil – A beautiful but calculating woman whose pursuit of a secure marriage forms one of the main storylinesLady Ushant – Mary’s kind-hearted elderly friend and protector
Themes
Tradition vs Reform
Senator Gotobed’s commentary offers a sharp contrast to the unquestioned norms of English rural life. Through him, Trollope interrogates legal anomalies, hereditary privilege, and the established Church. While Trollope often satirises the senator’s rigidity, he uses his presence to challenge readers’ assumptions about justice, custom, and national character.
Marriage and Strategy
Arabella Trefoil’s manoeuvres to secure a titled or wealthy husband highlight the social and economic pressures placed on women of her class. Trollope presents her not as a villain but as a product of a society that rewards appearances and connections over sincerity. Mary Masters, in contrast, is faced with choices that test her independence and moral strength, presenting an alternative view of marriage as a matter of conscience and mutual respect.
Outsider Perspective and National Identity
By setting an American among English gentry, Trollope invites readers to reflect on their own national habits and institutions. Senator Gotobed’s views may seem blunt, but they often expose inconsistencies or hypocrisies in English law and governance. The novel asks how a society defines itself, and who gets to do the defining.
Individual Conscience vs Social Convention
Whether in Mary’s quiet resolve or in the senator’s public challenges, Trollope contrasts personal integrity with the pressure to conform. In a world of expectations, gossip, and unspoken rules, The American Senator examines the cost of thinking, and acting, for oneself.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope use Senator Gotobed to challenge English institutions and values?
In what ways do Arabella Trefoil and Mary Masters represent different models of femininity and agency?
What insights does the novel offer into the relationship between national identity and cultural criticism?
How does Trollope balance satire with sympathy in his portrayal of ambition and honesty?
BIG READ
The American Senator was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from July to September 2023. The programme concluded with a talk by Dr Nicholas Shrimpton (University of Oxford), who discussed the novel’s unusual structure, its political subtext, and the role of foreign commentary in Victorian fiction.
Resources
Is He Popenjoy?
Publication Details
Written: 1876Published: 1878 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Three-volume hardbackSerialisation: All the Year Round , 1877–1878Earnings: Trollope received £2,500 for this novel
Summary
Is He Popenjoy? is a novel of inheritance, social anxiety, and conflicting ideas about marriage and legitimacy. The story follows Lord George Germain, a younger son who marries Mary Lovelace, the independently minded daughter of a wealthy London clergyman. Their marriage is tested by differences in background, expectations, and outlook, especially after a mysterious foreign-born child is named as heir to the Germain family title. At the centre of the novel is the question of legitimacy—both legal and emotional—as Trollope explores Victorian anxieties about class, gender, and power.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Lord George Germain – A conservative and reserved aristocrat, struggling with issues of honour and duty.Mary Germain (née Lovelace) – His intelligent and spirited wife, caught between her upbringing and the expectations of aristocratic life.Dean Lovelace – Mary’s father, a wealthy and influential London clergyman.Marchioness of Brotherton – Lord George’s formidable mother, intent on protecting the family honour.Marquis of Brotherton – George’s estranged older brother, long absent in Italy, whose sudden return sparks controversy.Jack de Baron – A fashionable and liberal cousin of Mary’s, whose presence causes tension.
Themes
Marriage and Mismatch
Trollope examines the tensions within a marriage that crosses class and cultural lines. Mary’s confidence and independence clash with Lord George’s conservatism and emotional reserve, exposing the friction between love freely given and obedience socially expected. Through their conflicts, and in other relationships across the novel, Trollope contrasts affection and authority, exploring how far love can coexist with control, and whether mutual respect can replace traditional submission. The result is a striking study of emotional misunderstanding within marriage, anticipating the psychological realism of his later work.
Legitimacy, Inheritance and Power
At the heart of the novel is the question of whether the heir to the Germain title is truly legitimate. Trollope uses this legal and moral uncertainty to explore wider issues: how families protect their status, how reputations are built or broken, and how rules, both formal and social, govern lives. This theme strongly echoes the public fascination with the Tichborne Claimant case, which dominated headlines in the 1870s. That real-life trial involved a man claiming to be the long-lost heir to a baronetcy and estate, sparking debate across classes about identity, legitimacy, and trust in the legal system. Trollope, though never directly referencing the case, was clearly influenced by its cultural resonance, and Is He Popenjoy? reflects the anxiety of a society unsure how to prove who people really are.
Class, Wealth and Control
The union between Mary and George highlights Victorian tensions between old aristocratic pride and new money. Mary brings wealth and education but not social pedigree. Her discomfort in George’s family circle reflects the unease surrounding shifting class boundaries in late 19th-century Britain, and Trollope’s interest in how money, rather than birth, increasingly defines status.
Female Agency and Voice
Mary Germain is one of Trollope’s more self-possessed heroines. She speaks her mind, questions tradition, and resists being silenced by her husband’s authority. The novel contrasts her assertiveness with the pressures placed on women to be compliant and deferential, raising questions about Victorian ideals of womanhood and the limits placed on female autonomy.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope explore the challenges of a marriage between people from different social backgrounds?
In what ways are love and obedience contrasted in the novel’s marriages and courtships?
What does the novel suggest about legitimacy—legal, moral, and emotional?
How does Trollope portray aristocratic values and their resistance to change?
In what ways does Mary Germain challenge Victorian expectations of women and wives?
In what ways is Is He Popenjoy? an early psychological novel?
BIG READ
Is He Popenjoy? was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from June to August 2024. The programme included five fortnightly Zoom meetings, each covering a section of the novel. The series concluded with a lecture by Professor Deborah Denenholz Morse (College of William & Mary), who reflected on Trollope’s engagement with themes of identity, marriage, and legitimacy.
Resources
John Caldigate
Publication Details
Written: 1877Published: 1879 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Three-volume hardbackSerialisation: Blackwood’s Magazine , April 1878 – June 1879Earnings: Trollope received £1,800 for this novel
Summary
John Caldigate is a novel about reputation, redemption, and the power of public opinion. A young man leaves England in pursuit of independence and fortune, returning with new prospects and ambitions. But when doubts are cast on the validity of his personal life and decisions, he finds himself at the centre of a public scandal. Trollope uses this dramatic situation to explore questions of truth, belief, and how much of a person’s past can, or should, be forgiven.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Themes
Reputation and Public Judgment
The novel explores the ease with which a person’s reputation can be damaged and the difficulty of recovering social standing once trust is lost. Trollope critiques how society, and particularly the legal system, often prioritises appearance and prejudice over truth.
Personal Reform and Forgiveness
Trollope considers whether a person can truly overcome their past, and what it means to be given a second chance. Through the protagonist’s journey, the novel asks how individuals can change, and whether others will allow them to.
Faith, Family, and Authority
The tension between personal freedom and familial control plays out through religious conviction and moral pressure. Trollope portrays the damaging consequences of using faith to enforce conformity, particularly within families.
Colonial Experience and Social Reintegration
The novel reflects on how time spent abroad, especially in the colonies, might offer renewal or risk. Trollope contrasts the promise of opportunity in Australia with the rigid expectations of English society upon return.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray the relationship between justice and public opinion?
What role does religion play in shaping the choices of different characters?
In what ways does the novel explore the possibility, and limits, of personal change?
How does the novel treat the relationship between past experiences and present identity?
What insights does the novel offer into the workings of reputation and credibility in Victorian England?
BIG READ
John Caldigate was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ from June to August 2025. The programme included five Zoom meetings, each focusing on a segment of the novel, culminating in a concluding lecture given by Professor Helen Small and Dr Simon Grennan
Cousin Henry
Publication Details
Written: 1877Published: 1879 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Single-volume hardbackSerialisation: North American Review , February–May 1879Earnings: Not recorded in Trollope’s Autobiography
Summary
Cousin Henry is a psychological study of guilt, conscience, and indecision. Set in rural Wales, the novel follows the story of Henry Jones, a weak and morally conflicted man who becomes the reluctant heir to the estate of Llanfeare. When a later will, favouring his cousin Isabel, goes missing, Henry knows its location but says nothing. The novel follows his internal struggle as suspicion mounts, and Trollope examines the burden of guilt and the effect of hidden truths on the human mind and character.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Henry Jones – A timid and morally ambivalent man, unexpectedly named heir to the estateIsabel Broderick – Henry’s cousin, believed by many to be the rightful heirIndefer Jones – Henry’s uncle and owner of Llanfeare, who dies before changing his willMr Nicholas Apjohn – The family solicitor, dedicated to uncovering the truth
Themes
Guilt and Conscience
The novel explores how private knowledge and moral weakness can torment a person. Henry’s internal conflict becomes the focus of the story, as Trollope moves away from legal or social judgment and instead examines the psychological toll of guilt.
Justice and Inheritance
The issue of rightful inheritance provides the tension in the novel. Trollope questions whether justice is determined by the law, family expectations, or moral deserts, and how far people will go to avoid or enforce justice.
Silence and Suspicion
Trollope demonstrates how inaction and concealment can generate suspicion and lead to isolation. Henry’s failure to act becomes a form of passive deception, and the community's response to his behaviour highlights how trust is eroded by silence.
Gender and Capability
Through Isabel, Trollope offers a portrait of a capable and strong-willed woman overlooked by the legal and patriarchal systems of inheritance. Her grace under pressure and moral clarity stand in contrast to Henry’s anxiety and evasion.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray the psychological effects of guilt on Henry?
In what ways does the novel challenge the fairness of inheritance laws and customs?
What role does silence play in the development of the plot and its moral questions?
How does Isabel serve as a foil to Henry, and what might Trollope be saying through her character?
BIG READ
Cousin Henry has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. However, this guide provides a useful resource for reading groups and individuals interested in exploring Trollope’s treatment of conscience, justice, and psychological tension.
Resources
An Eye for an Eye
Publication Details
Written: 1870Published: 1879 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Single-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Not recorded in Trollope’s Autobiography
Summary
An Eye for an Eye is a short and powerful novel of emotional intensity and social conflict. Set in Ireland and England, it follows the consequences of a relationship between a young English officer and an Irishwoman from a modest background. Trollope explores themes of honour, class disparity, and the costs of personal weakness. Through the choices of its central characters, the novel poses difficult questions about responsibility and the limits of reparation in a society shaped by rigid expectations and unbalanced power.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Fred Neville – A young English officer and heir to an earldom, whose charm conceals indecision and social pressureKate O’Hara – A passionate and idealistic young Irishwoman from a proud but reduced familyMrs O’Hara – Kate’s widowed mother, protective and emotionally intenseCaptain O’Hara – A relative and figure from the older Irish gentry, emblematic of Ireland’s fading aristocracyFather Marty – The local Catholic priest and moral guide
Themes
Class and Inequality
The novel explores the stark differences between the Irish Catholic poor and the English aristocracy. Fred and Kate’s relationship highlights the precarious position of women and the consequences of crossing social boundaries. Trollope shows how class privilege can insulate individuals from the consequences of their actions.
Honour and Responsibility
Trollope raises complex questions about moral duty and the meaning of honour, especially in the face of conflicting expectations. Characters must navigate between social obligations, personal desires, and emotional commitments, often with tragic consequences.
Gender and Power
Kate’s vulnerability is central to the novel’s moral tension. Trollope examines the limited options available to women in cases of romantic betrayal, particularly within the moral and religious codes of 19th-century Ireland.
Cultural and National Identity
The novel also reflects the strained relationship between England and Ireland. Through the O’Haras and Father Marty, Trollope presents Irish Catholic life as dignified but embattled, set against the background of English dominance and social condescension.
Discussion Questions
What does the novel suggest about the effects of class difference on romantic relationships?
How does Trollope handle the idea of honour in relation to personal responsibility?
In what ways does the novel critique gender norms and power imbalances?
How is Ireland portrayed, and how does its setting shape the novel’s moral and emotional conflicts?
BIG READ
An Eye for an Eye has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. However, this guide offers key themes and discussion prompts to support readers and book groups in exploring one of Trollope’s most emotionally intense works.
Resources
The Duke’s Children
Publication Details
Written: 1876–1879Published: 1880 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Three-volume hardbackSerialisation: All The Year Round , 4 October 1879 – 24 July 1880Earnings: Not recorded in Trollope’s Autobiography
Summary
The final novel in the Palliser series, The Duke’s Children explores the challenges faced by the widowed Duke of Omnium as he tries to guide his grown-up children through adulthood, politics, and society. Grieving the loss of his wife, the Duke is forced to confront generational conflict and personal transformation as his children assert their independence, particularly in matters of love and marriage. The novel examines duty, pride, forgiveness and the limits of parental authority.
Originally published in a shortened version to fit the requirements of All The Year Round , the weekly journal edited by Charles Dickens Jr (son of the author Charles Dickens), the text was significantly cut by Trollope, removing over 65,000 words. These cuts were later restored in a complete scholarly edition published in 2015, offering a fuller view of character development and emotional nuance, particularly in the Duke’s personal journey.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Duke of Omnium – A dignified and morally serious man grappling with change and loss.Lord Silverbridge – The Duke’s eldest son, initially frivolous but increasingly mature.Lady Mary Palliser – The Duke’s strong-willed daughter, in love with a commoner.Lord Gerald Palliser – The youngest son, full of youthful exuberance.Francis Oliphant “Frank” Tregear – A friend of Silverbridge whose honour and motives are open to debate, ambitious yet financially dependent on making a good marriage.Lady Mabel Grex – Well-born but without fortune, the Duke of Omnium’s preferred match for Silverbridge.Isabel Boncassen – A wealthy and intelligent American heiress whose relationship with Silverbridge is portrayed as a genuine love match rather than one of convenience or money.Major Tifto – A dubious sporting man, a cautionary figure in Silverbridge’s social life.Mrs Marie Finn – The politically astute and sympathetic wife of Phineas Finn, who offers insight and support to Mary and her father.
Themes
Parental Authority and Individual Choice
The Duke’s struggle centres on his attempts to impose values on children who want to shape their own futures. Trollope explores the tensions between tradition and independence, and the emotional cost of letting go.
Social Mobility and Internationalism
Through Isabel Boncassen and Frank Tregear, the novel reflects a world in which social class and national identity are becoming more fluid. Trollope examines the interplay between old-world aristocracy and new-world vitality, showing how cross-cultural encounters and differing social expectations can both challenge and enrich family life.
Loss, Grief, and Transformation
Still mourning the death of his wife, the Duke undergoes a quiet transformation. Trollope presents a nuanced portrait of a man learning to soften, compromise, and open himself to change.
Public Duty vs Private Feeling
As in the other Palliser novels, the tension between political life and personal desire runs throughout. Trollope examines how public figures are judged, not only for what they do, but for how they manage their domestic and emotional responsibilities.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope portray the Duke’s emotional development over the course of the novel?
What does the novel suggest about generational conflict and the evolving role of family?
How are national identity and class explored through characters like Isabel Boncassen and Frank Tregear?
What does the restored edition reveal that may be missing in the original shortened version? Consider, for instance, the subtler portrayal of Lord Silverbridge’s maturation, the extended conversations between father and son, or how the restored final paragraphs alter the tone of the ending.
How does Trollope use humour and his many minor characters to enrich or complicate the novel’s social world?
How do Isabel Boncassen, Lady Mabel Grex and Lady Mary Palliser each express a yearning for independence?
BIG READ
The Duke’s Children was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. The reading began with a special introduction from Professor Steven Amarnick, who discussed the significance of restoring the full text. The BIG READ concluded with a lecture by Professor Dinah Birch, exploring the novel’s treatment of change, identity, and paternal love.
Resources
Dr Wortle’s School
Publication Details
Written: 1880Published: 1881 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Single-volume hardbackSerialisation: The Graphic , December 1880 – July 1881Earnings: Not recorded in Trollope’s Autobiography
Summary
Set in a private boarding school run by Dr Wortle in the provincial town of Bowick, Dr Wortle’s School centres on a moral and social scandal that challenges the conscience of its headmaster and the judgement of the community. When a new assistant master arrives with his wife, who, it transpires, is not legally his wife due to a marital complication abroad, the revelation causes upheaval. Trollope explores the boundaries of Christian charity, the weight of social expectations, and the fine line between law and morality.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Themes
Morality vs Legality
Trollope raises questions about the role of conscience and whether legal definitions always align with ethical behaviour. The novel explores how characters respond to a situation in which the law conflicts with their sense of right and wrong, especially regarding marriage and social respectability.
Religion and Social Judgement
The tension between Christian forgiveness and societal condemnation is central to the novel. Dr Wortle must weigh his moral principles against the expectations of his community, testing the boundaries of religious tolerance and the fear of scandal.
Reputation and Respectability
The story examines how public opinion is shaped and manipulated, and the costs of going against it. Trollope depicts a small, interconnected society where a whisper of impropriety can upend lives and careers.
Race and Identity
Trollope touches briefly but significantly on issues of race through the background of Arabella Peacocke and her first husband, Ferdinand Lefroy, who was a slave owner in Louisiana before the American Civil War. Professor Deborah Denenholz Morse has suggested that Arabella may be of mixed racial heritage, an implication that would have carried complex social and moral weight for a Victorian readership. The novel’s treatment of this theme, though subtle, opens a space for reflecting on the intersections of race and respectability within Trollope’s world.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope distinguish between legal and moral wrongdoing in the novel?
What do the reactions of Bowick society tell us about the values of Victorian respectability?
In what ways is Dr Wortle’s own position compromised or strengthened by his choices?
How does Trollope treat issues of race and identity in the context of Arabella’s background?
What role does Mary Wortle play in highlighting or questioning the central conflicts?
BIG READ
Dr Wortle’s School was featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. The reading culminated in a concluding lecture by Professor Deborah Denenholz Morse, who examined the novel’s treatment of marriage, conscience, and social criticism in late Victorian England.
Resources
Ayala’s Angel
Publication Details
Written: 1878Published: 1881 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Two-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Not recorded in Trollope’s Autobiography
Summary
Ayala’s Angel is a romantic and lightly comic novel about two orphaned sisters, Ayala and Lucy Dormer, who are separated after their father’s death and taken in by different branches of their family. Ayala, imaginative and proud, dreams of an ideal lover she calls her “angel of light,” while Lucy, practical and thoughtful, faces more grounded realities. The novel follows their contrasting experiences with courtship, class, and independence in Victorian society. Trollope blends social satire with a sensitive portrayal of women’s choices and constraints.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Ayala Dormer – Lively and romantic young heroine who seeks a love worthy of her idealsLucy Dormer – Ayala’s sensible and kind-hearted sister, raised by a poorer relativeTom Tringle – Heir to a commercial fortune, determined to win Ayala’s affectionColonel Jonathan Stubbs – Unassuming and honourable officer who becomes a central figure in Ayala’s romantic journeySir Thomas Tringle – A wealthy businessman who hosts Ayala in his householdLady Tringle – Sir Thomas’s socially ambitious wifeAugusta Tringle – The Tringles’ proud daughter, engaged to a fortune-hunting noblemanIsadore Hamel – A sculptor and Lucy’s suitor, representing a different social ideal
Themes
Romantic Idealism and Realism
Ayala’s vision of romantic perfection is a major theme, contrasted with Lucy’s more practical outlook. Trollope critiques unrealistic expectations while still allowing space for romantic sentiment, showing how ideals can both elevate and isolate.
Class and Social Aspiration
The novel explores the aspirations and limitations of both the commercial middle class and the struggling gentry. Through characters like Tom Tringle and Augusta, Trollope satirises social climbing and the pretensions of new wealth.
Family and Belonging
Ayala and Lucy’s divergent upbringings raise questions about duty, gratitude, and independence. Trollope considers how family expectations can shape, and limit, a young woman’s freedom to choose her own path.
Women’s Autonomy and Marriage
Both sisters must navigate the pressures of Victorian marriage markets. Trollope gives attention to their agency, allowing them to make meaningful choices , but also shows the societal constraints within which those choices operate.
Discussion Questions
How does Ayala’s idea of the “angel of light” shape her decisions and view of love?
What does the novel suggest about the challenges and expectations faced by women in Victorian society?
How does Trollope balance satire with sympathy in his depiction of the Tringle family?
In what ways are Lucy and Ayala contrasted , and what do their choices reveal about Trollope’s view of romantic fulfilment?
BIG READ
Ayala’s Angel has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. However, this guide is suitable for use by reading groups and individuals alike. It offers context, themes, and questions to support deeper engagement with one of Trollope’s later explorations of romance, family, and independence.
Resources
The Fixed Period
Publication Details
Written: 1881–1882Published: 1882 by William Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh and LondonFormat: Single-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Not recorded in Trollope’s Autobiography
Summary
The Fixed Period is Trollope’s only foray into science fiction, set in the fictional former British colony of Britannula in the year 1980. It explores the consequences of a radical law that requires citizens to undergo euthanasia at the age of 68, with a year of preparation beforehand. The novel is narrated by President John Neverbend, a fervent believer in the system who finds his principles tested when the first citizen approaches the "fixed period." Satirical and speculative, the novel examines the limits of rational reform, the dignity of ageing, and the dangers of utopian thinking.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Themes
Utopian Reform and Authoritarianism
Trollope uses the setting of Britannula to parody overzealous reformers who prioritise ideology over humanity. The novel critiques attempts to impose rational but inflexible solutions onto complex social problems, showing how utopian schemes can slip into coercion.
Ageing, Dignity, and Mortality
The novel confronts questions about the value of life in old age and the dignity of decline. The "fixed period" law assumes that usefulness ends at a certain age, but Trollope challenges this idea through the character of Crasweller and the emotional turmoil it causes.
Science, Progress, and Satire
In this speculative setting, Trollope playfully engages with technology, futuristic politics, and international relations (including a cameo by a visiting British warship). His satire is directed at blind faith in progress and the risks of replacing traditional values too hastily.
Colonial Identity and National Autonomy
Although fictitious, Britannula echoes the settler societies of the British Empire. The novel hints at the tensions between local governance and imperial oversight, especially as Britannula’s radical policy draws the attention, and intervention, of Britain.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope balance satire with serious philosophical questions in The Fixed Period ?
In what ways does the novel reflect Victorian concerns about ageing and usefulness?
What does the novel suggest about the dangers of ideological certainty?
How is the relationship between parent and child portrayed in the context of generational change and dissent?
BIG READ
The Fixed Period has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. However, this guide is suitable for reading groups and individuals, especially those interested in Trollope’s experimental writing, political satire, and engagement with science fiction.
Resources
Marion Fay
Publication Details
Written: 1879Published: 1882 by Chapman & Hall, LondonFormat: Two-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Not recorded in Trollope’s Autobiography
Summary
Marion Fay explores love, class, and religious difference in Victorian society. The novel follows Lord Hampstead, heir to a marquessate, who falls in love with Marion Fay, a Quaker girl of humble background and strong principles. In a parallel plot, Hampstead’s sister, Lady Frances Trafford, becomes engaged to George Roden, a clerk in the Post Office. Both love stories challenge expectations of social class and religious conformity, and Trollope uses them to examine the boundaries of acceptance in elite society.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Themes
Love Across Class Boundaries
The novel presents two central love stories, between Lord Hampstead and Marion Fay, and between Lady Frances and George Roden, that challenge Victorian assumptions about social rank and suitable marriages. Trollope tests the emotional and ethical worth of his characters against the arbitrary hierarchies of aristocratic society. He invites readers to consider whether genuine affection, honour, and moral character should take precedence over wealth and pedigree, while also illustrating the social penalties of defying convention.
Religion, Conscience, and Identity
Marion Fay’s identity as a Quaker shapes the moral and emotional core of the novel. Trollope treats her nonconformist faith with sympathy, highlighting how her religious beliefs give her both quiet strength and an acute sense of personal duty. Through her, the novel explores the place of dissenting religious traditions within a predominantly Anglican and class-conscious society, suggesting that true moral authority can exist outside institutional norms.
Family Expectations and Social Control
The Marchioness of Kingsbury represents the conservative voice of family honour and societal order. Trollope shows how parents, guardians, and family structures attempt to shape or constrain the choices of young adults, especially around marriage and respectability. The resistance of Hampstead and Frances to these pressures reflects broader shifts in Victorian culture toward individual autonomy, but the novel also acknowledges the emotional cost of such defiance.
Illness, Fragility, and the Limits of Choice
Physical weakness plays a significant thematic role in Marion Fay, not only affecting the pace of the plot but also shaping moral decisions. Trollope connects bodily fragility with emotional and ethical vulnerability, prompting reflection on mortality, care, and sacrifice. Marion’s fear of consumption, an illness that claimed members of her own family and of Trollope’s, frames her moral dilemma about love and self-sacrifice. In his Autobiography, Trollope’s references to family illness add resonance to Marion’s story, showing how the limits of physical endurance can mirror the limits of human choice.
Work, Respectability, and Public Service
Through George Roden’s position in the Post Office, Trollope affirms the dignity of public service and the honour of professional life. His inclusion as a worthy romantic partner, despite his lack of title, signals a quiet validation of middle-class values within an otherwise aristocratic world.
Literary Criticism
William Dean Howells, Heroines of Fiction (1901):
“I should be inclined to place Trollope, the profound moralist, among the very first of those supreme novelists to whom the ever-womanly has revealed itself.”
This comment recalls Marion’s letter in Chapter 48: “A man thinks that he should win for himself all that he wants. For a girl, I think it is sufficient for her to feel that, as far as she herself is concerned, that would have been given to her which she most desires, had not Fortune been unkind.... But as you are a man, pluck up your heart, and tell yourself that it shall only be for a time.”
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope use Marion Fay’s Quaker identity to explore ideas of moral strength and independence?
What do the parallel love stories reveal about class mobility and social boundaries in Victorian England?
How does the novel portray the tension between private conscience and public expectation?
In what ways do health and physical weakness contribute to the themes of the novel?
BIG READ
Marion Fay has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. This reading guide is intended to support reading groups and individuals exploring Trollope’s nuanced portrayal of cross-class love, religious integrity, and social resistance.
Resources
Mr Scarborough’s Family
Publication Details
Written: 1876–1877Published: 1883 by Chatto & Windus, LondonFormat: Three-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Not recorded in Trollope’s Autobiography
Summary
Mr Scarborough’s Family is a darkly comic and morally complex story of inheritance, deception, and familial rivalry. At its centre is the eccentric and calculating Mr Scarborough, who shocks his sons and society by declaring that his elder son Mountjoy is illegitimate, despite having always presented him as the heir. This act undermines legal expectations, social order, and the family’s financial stability. As creditors, lawyers, and relatives circle, the novel examines greed, manipulation, and the limits of paternal power.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
John Scarborough – A wealthy and cunning landowner who defies convention and law to control his legacyMountjoy Scarborough – Mr Scarborough’s elder son, raised as heir but later declared illegitimateAugustus Scarborough – The younger son, legally declared the heir, but morally compromisedFlorence Mountjoy – A young woman caught between family expectation and romantic loyaltyMr Grey – A solicitor navigating the complex legal consequences of Mr Scarborough’s actionsLady Mountjoy – Florence’s mother, anxious to secure her daughter’s social and financial position
Themes
Inheritance, Law, and Manipulation
Trollope uses the character of Mr Scarborough to probe the legal and moral structures that governed Victorian inheritance. By announcing his elder son illegitimate, Mr Scarborough manipulates both family expectations and the law, raising uncomfortable questions about the true authority of the patriarch and the fragility of legal frameworks.
Paternal Power and Rebellion
Mr Scarborough is a deeply authoritarian figure, but also gleefully rebellious. He defies lawyers, doctors, and creditors, asserting his personal will above all else. His calculated disruption of his sons’ lives becomes a critique of power wielded without empathy or principle.
Honour, Greed, and Social Collapse
The behaviour of Mountjoy, Augustus, and those around them shows how quickly honour and principle can be eroded by money and social ambition. The characters’ manoeuvrings expose the hypocrisies of class, inheritance, and respectability.
The Role of Women and Romantic Independence
Florence Mountjoy is presented with choices that test her sense of loyalty and autonomy. Her decisions highlight the limited freedom women had in matters of love and marriage, and Trollope shows how social pressure often disguises itself as moral guidance.
Satire and Moral Ambiguity
The novel blends satire with a bleak view of human motivation. Few characters are wholly sympathetic, and Trollope plays with readers’ expectations of justice or reward. The outcome challenges conventional notions of resolution and virtue.
Discussion Questions
What does Mr Scarborough’s manipulation of inheritance reveal about Victorian property law and family authority?
How are Mountjoy and Augustus shaped by their father’s decisions?
What role does Florence play in the story, and how does Trollope portray her autonomy?
In what ways does the novel explore the fine line between rebellion and cruelty?
BIG READ
Mr Scarborough’s Family has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. This guide offers a resource for independent readers and reading groups interested in Trollope’s late style, moral scepticism, and biting social commentary.
Resources
The Landleaguers
Publication Details
Written: 1881–1882 (left incomplete at Trollope’s death)Published: 1883 by Chatto & Windus, LondonFormat: Two-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Not recorded in Trollope’s Autobiography
Summary
The Landleaguers was unfinished at Trollope’s death in 1882 and published posthumously with a concluding note by his son, Henry Merivale Trollope. Set in Ireland during the height of the Land War, the novel focuses on political unrest, agrarian violence, and personal loyalties. The English family of Lord and Lady Castlemere struggle to navigate a society fractured by class conflict, nationalist agitation, and shifting allegiances. Through the personal experiences of Rachel O’Mahony, Florian Jones, and others, Trollope attempts to capture the complexity of Anglo-Irish relations during a period of significant upheaval.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Themes
Land, Power, and Conflict
At the heart of the novel is the Irish Land War, a real historical movement against absentee landlords and unfair rents. Trollope depicts the power struggle between English landowners and Irish tenant farmers, exposing the violence and fear that gripped rural Ireland in the early 1880s. He explores the breakdown of trust between classes and the limits of law and order.
Anglo-Irish Identity and Political Reform
The novel presents a spectrum of Irish political identity, from moderate reformers like Mr Mahony to violent nationalists like Michael. Trollope explores how different generations, classes, and individuals respond to political pressure. Florian’s sympathies and Rachel’s convictions highlight the complexity of cross-cultural allegiance.
Violence, Justice, and the Rule of Law
Trollope examines the erosion of legal authority and the rise of vigilante violence in rural Ireland. Landowners are attacked, informers are silenced, and justice is either delayed or ignored. The novel questions whether institutions can survive in a society riven by resentment and desperation.
The Shadow of the Phoenix Park Murders
The Landleaguers was published in November 1882, just six months after the Phoenix Park murders of 6 May 1882, in which Lord Frederick Cavendish and Thomas Henry Burke were assassinated by members of the Irish National Invincibles. Although Trollope began the novel before the murders took place, their impact would have been fresh in the minds of readers when the book appeared. The violence portrayed in the novel, including the threat to landlords and the portrayal of militant nationalism, resonates strongly with the political atmosphere of the time. The novel’s depiction of fear, instability, and political division echoes the wider anxieties sparked by these dramatic real-world events.
Women and Political Conscience
Rachel O’Mahony emerges as one of Trollope’s most politically aware heroines. She is principled, fearless, and caught between love and national duty. Her role signals a growing space for female characters to engage with public and political questions beyond the domestic sphere.
Unfinished Business
The novel ends abruptly, leaving major plot lines unresolved. The incomplete structure adds poignancy to Trollope’s exploration of instability and conflict. It also underscores the open-ended nature of the Irish Question in Victorian Britain, a problem with no easy resolution.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope depict the moral and political complexities of the Land War?
What role does Rachel play in bridging or deepening the divide between English and Irish perspectives?
How does the unfinished nature of the novel affect its themes and structure?
In what ways does The Landleaguers reflect Trollope’s own views on Ireland and reform?
BIG READ
The Landleaguers has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. This guide supports reading groups and individual readers interested in Trollope’s final novel and his attempt to engage directly with the violent politics of late 19th-century Ireland.
Resources
An Autobiography
Publication Details
Written: October 1875 – April 11, 1876 (written aboard the transatlantic steamer Bothnia and completed on 11 April 1876)Published: 1883 by Chapman & Windus, LondonFormat: One-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Not recorded in Trollope’s Autobiography
Summary
An Autobiography is Anthony Trollope’s candid reflection on his life, career, and perspectives on Victorian society. Written later in his life, the autobiography recounts his early years, his time working at the Post Office, and his success as a novelist. Trollope provides an honest account of his personal struggles, professional discipline, and the challenges of balancing his civil service duties with his passion for writing.
The autobiography explores his writing process, emphasizing his methodical approach and self-discipline. Trollope also reflects on his experiences with social classes, his views on marriage, and his travels, offering valuable insights into Victorian life. His candidness about his character and flaws adds a personal dimension to the work, making it not only a professional memoir but also an introspective examination of the man behind the novels.
Themes
Literary Career and the Art of Writing
Trollope reflects on his disciplined writing process, emphasizing the importance of consistency and perseverance. He offers insight into his work habits and how he balanced the demands of writing with other responsibilities. He also discusses the business side of authorship, focusing on marketability and producing work that would resonate with readers.
Public Service and Work-Life Balance
Trollope’s career at the Post Office shaped his worldview and provided financial stability, but he often struggled to balance his civil service duties with his writing. His autobiography portrays the challenges and rewards of working in public service while pursuing a literary career.
Social Class and Victorian Society
Trollope comments on Victorian social structures, reflecting on the relationships between the classes and how his own experiences shaped his views. He defends aspects of the class system but acknowledges the evolving social dynamics of the time, particularly the rise of industrialization and its impact on class and power.
Review of Contemporary Authors
Trollope takes the opportunity in his autobiography to review some of the major authors of his time. He offers critiques of writers like Charles Dickens, George Eliot, and Thackeray, providing both praise and criticism. Trollope praises Dickens for his ability to capture the social landscape of England, though he expresses reservations about some of his characterisations. He admires George Eliot’s intellectual depth and her exploration of moral complexity but also critiques her novels for being overly serious. Of Thackeray, he acknowledges his wit and insight but suggests that his focus on moral lessons could sometimes overshadow his storytelling.
Discussion Questions
How does Trollope's career at the Post Office influence his literary works?
In what ways does his self-discipline as a writer contrast with his reflections on other aspects of his life?
What can we learn about Victorian society from Trollope’s personal reflections and observations?
How does Trollope’s candidness in the autobiography shape our understanding of his novels?
BIG READ
An Autobiography has featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. The BIG READ concluded with a lecture by Dr. Nicholas Shrimpton, which explored the novel’s treatment of change, identity, and paternal love.
Resources
An Old Man’s Love
Publication Details
Written: 1881–1882 (left incomplete at Trollope’s death)Published: 1883 by Chatto & Windus, LondonFormat: Two-volume hardbackSerialisation: NoneEarnings: Not recorded in Trollope’s Autobiography
Summary
An Old Man's Love is a deeply emotional story that explores themes of ageing, love, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel follows William Whittlestaff, a retired man in his 60s, who falls in love with Mary Lawrie, a much younger woman. However, his romantic interest is complicated by her engagement to John Gordon, a man who has long been a friend of Whittlestaff. Whittlestaff's intense and obsessive love leads to personal conflict, as he struggles to reconcile his feelings with the reality of the situation. The story is a poignant exploration of the challenges and passions of later life, alongside the nuanced relationships between love, possession, and regret.
Key Characters
Spoiler Alert: the character listings linked to below may reveal some plot details.
Mrs Baggett – A loyal and pragmatic servant, Mrs Baggett plays a key role in managing the household and offering advice to Whittlestaff.John Gordon – A man in his prime, John is engaged to Mary and is a lifelong friend of William Whittlestaff. He becomes an unwitting rival for Whittlestaff’s affections.Mary Lawrie – A young woman caught between her affections for John Gordon and the attentions of William Whittlestaff. Her situation creates emotional turmoil for all involved.William Whittlestaff – A retired man in his sixties, Whittlestaff becomes obsessively in love with Mary Lawrie, which leads to inner conflict and moral questioning.
Themes
Ageing and Love
One of the key themes in An Old Man’s Love is the exploration of ageing, particularly through Whittlestaff's experience. His love for Mary represents the longing for affection and companionship in later years, but also highlights the vulnerability and limitations of growing old.
Obsession and Regret
The novel delves into the destructive nature of obsessive love, as Whittlestaff becomes consumed by his feelings for Mary. His desire to possess her leads to a sense of regret and moral questioning, especially as he realises the impact his actions have on the people around him.
Social Expectations and Class
Trollope also critiques societal expectations around marriage and relationships, particularly the rigid social class divisions that influence characters' decisions and behavior. Whittlestaff’s wealth and social position clash with the more personal and intimate desires of the characters, particularly Mary.
Discussion Questions
How does the novel explore the theme of ageing, and what does it suggest about the relationship between age and the capacity for love?
In what ways does Whittlestaff’s obsession with Mary shape his actions, and what does the novel suggest about the dangers of such fixation?
Do you think Mary’s actions are justified in light of her feelings for John Gordon and her complicated relationship with Whittlestaff?
How does An Old Man’s Love critique the social structures of the time, particularly regarding marriage and class?
What role does regret play in the story, and how do the characters cope with it?
BIG READ
An Old Man’s Love has not yet featured in the Trollope Society’s BIG READ programme. This guide supports reading groups and individual readers interested in exploring Trollope’s emotional portrayal of love and aging, alongside his insight into the complexities of human relationships.
Resources
