Trollope, The Way We Live Now, 1875

What are paradigms suggested by the title? Do you anticipate that "the way we live now" will be better or worse than in the past? Can you compare the themes of this novel to any others of the period by Dickens or others? (Our Mutual Friend, 1864-65, deals with high finance and its relationship to refuse; debts and gambling are major motifs in Middlemarch, 1871-72; corrupt elections are satirized in Felix Holt, 1866)

Who are the "we" of the title? To what social groups/types of readers do you think Trollope most appealed at the time? Who would most likely be his readers today?

Would the majority of his readers have been at the same income level as the aristocrats he presents? What was Trollope's own economic status?

How does the narrator enter the novel, and with what frequency? How would you describe his tone? At what points does he seem to intervene most extensively? (defends Paul Montague!)

How are the novel's style and organization shaped for serial publication? (short chapters; firm, often dramatic endings; narrator must pick up prior threads)

What are some binding metaphors that help unify the novel? What is the relationship between speculation and gambling? Which members of which social classes engage in each form, and to what extent are there overlaps?

Are women less implicated in these "games"? (What alternative employments, if any, are available to those who choose not to speculate?)

What considerations dominate human relationships throughout the novel? Are there any exceptions? Would this have been entirely typical for Victorian novels of the period? (considerable emphasis on the financialization of marriage and of all human ties)

What role do letters play throughout the novel? What do you make of the fact that many in the first sections of the novel are written by women (Lady Carbury, Hetta), and towards the end, more are by men? (Paul Montague, Roger Carbury, Dolly Longestaffe, Mr. Brehgert) What topics do each address?

Which letters fail to arrive or are never received? Might it be significant that Trollope spent much of his working life as a post office official?

What seem to be some of the novel's underlying assumptions about work? What kinds of gainful employment, if any, seem to be available, desired, or socially acceptable to the novel's characters? What types of employment, if any, seem suggested for the novel's women characters?

To what class strata do the characters belong? Are there exceptions, and how are these represented? (only the parasitic classes are important) How would these representations have affected the nature of Trollope's audience?

Are there any stereotypes embedded in the novel's representations, and if so, what would have been their relevance to contemporary political or social events of the time? (negative representations of Americans, Jews, foreigners, those involved in banking, newcomers, divorced persons) Who was the British Prime Minister at the time of the novel's publication? (Benjamin Disraeli) Which prominent Jewish British banking family was represented in Parliament? (Lionel Rothschild, M. P. 1869-74, first member of Parliament permitted to swear oath of office on the Old Testament rather than the Christian bible)

Is the novel antisemitic, and if so, in what ways? How do you account for the fact that the Longestaffes' extreme antisemitism is parodied? What are some admirable traits displayed by Mr. Brehgert?

Are some of the same traits better rewarded in men than in women? (Roger, John Crumb, Winifred, and Marie are obsessive in their attachments; the former are seen as consistent and admirable, Winifred as rather dangerous, and Marie as unfortunate but extreme) When is love a virtue and when a vice?

What role does the United States seem to play in the novel's imaginary? Which characters are ultimately expelled to the United States, as it were, and how do they resemble one another?

Does the narrator make any generalizations regarding women and men? (e. g., 182: "What man, who has been caught and made sure, has not felt a certain dissatisfaction at being so treated, understanding that the smile is intended to convey to him a sense of his own captivity? . . . . If we have felt that something of ridicule was intended, because we have been regarded as cocks with their spurs cut away, then we also have a pride when we have declared to ourselves that upon the whole we have gained more than we have lost.")

What seem the implied relative merits of urban vs. rural life? (Rural characters are seen as more reliable if also dull, e. g. Roger Carbury, John Crumb)

What forms of women's oppression does Trollope note? (violence, control) What seem to be the relationship between fathers and daughters? Does Trollope suggest remedies? What seems the novel's relationship to the reformist efforts of the time to permit women education and wider employment? (none)

As a satirist, in which forms of humor does Trollope engage, and to what ends? (irony, as in chapter 70, p. 466, quotation from Milton's "Lycidas" is used to describe Georgina Longstaffe's renewed efforts to attract a partner; general tone of knowing distance)

What ethical issues are raised by the novel? What moral principles does the novel implicitly or explicitly promote?

How would you describe Trollope's mode of characterization? Are some characters strongly good or evil--and do the protagonists fall into these categories? (some seem a mix of traits, arousing both sympathy and condemnation--e. g. Lady Carbury is unkind to Hetta, yet her relationship with Mr. Broune is seen as a true friendship built on honesty and respect; Winifred Hurtle is unreasonable in her dealings with Paul, but helpful to Ruby and Mrs. Pipkin)

Do Trollope's characters evolve, or are their traits merely revealed over time?

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What scenes open the novel? What do you make of the fact that Lady Carbury is presented as a second-rate author? Are any women permitted successful intellectual endeavors or success in the novel? (she is forced to give up writing when she marries Mr. Broune; he could have instead offered advice to improve her writings) Which aspects of Lady Carbury's life evoke Mr. Broune's skepticism? (her indulgence to Felix)

From early representations in chapter 1, what seems Trollope's opinion of the editors of literary magazines? How is Mr. Alf portrayed?

Does our opinion of Mr. Broune change with time? On what issue does he advise Lady Carbury, and is he correct? (Melmotte's promises cannot be trusted) Are there instances in which he too is deceived, and if so, what does this indicate?

What do we learn from the Melmotte's grand balls and dinners? (everyone wants to go, despite their dislike of Mr. Melmotte) Would there have been contemporary analogues to the fictional presence of the Emperor of China? (possibly Britain's relationship with India)

What alerts the reader to the possibility that Melmotte's claims may be based on fraudulence? (appoints unqualified board members, governs by fiat, demands compliance, evades encounters in which he might need to produce money)

What are some of Felix Carbury's expectations in marriage? Are these reasonable in the light of his social position and the assumptions of the time?

What role is served by men's clubs in the novel's social world? Are there comparable gathering places for women?

What do we make of the fact that initially Felix makes a considerable amount of money at gambling? What does he do with the proceeds? How might a modern audience view Felix's actions? (with sympathy as well as censure: addiction destroys his life)

Whom does the narrator blame for Felix's vices? Do you think this is strictly just, and to what extent? (later we learn that his father has been brutal, and the latter's treatment of his wife would have set an example to his son of total disregard of his mother's views and emotions)

What do we learn of Paul Montague? What mistakes, if any, does he make? What effect do these have on his future? Does the narrator find his weaknesses forgivable?

How does the narrator present Mrs. Winifred Hurtle? Marie? What unusual traits does each manifest? Is it significant that Winifred Hurtle is usually referred to by her married name, whereas the other women are called by their first names (Hetta, Marie, Georgiana)? Do either of these bold and daring women achieve their romantic goals?

Are names significant in some cases? (e. g., Mrs. Hurtle)

What function in the plot is served by the affairs of the Longestaffe family? How are we to evaluate Georgiana? (both opportunistic and realistic) What is revealed by the rupture of her relationships with her former women friends?

What role do Dolly Longestaffe's interventions play in the plot? In general, how amicable do father/son relationships seem to be? Are we to view Dolly in a favorable light? (his suspicions are proven accurate; inexplicably antisemitic for someone who otherwise doesn't seem to hold many views)

How does Lady Carbury at first respond to Mr. Melmotte? Is she concerned about the morality of his investments? (chapter 29, 197) What does Trollope think of her desire to obtain money for her son? (200, "Though the ambition was vilely ignoble, the mother's love was noble and disinterested.")

What later disillusions her? Why does Melmotte visit her, and with what result? (threatens that if her son marries his daughter, no money will be available)

What motives inspire Mr. Broune to propose to Lady Carbury? (chapter 31) On what grounds does she refuse? How does he respond to her refusal? (at first irritated as well as surprised, then feels compassion)

What qualities are shown in the letter she sends him? (chapter 36) Do aspects of the letter surprise you? Can one make a case that recent events have caused Lady Carbury to evolve?

What major roles are granted to Roger Carbury in the novel? What are the results of his interventions in the cases of Ruby Ruggles and Paul Montague? On what grounds is he entitled to/motivated to engage in these interventions? (rural landlord, prosperous older relative) Is his advice correct? (saves Ruby from a disreputable situation; warns Paul of the public implications of his behavior)

What importance does the novel give to the friendship between Roger and Paul? (both men shown to be local to their friend/mentor)

A case has been made that Trollope is a feminist? To what extent does this seem accurate? If women are oppressed, how are they expected to extricate themselves, if at all? Do we see any good marriages in action (as opposed to romantic endings)?

What are some of Trollope's chief merits as a novelist? (able to create characters who are both flawed and sympathetic; narrator speaks intimately if knowingly to reader) To what extent is he a moralist? A specious moralist?

What leads to Paul Montague's removal from the board of Melmotte's company? (chapter 40,  asks for information) Why do the others present not support him?

What plans does Marie make for her elopement with Felix? Are these reasonable? What concatenation of circumstances causes these plans to fail? (Rubby fails to arrive and Felix takes to drinking and gambling; Mrs. Melmotte or her husband discovers the stolen money) Did Marie have access to any money of her own? (not directly--she lives helplessly within wealth)

What do we learn of Mrs. Hurtle's and Paul's respective political views? (she favors more equality; he is skeptical, chapter 42, 278) Where are the reader's sympathies expected to lie?

What are we told by the narrator is his motive for taking her to a seaside resort? (gallantry, thoughtfulness, 281). With what sentiments does the narrator intrude? (he is kindhearted, more than had he been more decisive) Is this convincing? (it's no kindness to lead her on, and also inconsistent if he hopes to court Hetta, who has given him some hope)

How does Felix learn about Paul's relationship with Mrs. Hurtle? What are some other ways in which the upper-class and rural/lower-class plots commingle? (Ruby tells Felix about Paul, Carbury tells her that if Crumb believed Felix had seduced and abandoned her, Crumb would indeed kill him; Carbury avoids letting Crumb know the entire situation in order to protect both Ruby and Felix)

Does the narrative seem to criticize John Crumb for his threat to kill Felix if the latter seduces Ruby? (no!) Do they believe he will carry out his threat? (yes)

Which political party does Melmotte choose, and on what grounds? Does Trollope seem sympathetic to either side? (chapter 44) What effect is ascribed to the recent introduction of a secret ballot? (less open buying of votes) To what degree and on what grounds does Mr. Broune support Melmotte? (fears to be accused of libel)

Is Melmotte a good campaigner? Why not? (chapter 44)

What unintended consequence does the fact that Dolly wants the money from the sale of his and his father's townhouse cause? (Melmotte's lack of money becomes more apparent. chapter 45)

What do we learn about Paul's response to Mrs. Hurtle? (enjoys her presence, chapter 46, 308; kisses her) What change is effected by the appearance of Carbury? (Paul attempts to distance himself, she implores him to change his mind in a torrent of excessive rhetoric) As Roger leaves, does he decide to tell Hetta what he has seen, or does he resolve not to? (is the ending of the chapter ambiguous?)

On what grounds does the narrator defend Paul's actions? (chapter 47, 312) Are these convincing? (they don't explain the harm caused by his dishonesty, or why he had been attracted to her in the past, even soliciting her in marriage.)

What characterizes Mrs. Hurtle's speech? (aggression, threat of violence; we don't know why she is insistent on marrying someone who doesn't want her, nor does he have enough presence of mind to argue that a forced marriage will fail. Presumably as a consummate schemer, she will find other victims.)

What do you make of the fact that he continues contact with a woman he fears may kill him? (!) On what grounds does he believe it might be dangerous to marry her? (she is not the sort of woman of whom a man would wish to be master, 315) What do you make of his definition of marriage as a form of mastery?

On what grounds does he again agree to see her? (316) What defense of her character does Trollope offer? (she had loved him, 317) Is this entirely plausible? What is her view of the English? (more admirable than Americans! 318) For what audience was this view presumably intended?

What prevents Ruby from spending time with Felix the evening before his agreed departure, and what long-term consequence will this have? (he gambles instead, fails to start for Liverpool) From whom does he obtain money for the trip, and what fate befalls the 30 pounds he obtains? (overdraws mother's account, then gambles it away) In what condition does he arrive home, and how is he received? (chapter 50)

In addition to Felix's defection, what causes Marie's careful plans for their elopement to fail? (chapter 50) What happens to Didon? (escapes to New York) Do we know what happens to the latter? (no, narrator tells us her fate is irrelevant to story) What happens as Marie faces her father? (he shakes her violently.)

What plot twists and false reports complicate the Hetta/Paul union? (Felix hears reports from Ruby, who has spoken with Mrs. Hurtle) Under what circumstances is Mrs. Hurtle shown in a somewhat sympathetic light? (seems kind to Mrs. Pipkin and Ruby, generally quite practical except in her relationship with Paul)

How does Trollope treat the theme of what might be called romantic obsession--e. g., in Marie, Winifred, and (perhaps) Roger Carbury? Are the different instances rewarded differently, and if so, may the author reveal a gender and/or nationality bias?

What is the tone of Paul's letter to Roger informing him of the success of his romantic suit? How does Roger Carbury respond, both immediately and over the long run? How is the reader expected to respond to his continuing attachment to Hetta and her family? Does it seem unusual that a man, wife, and her former suitor should live together, supported by the latter?

What values are emphasized by the narrator's interpretation of John Crumb's attack on Felix (who was of course in the act of attacking Ruby)? (Felix's physical cowardice is emphasized, 480) Do Roger and the other characters approve of this act of male violence?

What seems the relationship between social class, gender, and acceptable physical violence? (the lower-class character is applauded for physical aggression--even the threat of violence in a woman, Winifred Hurtle, is disconcerting)

How effective are the scenes leading up to Melmotte's death? What is added by the prolongation of the account of the gradual desertion of all those associated with him? (Mr. Croll, his family, his usual companions) Is it significant that Mr. Brehgert returns the forged papers without comment? (generous to someone who has defrauded him)

Is the reader expected to feel some sympathy for the entrapped Melmotte? A mixture of sympathy and judgment? (cmp. Dickens' account of the last days of Bill Sykes, as we feel the terror of a man who is nonetheless despicable) Is Melmotte's suicide expected?

What is the effect of the fact that Melmotte's suicide occurs before the end of the novel? What are some ways in which this causes the plot to unwind? (we follow the repercussions for many of the other characters, and their anxieties and shock as they try to determine what has happend; the insincerity of alleged ties revealed)

What seems symbolic about the decline and near-closure of the Beargarden? (end of circle centered on gambling; forced accountability for expenses)

Which characters leave for the United States, and is this symbolic? Are there alleged reasons Lord Nidderdale and Marie cannot marry, and are these entirely convincing? (she still has more money than he will likely find elsewhere)

Why do you think Trollope includes a final scene in which the senior Nidderdale and Mr. Brehgert converse? Does Mr. Brehgert defend himself well? What are we to make of the extreme anti-semitism of Georgiana's family? What are the financial results of their bigotries? (decline in social scale)

In general, how are the various religions treated throughout? e. g., Anglicanism, Catholicism, Judaism--from what point of view are religious institutions considered?

What are some of the novel's more striking scenes and confrontations? (e. g., Marie and Hetta, Winifred and Paul, Melmotte and Marie, Lady Carbury and Mr. Broune, Lord Nidderdale and Marie)

At the end, are all the characters given just fates? What are some reasons for the final configurations? Why do you think Trollope presents Lord Nidderdale and Marie as solely potential friends, when she clearly has wealth far beyond his other expectations, and they are both fond of one another? Is it surprising that the irreligious Georgiana marries a strict parson? What prevents Felix, by the logic of the book, from being expelled to America?

On what issues is Roger Carbury presented as correct? Might a modern reader disagree with any of his decisions?

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What role is played by gossip, rumor, and networks of information and disinformation throughout (the social media of its day)?

How would you characterize Trollope's use of humor? What are some instances of the narrator's wit? Of the use of unusual metaphors?

How are dialect and speech patterns used throughout? (John Crumb, Mr. Croll)

What are some ways in which the novel is bound together by interlocking plots and themes? How are scenes organized in dramatic speech confrontations? (e. g., Marie and Hetta, Marie and Lord Nidderdale, Mrs. Hurtle and Paul, scene with Dolly, his father, the lawyers, and Melmotte in Longstaffe's former home) 

What are some ways in which the novel is organized around parallels and contrasts?

How does the novel employ dialect and language patterns to define different social groups? (e. g., John Crum, Mr. Croll)

By what means does the narrator emphasize his theme of "the way we live now"? What ethical themes are raised by the novel?

Does the novel provide closure for the entanglements it describes? Are the good rewarded and the evil punished, or the reverse, or do the outcomes fall somewhere in between? What do you make of Georgiana's marriage to a strict clergyman or Marie's departure with Mr. Fisker? What will happen to Winifred Hurtle?

Would you describe Trollope as a sentimental novelist, an ironist, or something else? What seems to be his general view of human nature? How would you compare the tone and ethos of his novels with those of Dickens and Thackeray? George Eliot? (Trollope presents insider/outsider view of corruption and self-interested calculation)

To what extent is Trollope/his narrator a sympathetic and to what extent a hostile witness? To what extent are his judgments time-bound, or alternately, more enduring?

Trollope stated that in this novel his evil characters were more interesting and better drawn than his good ones. Do you agree?

What are some of the impressive features of The Way We Live Now? Do you find any deficiencies?

References are to the Penguin edition.