Author Description
'The fact is, Mark, that you and I cannot conceive the depth of fraud in such a man as that.' The Reverend Mark Robarts makes a mistake. Drawn into a social set at odds with his clerical responsibilities, he guarantees the debts of an unscrupulous Member of Parliament. He stands to lose his reputation, and his family, future, and home are all in peril. His patroness, the proud and demanding Lady Lufton, is offended and the romantic hopes of Mark's sister Lucy, courted by Lady Lufton's son, are in jeopardy. Pride and ambition are set against love and integrity in a novel that has remained one of Trollope's most popular stories. Set against ecclesiastical events in the Barchester diocese and informed by British political instability after the Crimean War, Trollope's fourth Barchester novel was his first major success. A compelling history of uncertain futures, Framley Parsonage is a vivid exploration of emotional and geographical displacement that grew out of Trollope's own experiences as he returned to England from Ireland in 1859. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
The Reverend Mark Robarts faces the potential ruin of his clerical career and personal life after imprudently guaranteeing the debts of a deceitful Member of Parliament. Driven by social ambition and a desire to maintain his standing among the local gentry, Robarts finds himself entangled in a web of financial and moral compromise that threatens his position at the parsonage. He must navigate the disapproval of his powerful patroness, Lady Lufton, while his sister Lucy struggles to maintain her integrity amidst the complex social hierarchies of the Barchester diocese. The narrative employs a third-person omniscient perspective to examine the interplay between individual character flaws and the rigid expectations of Victorian society.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Exploration of clerical life and social status in mid-19th century England
- Examination of the tension between personal ambition and moral duty
- Detailed portrayal of the British class system and its influence on romantic prospects
- Integration of political instability following the Crimean War as a backdrop
- Focus on the consequences of financial imprudence and social posturing
- Development of complex interpersonal dynamics within the Barchester diocese
- Use of irony to critique the behavior of the landed gentry and clergy
- Emphasis on the internal conflict between pride and integrity
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics frequently highlight the novel for its sharp observation of Victorian social mores and its accessible, character-driven prose. Discussion often centers on the moral development of Mark Robarts and the resilience of his sister Lucy, who serves as a moral anchor throughout the narrative. Many observers note that the pacing is deliberate, allowing for a thorough examination of the domestic and ecclesiastical politics that define the Barsetshire setting. The work is widely regarded for its ability to balance light social comedy with serious questions regarding personal accountability and the pressures of class expectations.
Page Count:
477
Publication Date:
2014-01-01
ISBN-10:
0191640042
ISBN-13:
9780191640049
Historical Fiction
Classic Literature
English & College Success
Victorian
English
Domestic fiction
Social Satire
Community Tags
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