
'She had resolved to trust in everything, and, having so trusted, she would not provide for herself any possibility of retreat.' Lively and attractive, Lily Dale lives with her mother and sister at the Small House at Allington. She falls passionately in love with the urbane Adolphus Crosbie, and is devastated when he abandons her for the aristocratic Lady Alexandrina de Courcy. But Lily has another suitor, Johnny Eames, who has been devoted to her since boyhood. Perhaps she can find renewed happiness in Johnny's courtship? The Small House at Allington was among the most successful of Trollope's Barsetshire novels, and has retained its popularity among modern readers. Lily Dale's stubborn constancy is a troubling reflection of Trollope's divided feelings about the need for progress and reform in the context of liberal thought and politics. Her story is a subtle exploration of loyalty and ambition, and the pressure for change in a rapidly evolving world. 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.
The central conflict ignites when Lily Dale, a young woman of modest means, is abruptly abandoned by her fiancé, Adolphus Crosbie, in favor of a more socially advantageous match. Lily must navigate the social fallout of this public rejection while managing the persistent, long-standing affection of her childhood friend, Johnny Eames. The narrative operates within the rigid class structures of mid-Victorian England, where financial stability and social standing dictate the viability of romantic unions. Trollope employs a third-person omniscient narrator to observe the domestic lives of the inhabitants of Allington, contrasting their quiet existence with the maneuvering of the London elite.
Readers frequently highlight the nuanced characterization of Lily Dale, whose steadfastness serves as a focal point for discussions regarding Victorian gender roles. Critics often point to Trollope's ability to balance sharp social critique with a sympathetic portrayal of domestic life in rural England. Discussion often centers on the contrast between the earnest, reliable nature of Johnny Eames and the superficial ambition of Adolphus Crosbie. The pacing is noted for its deliberate, observational quality, which allows for a deep examination of the characters' internal motivations. Many readers appreciate the way the novel captures the specific anxieties of a society undergoing significant political and social reform.
Page Count:
624
Publication Date:
2014-01-01
ISBN-10:
0191639796
ISBN-13:
9780191639791
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!