Off the Shelf: Classics – Anthony Trollope’s Palliser Novels

Between 1847 and his death in 1882, Anthony Trollope wrote forty-seven novels in addition to short stories, travel books, biographies and an autobiography – prolific by any standard. However, he is best remembered for his two great portraits of Victorian society, written as two separate series of six books each. They concentrate on the two biggest Victorian establishments: Church and State. The satire of and insights into these institutions remains relevant today.

The first, the Barchester Chronicles, takes an ironic look at the Victorian Church, beginning with the publication of The Warden in 1885 and ending with the Last Chronicle of Barset eleven years later. The political novels deal with an establishment much admired by Trollope, the Parliament. Beginning with Can You Forgive Her? in 1864, the political novels have become collectively known as the Palliser novels, arising from the last name of the central aristocratic family featured to a greater or lesser extent in each novel. The two series are a huge literary achievement offering extraordinarily detailed insight into the two most important establishments in Victorian England.

Set against the backdrop of the British Parliament, the Palliser novels deal with one of Trollope’s own loves. In his autobiography he wrote, ‘that to sit in the British Parliament should be the highest object of ambition of every educated Englishman … that to serve one’s country without pay is the grandest work a man can do.’ While the novels eventually shatter many illusions the young political hero, Phineas Finn, has at the beginning, Trollope never allows the glory of public office to fade entirely. Despite many faults the Parliament still holds a radiance and power that Trollope is unwilling to let go – something we may need to be reminded of in light of more modern issues around political power.

When Parliament sits, the social lives of the members revolve around its strange hours and constant debates and while it is not sitting, the members gather at country residences to discuss what will happen at the next session. Yet the real appeal of the novels lies less in the politics and more in the dilemmas of human behaviour within that political arena. It is the characters, so supremely portrayed by Trollope, that will draw us in and it is the enduring relevance of political and personal intrigues that makes these novels still current.

The head of the Palliser family is the old Duke of Omnium, an idle and selfish aristocrat interested only in maintaining his own status and indulging himself. His nephew is nothing like him. Plantagenet Palliser is a thoroughly honourable, hard-working and dedicated public servant, too serious to ever have a sense of humour or sensuality. His wife, Lady Glencora MacLuskie, however, possesses lots of both. Their marriage begins merely as one of cold convenience but as the novels progress, their relationship subtly turns to something warmer and deeper. Together they have three children, and the Palliser series ends with a study of the fates of these three, alongside the now widowed Plantagenet.

 

Brief synopses of each of the Palliser novels

Can You Forgive Her?

The first book is, undoubtedly, dominated by Lady Glencora Palliser. Nervous relatives fear that the wealthy heiress is about to give herself and her money to the handsome but unsuitably poor, Burgo Fitzgerald. Lady Glencora almost does but is finally persuaded to marry Plantagenet Palliser – a marriage that is obviously one of convenience under social pressure. The novel also deals with the romantic exploits to Alice Vavasor, who is torn between a dangerous passion for her unreliable and potentially evil cousin, George, and a proposal from a patient and upright gentleman, Mr. Grey. She jilts both admirers twice before finally choosing the gentleman – a decision that the reader knows will offer her a lot more happiness.

What is most remarkable is the way the satire on the mores and double-dealings of society still seems contemporary. Trollope’s account of a society in which money, breeding and influence, rather than skill or integrity, are the primary routes into power is unpleasantly familiar.

 

Phineas Finn

Phineas Finn is a handsome and ambitious young Irishman arriving in London after winning a seat in his local borough. His wit and quick mind help him gain many influential social and political contacts, while his looks and charm win him female admirers. Leaving behind a secret fiancée in Ireland, Phineas is undeterred and falls in love with Lady Laura Standish, only to miss the opportunity to marry her. Within weeks he is courting Lady Violet Effingham but while his relationship forces him into fighting a duel with Lady Laura’s brother, Lord Chiltern, it does not lead to marriage. Marriage is offered by the wealthy Madame Max Goesler but she is ultimately refused by Phineas in favour of returning to Ireland. This is mainly because he has been instrumental in the downfall of the government and the loss of his seat. However, it is in a depressed mood that he returns to Ireland having experience the turbulent and fickle roller coaster that is political and societal intrigue.

 

The Eustace Diamonds

The plot revolves around a valuable and beautiful diamond necklace owned by the Eustace family. After the death of Sir Florian Eustace, his widow, the amoral and manipulative Lizzie Eustace, who only married the baronet for his money, claims the necklace. The Eustace family solicitor, who alone prevents a quick sale of the heirloom, relentlessly pursues Lizzie. This does not stop Lizzie ruthlessly seeking another wealthy husband to keep her in the luxury to which she has gown accustomed.

 

Phineas Redux

Seven years after Phineas left Dublin at the bottom of the political ladder, he appears again in Phineas Redux. He is now in a boring job in Dublin and unhappy with his life, his wife having died in childbirth. Out of the blue he receives an invitation to join the Liberals in London. However, the re-entry into London society is not smooth. Lady Laura Kennedy is now estranged from her husband and he blames Phineas for the state of his marriage and attempts to murder him. Phineas must also deal with political jealousy from his rival, Bonteen, who initiates a public argument against Phineas. So, when Phineas is murdered it is inevitable that Phineas is a suspect. He is ultimately saved by the tenacious efforts of the very women he rejected years earlier, Madame Max Goesler. Unnerved by this ordeal, Phineas leaves active politics and marries Madame Goesler, once again having learned the fleeting nature of political power.

 

The Prime Minister

Plantagenet Palliser is now the reluctant Prime Minister, presiding over a coalition government and supported, somewhat over-enthusiastically, by Lady Glencora. The handsome imposter, Ferdinand Lopez, who easily wins the favour of the wealthy Emily Warton, dominates the story. Helped by Lady Glencora at every opportunity, Ferdinand is selected as parliamentary candidate for the Palliser’s pocket borough, causing much aggravation for the Prime Minister. Plantagenet is ultimately forced into paying Ferdinand, to protect Lady Glencora’s name but the scandal comes to light in the gutter press. Ferdinand takes his own life, while Phineas puts the affair to rest with a graceful speech in Parliament.

 

The Duke’s Children

Lady Glencora is dead and the Duke is now left with the responsibility of three difficult children. Lady Mary is determined to marry a man deemed unsuitable by the Duke, Frank Tregear; his sons are sent down from university in disgrace; and one of his sons gets involved with a racing crook called Major Tifto. Cutting himself off from the one person whose advice he needs – Mrs Phineas Finn – the Duke tries the heavy father routine to little success. The novel is a learning process for Plantagenet, but he is eventually rescued from his pride and snobbery by the affections of his children.

 

(Images from Goodreads.com)