Estimated read time: 6 min read
One Sentence Summary
A young woman navigates love and societal expectations in a small English village.
Table of Contents
Introduction
"The Small House at Allington" is a novel written by Anthony Trollope and published in 1864. It is the fifth novel in Trollope's Chronicles of Barsetshire series and is widely regarded as one of his finest works. Set in the fictional county of Barsetshire, the novel explores themes of love, marriage, and social class. With its richly drawn characters and intricate plot, "The Small House at Allington" offers readers a captivating and insightful glimpse into Victorian society.
Brief Synopsis
The novel is primarily set in the idyllic countryside of Barsetshire, where the lives of the residents of the Small House at Allington intertwine with those of the neighboring aristocratic family, the De Courcys. The main protagonist, Lily Dale, is a young woman living with her widowed mother and sister at the Small House. She is in love with Adolphus Crosbie, a handsome and ambitious young man who works in the Civil Service. Adolphus proposes to Lily, but shortly after, he breaks off their engagement and marries Lady Alexandrina De Courcy, a wealthy and titled woman.
Heartbroken, Lily retreats into herself and struggles to move on from her shattered dreams. Meanwhile, her sister Bell becomes acquainted with the new squire of Allington, John Eames, who falls in love with Lily but fails to win her affections. As the story unfolds, the lives of these characters become entangled in a web of love, desire, and societal expectations.
Main Characters
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Lily Dale | The main protagonist, a young and virtuous woman who is in love with Adolphus Crosbie. |
| Adolphus Crosbie | A charming and ambitious man who breaks Lily's heart by marrying Lady Alexandrina De Courcy. |
| Lady Alexandrina De Courcy | A wealthy and titled woman who marries Adolphus Crosbie despite his love for Lily Dale. |
| Bell Dale | Lily's sister, who forms a connection with John Eames. |
| John Eames | A young man who falls in love with Lily Dale but is unable to win her affections. |
Summary of Different Story Points over Chapters
Chapter 1-5: Introduction of Characters and Setting
The novel opens by introducing the readers to the residents of the Small House at Allington. We meet the Dale family, including Lily, her mother, and her sister Bell. The De Courcy family is also introduced, with Lady Alexandrina De Courcy emerging as an important character. The stage is set for the unfolding drama as Lily falls in love with Adolphus Crosbie.
Chapter 6-10: Courtship and Engagement
Lily and Adolphus become engaged, much to the delight of Lily's family. However, doubts begin to creep into Adolphus' mind, and he starts to question his decision to marry Lily. Meanwhile, Lady Alexandrina De Courcy sets her sights on Adolphus and begins plotting to win his affections.
Chapter 11-15: Broken Engagement and Marriage
Adolphus abruptly breaks off his engagement to Lily, leaving her devastated. He succumbs to the pressure from Lady Alexandrina and agrees to marry her instead. Lily struggles to come to terms with her shattered dreams and faces the judgment and pity of her community.
Chapter 16-20: Lily's Resilience and John Eames' Love
Lily tries to rebuild her life and finds solace in her family and friends. John Eames, a longtime friend of the Dale family, realizes his love for Lily but is unable to win her heart. Lily remains steadfast in her refusal to move on from her love for Adolphus.
Chapter 21-25: Intrigue and Romance
In an attempt to win back Lily's affections, John Eames embarks on a journey to America. Meanwhile, Lady Alexandrina grows disillusioned with her marriage to Adolphus and begins to regret her choices. The novel delves into the complexities of love, marriage, and societal expectations.
Main Events
- Lily's engagement to Adolphus Crosbie.
- Adolphus breaking off the engagement and marrying Lady Alexandrina De Courcy.
- Lily's struggles to move on from her shattered dreams.
- John Eames' unrequited love for Lily.
- Lady Alexandrina's growing disillusionment with her marriage.
Themes and Insights
"The Small House at Allington" explores several themes that were prevalent in Victorian society. One of the central themes is the impact of societal expectations on personal happiness. Lily Dale's adherence to societal norms and her refusal to move on from her love for Adolphus Crosbie highlight the constraints placed on women during this time period.
The novel also delves into the complexities of love and the consequences of pursuing one's desires at the expense of others. Adolphus Crosbie's decision to marry Lady Alexandrina De Courcy for her wealth and status, rather than following his heart, leads to unhappiness for himself and those around him.
Trollope also provides insights into the dynamics of social class and the influence it has on relationships and opportunities. The stark contrast between the residents of the Small House and the De Courcy family highlights the disparities and challenges faced by individuals from different social backgrounds.
Reader's Takeaway
"The Small House at Allington" offers readers a poignant and nuanced exploration of love, marriage, and societal expectations. Through its compelling characters and intricate plot, the novel provides an insightful commentary on the complexities of human relationships and the choices we make in pursuit of happiness. Trollope's rich prose and vivid descriptions transport readers to the idyllic countryside of Barsetshire, immersing them in a world of love, heartbreak, and redemption.
Conclusion
"The Small House at Allington" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its compelling characters, intricate plot, and insightful exploration of Victorian society. Anthony Trollope's skillful storytelling and keen observations make this novel a must-read for those interested in the complexities of human relationships and the societal norms that shape our lives.
The Small House at Allington FAQ
Who is the author of 'The Small House at Allington'?
The author of 'The Small House at Allington' is Anthony Trollope.
What is the genre of 'The Small House at Allington'?
'The Small House at Allington' is a Victorian novel.
What is the setting of 'The Small House at Allington'?
'The Small House at Allington' is set in the fictional county of Barsetshire, England.
Can you provide a brief summary of 'The Small House at Allington'?
The novel follows the lives of the Dale family, particularly the two sisters, Bell and Lily. Bell falls in love with a handsome and wealthy man named Bernard, while Lily attracts the attention of several suitors. The story explores themes of love, marriage, and social class.
Is 'The Small House at Allington' part of a series?
Yes, 'The Small House at Allington' is the fifth book in Anthony Trollope's 'Chronicles of Barsetshire' series.
Are there any notable characters in 'The Small House at Allington'?
Yes, some notable characters in 'The Small House at Allington' include Bell and Lily Dale, Bernard Dale, Adolphus Crosbie, and Lady Alexandrina de Courcy.
What are some themes explored in 'The Small House at Allington'?
Some themes explored in 'The Small House at Allington' include love, marriage, social class, and the role of women in society.
Is 'The Small House at Allington' a standalone novel or should I read the previous books in the series?
While 'The Small House at Allington' can be read as a standalone novel, reading the previous books in the 'Chronicles of Barsetshire' series can provide a richer understanding of the characters and their relationships.
Is 'The Small House at Allington' suitable for young adult readers?
'The Small House at Allington' is generally suitable for young adult readers, but it is recommended to check the book's content and themes to ensure it aligns with personal preferences and reading maturity.
Has 'The Small House at Allington' received any literary awards?
As of now, 'The Small House at Allington' has not received any notable literary awards.
