Continuing my exploration of Anthony Trollope’s Barsetshire series has been an immensely rewarding experience. Following the delightful intricacies of character development and societal dilemmas in Barchester Towers, which built so wonderfully upon The Warden, I approached Doctor Thorne with eager anticipation. What I discovered was a novel that broadens the canvas of Barsetshire, introducing a fresh cast of vibrant characters and original conflicts, while still offering the occasional familiar glimpse of beloved figures like the Bishop and Mrs. Proudie.
The central narrative thread of Doctor Thorne, the third installment in the Barsetshire series, revolves around Frank Gresham, heir to a financially strained gentry family. He is constantly reminded of his duty to marry for money to restore the family fortunes, but his heart is captivated by Mary Thorne, a young woman of modest means and illegitimate birth. Raised by her principled uncle, Doctor Thorne, Mary’s true parentage remains a closely guarded secret, known only to him. Interwoven with this central love story is the saga of the Scatcherd family, whose wealth, derived from Sir Roger Scatcherd’s railway empire, is shadowed by a hereditary struggle with alcoholism. The novel also delves into Sir Roger’s tumultuous campaign to enter Parliament, adding another layer of societal observation to the rich tapestry Trollope weaves.
These narrative elements coalesce to paint a compelling portrait of mid-19th century England, a society undergoing rapid transformation fueled by industrial expansion and evolving class dynamics. The increasing reliance of established, high-ranking families on “new money” for economic stability creates palpable tensions and exposes societal hypocrisies, themes Trollope masterfully dissects with his signature blend of lively social commentary and subtle satire. Having now immersed myself in several of Trollope’s works, I’ve come to appreciate his distinctive style, characterized by its insightful social observations and delicious satirical undertones. This approach gives rise to scenes that are by turns humorous, poignant, and deeply memorable, as his vivid characters clash, court, and connect in the intricate dance of Victorian society.
It is noteworthy that Trollope chose to title the novel Doctor Thorne, even though Frank’s journey arguably occupies a more prominent space in the narrative. Indeed, significant portions of the book are devoted to Frank’s introduction to society, his encounters with a wealthy potential bride, his attendance at an absurdly formal Duke’s dinner, and his impulsive act of revenge against his sister’s former fiancé. Yet, Doctor Thorne remains a pivotal, if often understated, presence throughout the story. He is the keeper of Mary’s secret, the beneficiary of the Scatcherd will, and confidant to several characters regarding their health. The unfolding plot truly hinges on Doctor Thorne’s choices – what he reveals and when, and how he ultimately acts. Initially, I found myself impatient with his seemingly passive nature, until a later point in the novel when his guiding philosophy is articulated: a profound belief in taking responsibility for one’s actions, irrespective of personal feelings or inclinations. This revelation illuminated Trollope’s deeper exploration of moral agency, prompting reflection on how we navigate ethical choices and define virtuous conduct. Ultimately, Doctor Thorne emerges as the novel’s anchor, the character with the most significant agency, subtly directing the course of events and binding the narrative threads together.
Trollope himself playfully engages with the reader about the novel’s title, even comically reintroducing Doctor Thorne after periods of his absence from the forefront of the narrative. This direct address to the reader, a hallmark of Trollope’s style, extends to self-conscious discussions about plot development and narrative strategy. A particularly brilliant section unfolds through an exchange of letters between female characters discussing a potential marriage match. Trollope explicitly draws attention to his choice to employ this epistolary form, later revealing the strategic importance of allowing these women to articulate their perspectives directly, exposing the biased motivations underpinning the advice being offered. This is a testament to Trollope’s narrative ingenuity and his ability to craft compelling storytelling through varied techniques.
Furthermore, Trollope openly expresses his affections for certain characters and his prejudices against others. He delivers scathing portrayals and assigns unfavorable storylines to characters like Mr. Moffat, an ambitious suitor for one of the Gresham daughters driven by political and social aspirations. Similarly, Trollope offers entertainingly critical descriptions of privileged families and their estates, often using disparaging language. Conversely, characters who earn the author’s favor, such as Mary Thorne and Lady Scatcherd, are depicted with warmth and empathy. Martha Dunstable, a wealthy heiress pursued by numerous fortune-seeking gentlemen, is rendered with particular dynamism and vibrancy. Aware of the mercenary motives of her suitors, she hilariously deflects or confronts them, instantly establishing herself as my favorite character encountered thus far in Trollope’s novels. However, Trollope rarely resorts to simplistic portrayals of heroes and villains. Most of his characters are nuanced and multifaceted. Frank Gresham’s naiveté is evident, yet he is also depicted as a young, idealistic man, making his blunders and youthful misadventures relatable and endearing.
One recurring characteristic of Trollope’s writing, however, is a tendency towards repetition in certain chapters. There are moments, particularly later in the narrative, where conversations reiterate Frank’s financial imperative to marry for money, despite this point having been thoroughly established earlier. At times, I felt that the author unintentionally tested the reader’s patience by repeatedly circling back to the central conflicts. I recall experiencing a similar effect in previous Barsetshire novels, with protracted discussions about the warden’s position at Hiram’s Hospital. Perhaps this is an inherent consequence of Trollope’s deliberate narrative pacing, a technique to sustain his plots while allowing ample space for rich character development, dramatic scenes, and insightful social commentary. Ultimately, this is a minor quibble in books that I otherwise find immensely comforting and delightfully entertaining. My journey through the Barsetshire series continues to be a pleasure, and I eagerly anticipate reading the remaining novels, as well as exploring more of Trollope’s extensive literary output. My engagement with Doctor Thorne was further enriched by participating in the Trollope Society’s book club meetings. Hearing the perspectives of other readers and fellow Trollope enthusiasts deepened my appreciation and understanding of this captivating novel.
