Anthony Trollope’s Barsetshire series has proven to be a delightful journey through mid-19th century English society, and after enjoying Barchester Towers and The Warden, encountering Doctor Thorne was a particularly enriching experience. While the previous novels intricately developed characters and scenarios within the familiar cathedral city of Barchester, Doctor Thorne expands the series’ scope geographically and thematically. This third installment introduces a fresh set of compelling dramas and vibrant personalities, while subtly weaving in occasional appearances from beloved characters like the Bishop and Mrs. Proudie, creating a rich and interconnected world.
At the heart of Doctor Thorne lies the captivating story of Frank Gresham, heir to a financially strained gentry family. Frank is under immense pressure to marry into wealth to restore his family’s fortunes, but his heart belongs to Mary Thorne, a beautiful and intelligent young woman without means and burdened by the social stigma of illegitimacy. Mary has been raised by her uncle, the titular Doctor Thorne, a man of unwavering moral integrity who guards the secret of her birth. Intertwined with Frank and Mary’s romance is the tumultuous saga of the Scatcherd family, nouveau riche railway magnates grappling with inherited alcoholism and the ambitions of Sir Roger Scatcherd’s political aspirations.
These narrative threads converge to paint a vivid and insightful portrait of a rapidly changing England. The burgeoning industrial revolution and the shifting dynamics between established social classes and newly acquired wealth are masterfully explored. Trollope skillfully exposes the societal tensions and hypocrisies that arise when aristocratic families are forced to rely on “new money” to maintain their privileged lifestyles. His signature blend of astute social observation and subtle satire shines through, creating scenes that are by turns humorous, poignant, and deeply memorable. Trollope’s characters, with their foibles and virtues, engage in witty banter, navigate complex romantic entanglements, and forge meaningful connections, drawing the reader into their world.
The choice of title, Doctor Thorne, is itself a point of intrigue. While Frank Gresham could easily be considered the protagonist, Doctor Thorne emerges as the novel’s linchpin. Although significant portions of the narrative follow Frank’s experiences – his awkward entry into high society, his encounters with wealthy heiresses, and even a dramatic act of revenge – Doctor Thorne remains a central, albeit often understated, figure. He is the custodian of Mary’s secret, the beneficiary of a curious will, and the physician attending to various characters’ ailments. Indeed, the plot’s progression hinges on Doctor Thorne’s decisions – what he chooses to reveal and when he chooses to act. Initially, his reserved nature might frustrate the reader, but as the novel unfolds, his profound sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment to his values become apparent. Trollope, through Doctor Thorne, delves into the complexities of moral agency, prompting us to consider what it truly means to be a good person and the weight of our choices. It is Doctor Thorne’s quiet influence and pivotal role in resolving the central conflicts that ultimately justify his place as the novel’s namesake.
Trollope’s narrative technique is another distinctive feature of Doctor Thorne. He playfully addresses the reader directly, offering commentary on the plot and his storytelling choices. He even muses about the novel’s title, acknowledging Doctor Thorne’s occasional absence from the immediate action before cleverly reintroducing him. This metafictional approach, where the author openly discusses the narrative construction, adds a layer of charm and intimacy to the reading experience. Furthermore, Trollope employs an epistolary section, unfolding a crucial part of the story through letters exchanged between female characters discussing a potential marriage. This shift to the epistolary form is not merely a stylistic flourish; it serves to reveal the biased motives and hidden agendas behind the advice being dispensed, highlighting Trollope’s narrative ingenuity.
Trollope’s authorial voice is also refreshingly candid in its affections and prejudices. He doesn’t shy away from expressing his disdain for characters like Mr. Moffat, a social climber with political ambitions, whom he portrays with biting satire. Conversely, characters he admires, such as Mary Thorne and Lady Scatcherd, are depicted with warmth and empathy. Martha Dunstable, a wealthy heiress pursued by fortune-seeking suitors, stands out as a particularly memorable character. Her sharp wit and astute understanding of the marriage market make her a force to be reckoned with, and she quickly became a personal favorite from Trollope’s gallery of characters. However, Trollope avoids simplistic portrayals of heroes and villains. His characters are nuanced and multifaceted. Frank Gresham, for example, is undeniably naive, but his youthful idealism and genuine affections make his missteps endearing and understandable.
One minor aspect of Trollope’s style that occasionally surfaces is a degree of repetitiveness. In Doctor Thorne, the repeated emphasis on Frank’s financial imperative to marry for money, while crucial to the plot, can at times feel belabored. This tendency to revisit central conflicts, also observed in previous Barsetshire novels, might test the reader’s patience. However, it could be argued that this repetition is an inherent part of Trollope’s deliberate pacing, allowing him to fully develop his richly drawn characters, stage dramatic scenes, and deliver his incisive social commentary. It is a minor quibble in the context of the overall enjoyment and comfort derived from reading his works.
Doctor Thorne is a testament to Trollope’s skill as a novelist. His ability to create compelling characters, weave intricate plots, and offer sharp social commentary makes this novel a standout in the Barsetshire series. Participating in the Trollope Society’s book club meetings dedicated to Doctor Thorne further enriched the reading experience, offering valuable insights and diverse perspectives from fellow Trollope enthusiasts. I eagerly anticipate delving deeper into the Barsetshire series and exploring more of Trollope’s literary world.
