As part of the Barchester series, it is unsurprising to learn that the two church parties are represented in this novel. On the High Church side are Lady Lufton and Mark Robarts, the vicar, the living at Framley having been the gift of the Lufton family. The other side, Low Church, consists of the Childicotes set of Mrs. Proudie and the bishop. Mark Robarts finds the rule of Lady Lufton lighter than that of Mrs. Proudie.
When Mark's sister Lucy visits the vicarage, Lady Lufton becomes fearful that Lucy will become too close to Lady Lufton's son Ludovic. Fanny Robarts, Mark's wife, is stalwart in support of her sister-in-law. She ridicules Lady Lufton's concerns.
Mr. Crawley is the rector at Hogglestock. Mr. Arabin arranges for Mr. Hogglestock's curacy at Hogglestock. The two men men have been school fellows. Lady Lufton wants Griselda Grantly, the daughter of the archdeacon and the grandchild of Mr. Harding and the niece of Mrs. Arabin, for Ludovic. Lord Lufton contrarily likes Lucy Robarts.
Trollope uses irony to put across his points. Frequently he resorts to classical allusions. Suffice to say that everything does not turn out as Lady Lufton desires at the beginning of the tale. There is richness to the story combined with much good sense. Trollope hits his stride in this volume of the Barset group.
Endless Optimism (
David Cady)
About three-quarters of the way through "Framley Parsonage," the fourth in Anthony Trollope's remarkably entertaining Barchester Chronicles, two of the characters find themselves an unlikely couple, much to their surprise and mutual pleasure. And it suddenly occurred to me why I love this author's works as much as I do: it's the endless optimism. Yes, things always work out for the best in Austen and Dickens (for example), but in Trollope, when a character is caught off guard and overwhelmed by his/her emotions, so am I. The sense that unexpected, marvelous life changes are always a possibility, connects me to Trollope in a very strong way. Which is not to say that there's no edge to his writing, or no psychological complexity; far from it. In "Framley Parsonage," bad things happen to good people; but Trollope doesn't shy away from the idea that sometimes good people make bad choices...and must pay the consequences. In this way, Trollope's moral landscape seems to me more complex than Austen's and Dickens', less black and white. (Lizzie Eustace, the heroine of "The Eustace Diamonds" is a perfect example of this: she's an underhanded liar and thief, but we find ourselves rooting for her.)
Trollope introduces us to some new characters here, and brings back old ones, much to our delight; Mrs, Proudie is particularly welcome, in all her sanctimonious glory. If I have an objection to the plot of "Framley Parsonage," it's that the dilemma the lovers face too closely mirrors that of the ones in its immediate predecessor, "Doctor Thorne.". That said, my heart couldn't help but respond when the lovely Lucy Robarts suddenly found her dream of love coming true. I knew it was coming (even if she didn't), and yet the simplicity and honesty with which Trollope expressed her astonishment, disbelief and inexpressible joy brought tears to my eyes. Perhaps I'm just an old softie...but perhaps Trollope is just that good.
Framley Parsonage (Penguin English Library). By Anthony Trollope
A Classic Series But a Great Writer (
M. Patnaude)
Dickens and Austen get all the 19th Century buzz and attention from modern American readers (and who can complain about that since they are always dancing on the heights of the novel) but American readers should spend a little time with the more pragmatic and never dull Trollope. Every one of his novels is filled with a world of detail and character that brings 19th century England to life (albeit in a fictional setting of Barsetshire in this case). No writer seemed to have as artful and practical a grasp on the importance of money, status and power and the ramifications of striving for these things on the individual and his society. Trollope's biting humor, endlessly wonderful characters and moral dilemas envelop the reader in his world. One can make a lifetime of going back to Trollope and his seemingly endless stream of novels and you will always be rewarded. Here in Framley Parsonage he continues the Barsetshire Chronicles in top fashion. This volume does not have as much biting humor as Barchester Towers (which I think remains his masterpiece, perhaps along with The Way We Live Now) but you will be richly rewarded for spending a little time with Mr. Trollope of whom Nathaniel Hawthorne stated that his work was "solid, substantial, written on the strength of beef." Trollope's Framley Parsonage seems as appropriate for our time as Trollope's with its themes of unscrupulous politicians and lending. This novel and the series it is a part of will reward.
Framley Parsonage (Penguin English Library). By Anthony Trollope
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