The Belton Estate

Last updated

The Belton Estate
Belton Estate.jpg
Title page of the first edition in book form.
Author Anthony Trollope
CountryEngland
LanguageEnglish
Publisher Fortnightly Review (serial); Chapman & Hall (book)
Publication date
15 May 1865 – 1 January 1866 (serial); December 1865 (book) (published in 3 vols with "1866" on the title page)
Media typePrint (Serial, Hardback & Paperback)
ISBN 0-19-281725-6 (Oxford University Press paperback edition, 1986)

The Belton Estate is a novel by Anthony Trollope, written in 1865. The novel concerns itself with a young woman who has accepted one of two suitors, then discovered that he was unworthy of her love. It was the first novel published in the Fortnightly Review .

Contents

Plot summary

Clara Amedroz is the only surviving child of the elderly squire of Belton Castle in Somersetshire. At twenty-five, she is old for an unmarried woman. Her father's income and savings have been dissipated to pay for the extravagances of her brother, who subsequently committed suicide. Since her father has no living sons, his estate, which is entailed, will pass upon his death to a distant cousin, Will Belton.

Despite her poor prospects, she has two eligible suitors. Within four days of making her acquaintance, Will Belton proposes marriage to her. Belton is warm-hearted, kind, and generous, and these qualities make a strong impression on Clara. However, she believes herself in love with Captain Frederic Aylmer, although he has given no clear signs of feeling that way toward her. Aylmer is impeccable in his manners, smooth, urbane, well-read, and a member of Parliament; compared to him, Belton is awkward and unpolished.

Clara rejects Belton's offer, urging him to regard her as a sister. Not long thereafter, Aylmer proposes to her, and she eagerly accepts. However, her happiness is short-lived. Her new fiancé proves shallow and cold, more concerned with his own comfort than with her happiness. Moreover, he expects her to subject herself to his domineering mother.

Mr. Amedroz dies; and although Belton offers to allow Clara to remain at Belton Castle, she goes to live with the Aylmer family in Yorkshire. Lady Aylmer, who wants her son to marry money or a title, exerts herself to make Clara miserable there; and Captain Aylmer offers no support to his betrothed.

For Clara, the final straw comes when Lady Aylmer demands that she sever her ties with a friend. Mrs. Askerton, Lady Aylmer has learned, left an abusive drunken husband in India and lived with Colonel Askerton for several years before the death of her husband freed her to marry him. Clara is duly appalled by her friend's past immorality, but cannot bring herself to cast off someone who has come to depend on her friendship. Pressed relentlessly on the subject by Lady Aylmer, she declares an end to her engagement and returns to Somersetshire, where she accepts the hospitality of the Askertons.

Will Belton has never ceased to show his love for Clara, and she realises that he is worthy of her love. However, she believes that it would be wrong to transfer her affection from one man to another. Only after Mrs. Askerton and Will's sister Mary Belton persuade her that it would be unjust to withhold her affection from Will can she bring herself to put aside her scruples and accept him. Marital bliss ensues.

Major themes

The Belton Estate was written shortly after Can You Forgive Her? , and the two novels have a principal theme in common: a woman trying to decide between two suitors, neither ineligible but differing greatly in their desirable and undesirable qualities. [1]

A theme in this novel, not uncommon among other Victorian authors but unusual in Trollope's work, is what John Halperin calls "mediated desire": the desirability of a thing increasing with the difficulty of obtaining it. [2] When Captain Aylmer proposes to Clara, she responds with an enthusiastic affirmative; and this leads him to question the value of his acquisition:

What is there that any man desires,—any man or any woman,—that does not lose half its value when it is found to be easy of access and easy of possession? Wine is valued by its price, not its flavour. Open your doors freely to Jones and Smith, and Jones and Smith will not care to enter them. Shut your doors obdurately against the same gentlemen, and they will use all their little diplomacy to effect an entrance. Captain Aylmer, when he heard the hearty tone of the girl’s answer, already began almost to doubt whether it was wise on his part to devote the innermost bin of his cellar to wine that was so cheap. [3]

Publication history

In 1865, Trollope, George Henry Lewes, and others founded the Fortnightly Review . [4] Somewhat against Trollope's judgement, it was decided that the new magazine was always to contain a novel. [5] Trollope, called upon to produce the first novel, wrote The Belton Estate between 30 January and 4 September 1865; it was serialised in the Fortnightly beginning with its first issue on 15 May 1865, and running through 1 January 1866. [6]

The novel was published in book form by Chapman & Hall in December 1865, with a date of 1866 on the title page. Against Trollope's wishes, it was released in three volumes rather than the two that he had intended. [2]

In his Autobiography, Trollope reported receiving a total of £1757 for The Belton Estate. [7] Of this sum £800 came from the Fortnightly, and another £700 from Chapman & Hall for the first 2,000 copies. [2]

In 1865–66, the novel was serialised in the American Littell's Living Age . It was published in book form in 1866 by Lippincott of Philadelphia, by Harper in New York, and by Tauchnitz in Leipzig. In 1867, it was serialised in French in the Revue Nationale as L'Heritage des Belton, and a Dutch translation, Het Huis Belton, was published in two volumes by Brast of Dordrecht. In 1871, a Russian translation was issued in St. Petersburg under the title Beltonskoy Pomesti; in 1875, Hachette of Paris released a new French translation as La Domaine de Belton. [8] [9]

More recently, an edition with an introduction by John Halperin was published in 1923; it was re-released in paperback by Oxford University Press in 1986. [10] In 1991, the Trollope Society released an edition with an introduction by David Skilton. [11]

Reception

Trollope himself was apparently unimpressed by his work on the novel. In his 1883 autobiography, he wrote: "It is readable, and contains scenes which are true to life; but it has no peculiar merits, and will add nothing to my reputation as a novelist." [5]

Contemporary critics responded negatively to the work. Reviews in the Athenaeum , the Spectator , and the Saturday Review all expressed disappointment. [2] Henry James was particularly scathing, describing the novel as "a work written for children; a work prepared for minds unable to think". [12]

The Belton Estate has since received rather more favourable critical attention. Halperin describes it as "one of [Trollope's] most undervalued novels"; he suggests that this is because it was published at a time when Trollope was quickly putting out some of his finest works: "it got, almost literally, lost." [2] Michael Sadleir considered it among Trollope’s five most technically accomplished novels; and (contradicting James) saw it as a skilled triumph of art concealing art. [13]

Feminist literary criticism has approvingly noted the novel’s quietly feminist narrator; its undercutting of sexual double standards; and its rejection of conventional Victorian views of femininity. [14]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Trollope</span> English novelist of the Victorian period (1815-1882)

Anthony Trollope was an English novelist and civil servant of the Victorian era. Among his best-known works is a series of novels collectively known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, which revolves around the imaginary county of Barsetshire. He also wrote novels on political, social, and gender issues, and other topical matters.

<i>Phineas Finn</i> 1869 novel by Anthony Trollope

Phineas Finn is a novel by Anthony Trollope and the name of its leading character. The novel was first published as a monthly serial from October 1867 to May 1868 in St Paul's Magazine. It is the second of the "Palliser" series of novels. Its sequel, Phineas Redux, is the fourth novel in the series. The character of Phineas Finn is said to have been partly inspired by Sir John Pope Hennessy, a Roman Catholic from Cork, who was elected as an "Irish Nationalist Conservative" Member of Parliament for King's County in 1859.

<i>The Dukes Children</i> 1880 novel by Anthony Trollope

The Duke's Children is a novel by Anthony Trollope, first published in 1879 as a serial in All the Year Round. It is the sixth and final novel of the Palliser series. In 2020, the original text of The Duke's Children was restored for publication of a new edition led by editor Steven Amarnick.

<i>The Eustace Diamonds</i> 1872 novel by Anthony Trollope

The Eustace Diamonds is a novel by Anthony Trollope, first published in 1871 as a serial in the Fortnightly Review. It is the third of the "Palliser" series of novels.

<i>The Last Chronicle of Barset</i> 1867 novel by Anthony Trollope

The Last Chronicle of Barset is a novel by English author Anthony Trollope, published in 1867. It is the sixth and final book in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series, preceded by The Small House at Allington. The novel is set in the county of Barsetshire and deploys characters from the earlier novels, whilst concentrating on the personnel associated with the cathedral. The main narrative thread is catalyzed by the loss of a cheque which had been in the possession of the Reverend Josiah Crawley, and the subsequent reactions of his friends and enemies. Trollope drew inspiration from his father and mother in the creation of the Rev. and Mrs. Crawley. In his autobiography, Trollope regards this novel as "the best novel I have written.", though later commentators do not agree with this judgement. The serialization was illustrated by G H Thomas who was selected by the publisher, though Trollope had wished for Millais who had illustrated The Small House.

<i>A Pair of Blue Eyes</i> 1873 novel by Thomas Hardy

A Pair of Blue Eyes is a novel by Thomas Hardy, published in 1873, first serialised between September 1872 and July 1873. It was Hardy's third published novel, and the first not published anonymously upon its first publication. Hardy included it with his "romances and fantasies".

<i>Orley Farm</i> (novel) 1861–1862 novel by Anthony Trollope

Orley Farm is a novel written in the realist mode by Anthony Trollope (1815–82), and illustrated by the Pre-Raphaelite artist John Everett Millais (1829–96). It was first published in monthly shilling parts by the London publisher Chapman and Hall. Although this novel appeared to have undersold, Orley Farm became Trollope's personal favourite. George Orwell said the book contained "one of the most brilliant descriptions of a lawsuit in English fiction."

<i>The Way We Live Now</i> 1875 satirical novel by Anthony Trollope

The Way We Live Now is a satirical novel by Anthony Trollope, published in London in 1875 after first appearing in serialised form. It is one of the last significant Victorian novels to have been published in monthly parts.

<i>Can You Forgive Her?</i> 1864 novel by Anthony Trollope

Can You Forgive Her? is a novel by Anthony Trollope, first published in serial form in 1864 and 1865. It is the first of six novels in the Palliser series, also known as the Parliamentary Novels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ellen Ternan</span> British actress (1839–1914)

Ellen Lawless Ternan, also known as Nelly Ternan or Nelly Wharton-Robinson, was an English actress known for association with the author Charles Dickens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aylmer baronets</span> Baronetcy in the Baronetage of Ireland

There have been two baronetcies created for persons with the surname Aylmer, both in the Baronetage of Ireland. Both titles are extant.

The Fortnightly Review was one of the most prominent and influential magazines in nineteenth-century England. It was founded in 1865 by Anthony Trollope, Frederic Harrison, Edward Spencer Beesly, and six others with an investment of £9,000; the first edition appeared on 15 May 1865. George Henry Lewes, the partner of George Eliot, was its first editor, followed by John Morley.

The American Senator is a novel written in 1875 by Anthony Trollope. Although not one of Trollope's better-known works, it is notable for its depictions of rural English life and for its many detailed fox hunting scenes. In its anti-heroine, Arabella Trefoil, it presents a scathing but ultimately sympathetic portrayal of a woman who has abandoned virtually all scruples in her quest for a husband. Through the eponymous Senator, Trollope offers comments on the irrational aspects of English life.

<i>Ralph the Heir</i>

Ralph the Heir is a novel by Anthony Trollope, originally published in 1871. Although Trollope described it as "one of the worst novels I have written", it was well received by contemporary critics. More recently, readers have found it noteworthy for its account of a corrupt Parliamentary election, an account based closely on Trollope's own experience as a candidate.

<i>Lady Anna</i> (novel)

Lady Anna is a novel by Anthony Trollope, written in 1871 and first published in book form in 1874. The protagonist is a young woman of noble birth who, through an extraordinary set of circumstances, has fallen in love with and become engaged to a tailor. The novel describes her attempts to resolve the conflict between her duty to her social class and her duty to the man she loves.

<i>The Claverings</i>

The Claverings is a novel by Anthony Trollope, written in 1864 and published in 1866–67. It is the story of a young man starting out in life, who must find himself a profession and a wife; and of a young woman who makes a marriage of convenience and must accept the consequences of her decision.

<i>Rachel Ray</i> (novel)

Rachel Ray is an 1863 novel by Anthony Trollope. It recounts the story of a young woman who is forced to give up her fiancé because of baseless suspicions directed toward him by the members of her community, including her sister and the pastors of the two churches attended by her sister and mother.

<i>The Vicar of Bullhampton</i> 1870 novel by Anthony Trollope

The Vicar of Bullhampton is an 1870 novel by Anthony Trollope. It is made up of three intertwining subplots: the courtship of a young woman by two suitors; a feud between the titular Broad church vicar and a Low church nobleman, abetted by a Methodist minister; and the vicar's attempt to rehabilitate a young woman who has gone astray.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Trollope bibliography</span>

This is a bibliography of the works of Anthony Trollope.

<i>Miss Mackenzie</i>

Miss Mackenzie is an 1865 novel by Anthony Trollope. It was written in 1864 and published by Chapman & Hall in February 1865. In his 1883 autobiography, Trollope stated that Miss Mackenzie "was written with the desire that a novel may be produced without any love; but even in this attempt it breaks down before the conclusion."

References

  1. ↑ Escott, Thomas Hay Sweet. Anthony Trollope. London: John Lane, 1913. p. 218. Retrieved 2011-03-15.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Halperin, John. Introduction to The Belton Estate. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press. 1986.
  3. ↑ Trollope, Anthony. The Belton Estate, chapter 10. Retrieved 2011-03-15.
  4. ↑ Courtney, Janet E. "The Fortnightly Review under Lewes, 1865–1866". Retrieved 2011-03-15.
  5. 1 2 Trollope, Anthony. An Autobiography, chapter 10. Retrieved 2011-03-15.
  6. ↑ Moody, Ellen. "A Chronology of Anthony Trollope's Writing Life". Ellen Moody's Website: Mostly on English and Continental and Womens' Literature. Retrieved 2011-03-15.
  7. ↑ Trollope, Anthony. An Autobiography, chapter 20. Retrieved 2011-03-15.
  8. ↑ Tingay, Lance O (1985). The Trollope Collector. London: The Silverbridge Press. p. 24.
  9. ↑ Moody, Ellen. "Our Concise Calendar and Some Editions; The Belton Estate: A Fortnightly Review Novel". Ellen Moody's Website: Mostly on English and Continental and Womens' Literature. Retrieved 2011-03-15.
  10. ↑ Moody, Ellen. "Trollope's Singletons". Ellen Moody's Website: Mostly on English and Continental and Womens' Literature. Retrieved 2011-03-15.
  11. ↑ "The Belton estate / Anthony Trollope ; introduction by David Skilton". Miami University Libraries. Retrieved 2011-03-15.
  12. ↑ Kimball, Roger. "A novelist who hunted the fox: Anthony Trollope today". The New Criterion. March 1992. Retrieved 2011-03-15.
  13. ↑ M Sadleir, Trollope (London 1945) p. 376 and p. 391-2
  14. ↑ Jane Nardin, He Knew She was Right (1989) p. 163 and p. 175
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.