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Dr. Wortle's School
Trollope's most "subversive" novel, this is a wide-ranging condemnation of group morals, collective prejudice and the devastating power that conventional values have upon well intentioned individuals.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1879
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About the author
Anthony Trollope
2,289 books1,759 followersAnthony Trollope became one of the most successful, prolific and respected English novelists of the Victorian era. Some of Trollope's best-loved works, known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, revolve around the imaginary county of Barsetshire; he also wrote penetrating novels on political, social, and gender issues and conflicts of his day.
Trollope has always been a popular novelist. Noted fans have included Sir Alec Guinness (who never travelled without a Trollope novel), former British Prime Ministers Harold Macmillan and Sir John Major, economist John Kenneth Galbraith, American novelists Sue Grafton and Dominick Dunne and soap opera writer Harding Lemay. Trollope's literary reputation dipped somewhat during the last years of his life, but he regained the esteem of critics by the mid-twentieth century.
See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_...
Trollope has always been a popular novelist. Noted fans have included Sir Alec Guinness (who never travelled without a Trollope novel), former British Prime Ministers Harold Macmillan and Sir John Major, economist John Kenneth Galbraith, American novelists Sue Grafton and Dominick Dunne and soap opera writer Harding Lemay. Trollope's literary reputation dipped somewhat during the last years of his life, but he regained the esteem of critics by the mid-twentieth century.
See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
October 16, 2021
Dr. Wortle’s School is yet another novel by Anthony Trollope with all his characteristic features. Though it is short work, Trollope’s favourite themes - moral dilemmas, ecclesiastical conflicts, and Victorian morals are explored at length. Through the unhappy life circumstances of an unfortunate couple, Trollope exposes the moral dilemmas associated with right and wrong and the ensuing ecclesiastical battles in doing so. Also, he exposes the hypocrisy of Victorian morals which changes as the wind blows.
The novel is built on the concept of bigamy, and it narrates the misfortunes of Mr. Peacocke, a scholar, who has wed a lady believing her to be free. It also narrates the story of one bold clergyman, Dr. Wortle, who stands by the other in his misfortune, offering friendship and guidance in the other’s dire need, and earning only reproach and almost being ruined in the process.
Dr. Wortle is one of the strongest characters I’ve come across in a Trollope novel. Even when he knows that Mr. Peacocke has somewhat erred in his conduct, he is able to see the man’s merit beyond that one misconduct. And his genuine sympathy for the “poor woman” and the extension of his protection towards her speaks volumes for his character.
Dr. Wortle’s School may not be one of the best in the Trollope repertoire, nevertheless, it is impressive on its own. When one looks over the expounded themes, one could almost see the story as one of loyalty, courage, and perseverance. Though short, the story is strong. And I’m impressed at Trollope’s ability to bring a strong story with comparatively a few words.
The novel is built on the concept of bigamy, and it narrates the misfortunes of Mr. Peacocke, a scholar, who has wed a lady believing her to be free. It also narrates the story of one bold clergyman, Dr. Wortle, who stands by the other in his misfortune, offering friendship and guidance in the other’s dire need, and earning only reproach and almost being ruined in the process.
Dr. Wortle is one of the strongest characters I’ve come across in a Trollope novel. Even when he knows that Mr. Peacocke has somewhat erred in his conduct, he is able to see the man’s merit beyond that one misconduct. And his genuine sympathy for the “poor woman” and the extension of his protection towards her speaks volumes for his character.
Dr. Wortle’s School may not be one of the best in the Trollope repertoire, nevertheless, it is impressive on its own. When one looks over the expounded themes, one could almost see the story as one of loyalty, courage, and perseverance. Though short, the story is strong. And I’m impressed at Trollope’s ability to bring a strong story with comparatively a few words.
October 31, 2018
A really great read, great themes, wonderful characterisation - so exciting, so dramatic, so moving and engaging. A great Trollope novel and a great place to start with his work.
March 9, 2020
The eponymous Dr. Wortle is both the rector of a private boy’s school and a parish priest. He is married and has a daughter of seventeen. Wife and daughter, both he dearly loves. The setting is Victorian England. Dr. Wortle is drawn in three directions--by the demands of the church, by what is best for his schoolboys and, last but not least, his family. All three are vitally important to him. He likes having his way, but he is a good man, kind-hearted and willing to bend rules. Controversy arises when his moral principles clash with what is considered right and proper. The book shines a light on the hypocrisy of church and Victorian society.
The author starts the tale off with a clever beginning, and that’s what’s good about this-- how Trollope tells the tale. He reveals a secret to his readers. What we are told has not yet been revealed to the story’s characters. We have two choices. Either we can put the story down, since we now know the secret, or, as he advises us, we are to carefully observe how people react when that which has been revealed to us becomes common knowledge to those of the community. How will the problem that arises be resolved? There is also a love story, of course, since Trollope always adds a love thread, but it is merely supplementary.
There, this is what the story is about in a nutshell. More I need not tell you. The point of the book is to observe human behavior—in the setting of Victorian England. Do you insist on knowing more? If you must, the story circles around !
It is not so much what happens in this story that is special. It is a bit too sweet and cute for my taste. Instead, it is the author’s lines, sprinkled with humor and wisdom that attract.
Timothy West narrates the audiobook very well. It’s easy to follow and the speed is perfect. He marvelously captures the personality of the person speaking. Both the English, that is to say the clergy, the aristocrats and the townsfolk, and Americans with a southern accent are well done. Four stars for the audiobook narration.
I like the story for the writing. Situations that would today not be considered problematic were serious back in the 1800s. Trollope draws these situations, so we truly understand how they were viewed then. We see the problems that arise through Victorian eyes. Trollope is adept at capturing the difficulties that confronted Victorian women.
*******************
Palliser Series
*1.Can You Forgive Her? 3 stars
*2.Phineas Finn 4 stars
*Dr. Wortle's School 3 stars
*Sir Harry Hotspur of Humblethwaite 2 stars
*The Way We Live Now 1 star
The author starts the tale off with a clever beginning, and that’s what’s good about this-- how Trollope tells the tale. He reveals a secret to his readers. What we are told has not yet been revealed to the story’s characters. We have two choices. Either we can put the story down, since we now know the secret, or, as he advises us, we are to carefully observe how people react when that which has been revealed to us becomes common knowledge to those of the community. How will the problem that arises be resolved? There is also a love story, of course, since Trollope always adds a love thread, but it is merely supplementary.
There, this is what the story is about in a nutshell. More I need not tell you. The point of the book is to observe human behavior—in the setting of Victorian England. Do you insist on knowing more? If you must, the story circles around !
It is not so much what happens in this story that is special. It is a bit too sweet and cute for my taste. Instead, it is the author’s lines, sprinkled with humor and wisdom that attract.
Timothy West narrates the audiobook very well. It’s easy to follow and the speed is perfect. He marvelously captures the personality of the person speaking. Both the English, that is to say the clergy, the aristocrats and the townsfolk, and Americans with a southern accent are well done. Four stars for the audiobook narration.
I like the story for the writing. Situations that would today not be considered problematic were serious back in the 1800s. Trollope draws these situations, so we truly understand how they were viewed then. We see the problems that arise through Victorian eyes. Trollope is adept at capturing the difficulties that confronted Victorian women.
*******************
Palliser Series
*1.Can You Forgive Her? 3 stars
*2.Phineas Finn 4 stars
*Dr. Wortle's School 3 stars
*Sir Harry Hotspur of Humblethwaite 2 stars
*The Way We Live Now 1 star
October 7, 2021
Dr Wortle’s School (1881) is a standalone and the fortieth book written by Victorian author Anthony Trollope and focuses on themes of morality, social propriety, gossip and justice, with an incidental thread of romance.
Dr Wortle is the proprietor of a boys’ school which prepares students to go on to Eton and eventually Oxford. He is a scholar himself and also employs others; the boys are given the best teachers and facilities and his establishment is well spoken of and possibly one of the most expensive of its kind. Dr Wortle also serves as rector of Bowick and is described as an ‘affectionate tyrant’, used to having his way in most things, not taking kindly to being questioned, domineering but never meaning anyone any ill. Dr Wortle lives in a house next to the school with his wife and daughter Mary.
In this school, Dr Wortle comes to employ a former Oxford man, an acknowledged scholar and clergyman Mr Peacocke as classics master while Mrs Peacocke is to act as a sort of matron, looking after the linens and taking meals with the boys. Mr Peacocke had spent some time teaching in America where he had married Mrs Peacocke. Both husband and wife perform their duties with perfection, and while on the whole friendly, refuse any hospitality in terms of visits.
This gives rise to some talk of secrets, and it is revealed (not much of a spoiler as we are told this fairly early on) that Mrs Peacocke was married to a rather unsavoury man, Ferdinand Lefroy who had abandoned her, and was later heard to have died. After ascertaining the fact of his death, Mr Peacocke married the lady. But suddenly, Ferdinand Lefroy himself appeared in their home, before once again disappearing from the scene.
Once this is made known, Dr Wortle, who sympathises with the Peacockes for the misfortune that circumstances have brought upon them, comes up with a plan to help them. But Dr Wortle extending help to the unfortunate Peacockes is not taken in the same sense by everyone else (including Mrs Wortle herself) who cannot and do not see beyond the morality of the situation.
Mrs Stantiloup, parent to a former student, who had quarrelled with Dr Wortle prior to the Peacockes arrival at the school, and thus views the Doctor as somewhat of an enemy, takes advantage of the situation. She soon begins maligning the establishment and persuading whoever she can to withdraw their children from it. Dr Wortle has to withstand this storm but stands his ground. The news also reaches the Bishop’s ears, and this brings more trouble for our poor doctor.
Meanwhile we also follow an incidental thread of romance between Mary, Dr Wortle’s daughter, and young Lord Carstairs a pupil at the establishment, who is heading up to Oxford soon.
This was pretty much the first book that I’ve heard entirely on audio (via Librivox), something I have been very sceptical of since I wasn’t sure I’d be able to concentrate (as I do when actually reading), but this turned out t be a really enjoyable experience and I loved it.
The first thing that stood out to me in Dr Wortle’s School was the establishment itself, and what a contrast it is in comparison to the usual picture of Victorian schools (well, the Dickensian variety at least) we tend to form; here is a school that not only teaches its students well but gives them the best of everything—including good and plentiful food, and a place that students actually enjoy being at!
The central theme the story deals with is situations where rigid adherence to social propriety seems to conflict with what seems ‘right’ or ‘just’ in a situation; is one justified then to stick to perceptions of morality and condemn people who have simply been victims of circumstance? As a society we seem to find it easy to look down on those less fortunate, ones who should in fact receive our sympathy. Then we also have the role of gossip—society gossip and rumourmongers who delight in stirring up trouble at the slightest opportunity, and also the press who are happy to use it to their advantage with little thought to the impact on those involved. Standards may have changed from the time this story was written but one can’t say the same about attitudes.
In the book, Dr Wortle himself I thought made for a rather exceptional character. He acts in accordance with what he believes to be right (and what is ‘just’ rather than too rigid interpretations of propriety and morality), and stands by it strongly. None of this is simply a question of obstinacy, or taking a position that is opposed to others. What I thought especially admirable was his support to the Peacockes; in his position, it would have been easy for him (as any other may have done) to take a moral high ground and chastise them or turn them out. Instead, he is the only one to truly understand their situation and extend every support. This is not to say that he is a flawless character but admirable nonetheless.
Of the others Mr Peacocke and Mr Puddicome, Dr Wortle’s friend and advisor, surprised me when I least expected it, and the ‘villain’ of sorts, Robert Lefroy was well done too. The romance thread too brings with it some surprises.
Trollope’s picture of America and Americans in the book reminded me rather of Dickens’ observations (in Martin Chuzzlewit) and caused me to wonder if indeed the general impression of the country amongst the English was such at the time—something to read more about certainly.
Trollope is a great story-teller, and here too, even though this is a much smaller work which focuses for the most part on one theme and one character, I found it engaging and enjoyable all through.
4.25 stars.
Dr Wortle is the proprietor of a boys’ school which prepares students to go on to Eton and eventually Oxford. He is a scholar himself and also employs others; the boys are given the best teachers and facilities and his establishment is well spoken of and possibly one of the most expensive of its kind. Dr Wortle also serves as rector of Bowick and is described as an ‘affectionate tyrant’, used to having his way in most things, not taking kindly to being questioned, domineering but never meaning anyone any ill. Dr Wortle lives in a house next to the school with his wife and daughter Mary.
In this school, Dr Wortle comes to employ a former Oxford man, an acknowledged scholar and clergyman Mr Peacocke as classics master while Mrs Peacocke is to act as a sort of matron, looking after the linens and taking meals with the boys. Mr Peacocke had spent some time teaching in America where he had married Mrs Peacocke. Both husband and wife perform their duties with perfection, and while on the whole friendly, refuse any hospitality in terms of visits.
This gives rise to some talk of secrets, and it is revealed (not much of a spoiler as we are told this fairly early on) that Mrs Peacocke was married to a rather unsavoury man, Ferdinand Lefroy who had abandoned her, and was later heard to have died. After ascertaining the fact of his death, Mr Peacocke married the lady. But suddenly, Ferdinand Lefroy himself appeared in their home, before once again disappearing from the scene.
Once this is made known, Dr Wortle, who sympathises with the Peacockes for the misfortune that circumstances have brought upon them, comes up with a plan to help them. But Dr Wortle extending help to the unfortunate Peacockes is not taken in the same sense by everyone else (including Mrs Wortle herself) who cannot and do not see beyond the morality of the situation.
Mrs Stantiloup, parent to a former student, who had quarrelled with Dr Wortle prior to the Peacockes arrival at the school, and thus views the Doctor as somewhat of an enemy, takes advantage of the situation. She soon begins maligning the establishment and persuading whoever she can to withdraw their children from it. Dr Wortle has to withstand this storm but stands his ground. The news also reaches the Bishop’s ears, and this brings more trouble for our poor doctor.
Meanwhile we also follow an incidental thread of romance between Mary, Dr Wortle’s daughter, and young Lord Carstairs a pupil at the establishment, who is heading up to Oxford soon.
This was pretty much the first book that I’ve heard entirely on audio (via Librivox), something I have been very sceptical of since I wasn’t sure I’d be able to concentrate (as I do when actually reading), but this turned out t be a really enjoyable experience and I loved it.
The first thing that stood out to me in Dr Wortle’s School was the establishment itself, and what a contrast it is in comparison to the usual picture of Victorian schools (well, the Dickensian variety at least) we tend to form; here is a school that not only teaches its students well but gives them the best of everything—including good and plentiful food, and a place that students actually enjoy being at!
The central theme the story deals with is situations where rigid adherence to social propriety seems to conflict with what seems ‘right’ or ‘just’ in a situation; is one justified then to stick to perceptions of morality and condemn people who have simply been victims of circumstance? As a society we seem to find it easy to look down on those less fortunate, ones who should in fact receive our sympathy. Then we also have the role of gossip—society gossip and rumourmongers who delight in stirring up trouble at the slightest opportunity, and also the press who are happy to use it to their advantage with little thought to the impact on those involved. Standards may have changed from the time this story was written but one can’t say the same about attitudes.
In the book, Dr Wortle himself I thought made for a rather exceptional character. He acts in accordance with what he believes to be right (and what is ‘just’ rather than too rigid interpretations of propriety and morality), and stands by it strongly. None of this is simply a question of obstinacy, or taking a position that is opposed to others. What I thought especially admirable was his support to the Peacockes; in his position, it would have been easy for him (as any other may have done) to take a moral high ground and chastise them or turn them out. Instead, he is the only one to truly understand their situation and extend every support. This is not to say that he is a flawless character but admirable nonetheless.
Of the others Mr Peacocke and Mr Puddicome, Dr Wortle’s friend and advisor, surprised me when I least expected it, and the ‘villain’ of sorts, Robert Lefroy was well done too. The romance thread too brings with it some surprises.
Trollope’s picture of America and Americans in the book reminded me rather of Dickens’ observations (in Martin Chuzzlewit) and caused me to wonder if indeed the general impression of the country amongst the English was such at the time—something to read more about certainly.
Trollope is a great story-teller, and here too, even though this is a much smaller work which focuses for the most part on one theme and one character, I found it engaging and enjoyable all through.
4.25 stars.
November 11, 2023
Pozni i manje značajni roman u Trolopovom stvaralaštvu, verovatno zanimljiv samo nama koji volimo viktorijanske romane i da čitamo o vremenom izgaženim dilemama. Sveštenik Vertl drži aristokratsku školu gde se dečaci više klase školuju i pripremaju za odlazak na Iton, i kasnije na Oksford. Zaplet započinje kada se u školu zapošljava gospodin Pikok, profesor latinskog i grčkog i nekadašnji asistent na Oksfordu, koji se nakon nekoliko godina provedenih u Americi, vratio na ostrvo oženjen lepom udovicom. Očekivano, bračni par za sobom krije tajnu (taj omiljeni mehanizam pokretanja radnje viktorijanskog romana).
Uglavnom prosečno iako se u pojedinim aspektima vidi Trolopovo dobro poznato majstorstvo - shvaćeno i pežorativno kao štancer teksta (on je bio jedan od onih drevnih štancera kojima je 15 minuta bilo dovoljno da napišu stranicu romana i nikada nisu vršili revizije napisanog) i shvaćeno pohvalno kao vrstan zanatlija i neko ko vlada i pripovedanjem i građenjem likova i zapletom i motivacijom i svime onim što je važno za tradicionalno pisan roman 19. veka. Nije spojler ako otkrijem tajnu, pošto se ona razotkriva vrlo brzo, i to još u trećem poglavlju. Reč je o bigamiji, to jest, ispostavlja da je prvi muž gospođe Pikok živ. Verujem da su ondašnji čitaoci bili skandalizovani, ali su gospodin i gospođa Pikok pošteno oprani viktorijanskim praškom za rublje i litrom varikine da se njihova mrlja opravda: 1. Oni su bigamiju počinili nesvesno pošto su bili ubeđeni, kada su se venčali, da je prvi muž mrtav 2. Prvi muž je ološ najgore vrste 3. Gospodin i gospođa Pikok su nosioci isključivo vrlina 4. Kada selo sazna za tajnu, nama je već sugerisano da je prvi muž mrtav, ovog puta zaista. Stoga, provokativnost moralnog problema bigamije nije podsticajno postavljen kao, recimo, u “Džejn Ejr” gde je bigamija još i sprečena, ali ta zaključana luda žena na tavanu gospodina Ročestera draška nam maštu i etiku iz decenije u deceniju sve do danas. Trolop loptu sa moralnog problema bigamije prebacuje na polje moralnog sukoba i društvenog licemerja. Niko sem dr Vertela ne staje u zaštitu bračnog para te svi žele da ih isključe iz društva iako pošteni par pun vrlina nije kriv za svoj greh. Celo selo se za svoju nepopustljivost i okrutnost krije iza hriščanske vere uprkos tome što ona u srži zabranjuje okrutnost i poziva na bavljenjem brvnima u sopstvenim očima, ali svi znamo da u praksi to i ne ide baš tako. Vertel se sa pravom pita da li vera na ovom svetu nije gnusnija od bezverja? I to jesu provokativne reči s obzirom da dolaze iz usta teologa i anglikanskog sveštenika, ali Vertel jeste građen kao viktorijanska verzija osamnaestovekovnih racionalista i kao junak sa svojom osobenom, tvrdoglavom i napornom prirodom, koji prezire većinu ljudi ali koji nije u stanju da bude okrutan, što ga čini najvrednijim i najzabavnijim sastojkom romana, a i dobro je poznato da taj spoj prgavosti i velikodušnosti u čoveku jeste tako lik iz viktorijanskog romana. Samim tim što je on postavljen za glavnog junaka i nosioca priče, a ne gospodin i gospođa Pikok, dosta svedoči o pomenutom Trolopovom dvostrukom majstorstvu – i prevare i umeća. Iako Trolop ovde nije pokazao u punoj svojoj moći ni prvo ni drugo.
Uglavnom prosečno iako se u pojedinim aspektima vidi Trolopovo dobro poznato majstorstvo - shvaćeno i pežorativno kao štancer teksta (on je bio jedan od onih drevnih štancera kojima je 15 minuta bilo dovoljno da napišu stranicu romana i nikada nisu vršili revizije napisanog) i shvaćeno pohvalno kao vrstan zanatlija i neko ko vlada i pripovedanjem i građenjem likova i zapletom i motivacijom i svime onim što je važno za tradicionalno pisan roman 19. veka. Nije spojler ako otkrijem tajnu, pošto se ona razotkriva vrlo brzo, i to još u trećem poglavlju. Reč je o bigamiji, to jest, ispostavlja da je prvi muž gospođe Pikok živ. Verujem da su ondašnji čitaoci bili skandalizovani, ali su gospodin i gospođa Pikok pošteno oprani viktorijanskim praškom za rublje i litrom varikine da se njihova mrlja opravda: 1. Oni su bigamiju počinili nesvesno pošto su bili ubeđeni, kada su se venčali, da je prvi muž mrtav 2. Prvi muž je ološ najgore vrste 3. Gospodin i gospođa Pikok su nosioci isključivo vrlina 4. Kada selo sazna za tajnu, nama je već sugerisano da je prvi muž mrtav, ovog puta zaista. Stoga, provokativnost moralnog problema bigamije nije podsticajno postavljen kao, recimo, u “Džejn Ejr” gde je bigamija još i sprečena, ali ta zaključana luda žena na tavanu gospodina Ročestera draška nam maštu i etiku iz decenije u deceniju sve do danas. Trolop loptu sa moralnog problema bigamije prebacuje na polje moralnog sukoba i društvenog licemerja. Niko sem dr Vertela ne staje u zaštitu bračnog para te svi žele da ih isključe iz društva iako pošteni par pun vrlina nije kriv za svoj greh. Celo selo se za svoju nepopustljivost i okrutnost krije iza hriščanske vere uprkos tome što ona u srži zabranjuje okrutnost i poziva na bavljenjem brvnima u sopstvenim očima, ali svi znamo da u praksi to i ne ide baš tako. Vertel se sa pravom pita da li vera na ovom svetu nije gnusnija od bezverja? I to jesu provokativne reči s obzirom da dolaze iz usta teologa i anglikanskog sveštenika, ali Vertel jeste građen kao viktorijanska verzija osamnaestovekovnih racionalista i kao junak sa svojom osobenom, tvrdoglavom i napornom prirodom, koji prezire većinu ljudi ali koji nije u stanju da bude okrutan, što ga čini najvrednijim i najzabavnijim sastojkom romana, a i dobro je poznato da taj spoj prgavosti i velikodušnosti u čoveku jeste tako lik iz viktorijanskog romana. Samim tim što je on postavljen za glavnog junaka i nosioca priče, a ne gospodin i gospođa Pikok, dosta svedoči o pomenutom Trolopovom dvostrukom majstorstvu – i prevare i umeća. Iako Trolop ovde nije pokazao u punoj svojoj moći ni prvo ni drugo.
May 1, 2016
Dr Wortle's School was written late in Anthony Trollope's career and was published the year before he died. My online Yahoo Trollope group has recently been reading books from the last years of Trollope's life and I think we have been looking for a decline in his power to portray the psychology of his varied characters. We did not find any such weakness. In fact, I find Dr Wortle's School full of complicated characters whose actions are not predictable and whose motives are not unmixed.
Dr Wortle hires a man, Mr Peacocke, to teach at his small but successful school. Mr Peacocke is a terrific teacher, the boys love him, and Dr Wortle relies on him. The man has a wife but she does not visit the ladies in the neighborhood, remaining secluded at home. Then a thunderbolt falls. The lady is not married to the man who has presented himself as her husband. She was previously married to an American who grossly mistreated her and when that man was reported dead she was married to Mr Peacocke. They now discover her first husband is alive and this is a bigamous marriage.
What would you do? Dr Whortle, an upstanding Christian gentleman who has, literally, everything to lose if he supports Mr Peacocke, does just that. He sends the man to America to find out the truth about the supposed death of the first husband and invites the purported Mrs Peacocke to stay at the school until he returns.
This is a situation that is typically Trollopian. When faced with the stern rules of society and the desperate situation of good people who have been unfortunate or made poor decisions, Trollope opts repeatedly for forgiveness and generosity.
This is one of my favorite Trollope novels, despite a somewhat heavy-handed portrayal of the uncouth Americans Mr Peacocke encounters in his trip to the US. (Those spitoons!)
Update: Re-read 28-29 April 2016 5 stars
Dr Wortle hires a man, Mr Peacocke, to teach at his small but successful school. Mr Peacocke is a terrific teacher, the boys love him, and Dr Wortle relies on him. The man has a wife but she does not visit the ladies in the neighborhood, remaining secluded at home. Then a thunderbolt falls. The lady is not married to the man who has presented himself as her husband. She was previously married to an American who grossly mistreated her and when that man was reported dead she was married to Mr Peacocke. They now discover her first husband is alive and this is a bigamous marriage.
What would you do? Dr Whortle, an upstanding Christian gentleman who has, literally, everything to lose if he supports Mr Peacocke, does just that. He sends the man to America to find out the truth about the supposed death of the first husband and invites the purported Mrs Peacocke to stay at the school until he returns.
This is a situation that is typically Trollopian. When faced with the stern rules of society and the desperate situation of good people who have been unfortunate or made poor decisions, Trollope opts repeatedly for forgiveness and generosity.
This is one of my favorite Trollope novels, despite a somewhat heavy-handed portrayal of the uncouth Americans Mr Peacocke encounters in his trip to the US. (Those spitoons!)
Update: Re-read 28-29 April 2016 5 stars
December 31, 2022
Our mystery is going to be revealed in the next paragraph, -- in the next half-dozen words. Mr and Mrs Peacocke were not man and wife.”
Trollope gives away the 'mystery' almost immediately, and then spends the rest of the novel having Dr. Wortle grapple with the morals of the situation, of whether he was right to take the side he did, of whether others were wrong to disagree with. If I interpreted correctly, there was even a bit of a debate/dispute as to whether putting forward a differing opinion is an insult or not, and also a bit of what does or does not count as slander, which felt relevant to today, when it seems expressing certain opinions can get litigious quite quickly, often without warrant. Also, if someone shared incorrect information about you publicly, but offers to publicly apologise, and you respond in a petty manner, it weakens your complaint, especially if it is ultimately rather trivial. I thought a lot about the grey areas of wrong and right, how opposing views can both make good points, the importance of loyalty, but also the reminder that others may not join you in that loyalty, as is their right.
I had absolute sympathy for the unmarried couple, and though I felt that their actions were acceptable, I understand that I am viewing that through a modern lens. However, neither of them intended to commit bigamy, yet neither felt willing to abandon the other once it was revealed that this was the case. When considering yourself married, to discover that legally you are not would not alter that spiritually you feel you are. I think this is somewhat the view of the author, though I'm not certain of course. He had a lot to say about the treatment of women in this book, about the toll of a bad marriage. I wonder what sort of discussions, if any, this prompted at the time?
I notice some reviewers didn't care for the background romance, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like the way Trollope handles romance and marriage prospects. He often veers off in unexpected directions, but I am usually happy with the outcomes, unless he is deliberately making a poor match, though that can certainly be interesting too! This one was simple, and I liked how well he balanced how little they knew each other with how well suited they probably were.
I enjoyed this blog post that I came across when looking up this book. He includes some great quotes, and makes some interesting points too:
https://rleighturner.com/dr-wortles-s...
Trollope gives away the 'mystery' almost immediately, and then spends the rest of the novel having Dr. Wortle grapple with the morals of the situation, of whether he was right to take the side he did, of whether others were wrong to disagree with. If I interpreted correctly, there was even a bit of a debate/dispute as to whether putting forward a differing opinion is an insult or not, and also a bit of what does or does not count as slander, which felt relevant to today, when it seems expressing certain opinions can get litigious quite quickly, often without warrant. Also, if someone shared incorrect information about you publicly, but offers to publicly apologise, and you respond in a petty manner, it weakens your complaint, especially if it is ultimately rather trivial. I thought a lot about the grey areas of wrong and right, how opposing views can both make good points, the importance of loyalty, but also the reminder that others may not join you in that loyalty, as is their right.
I had absolute sympathy for the unmarried couple, and though I felt that their actions were acceptable, I understand that I am viewing that through a modern lens. However, neither of them intended to commit bigamy, yet neither felt willing to abandon the other once it was revealed that this was the case. When considering yourself married, to discover that legally you are not would not alter that spiritually you feel you are. I think this is somewhat the view of the author, though I'm not certain of course. He had a lot to say about the treatment of women in this book, about the toll of a bad marriage. I wonder what sort of discussions, if any, this prompted at the time?
I notice some reviewers didn't care for the background romance, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like the way Trollope handles romance and marriage prospects. He often veers off in unexpected directions, but I am usually happy with the outcomes, unless he is deliberately making a poor match, though that can certainly be interesting too! This one was simple, and I liked how well he balanced how little they knew each other with how well suited they probably were.
I enjoyed this blog post that I came across when looking up this book. He includes some great quotes, and makes some interesting points too:
https://rleighturner.com/dr-wortles-s...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
“If it were a crime, then he would be a criminal. If it were a falsehood, then would he be a liar.”
In this short novel, Anthony Trollope takes two upstanding people, puts them in a difficult situation where the choice is between living in misery or in sin, and asks whether society, with its strict, inflexible moral code, treats them unfairly or even cruelly.
“We must cling to each other, let the world call us what names it may.”
Overall, it is a great novel; it is absorbing, well written, and includes excellent, multidimensional characters (e.g., the title character, who is a hotheaded, tyrannical, but affectionate school owner and clergyman). However, it lacks some of the heart of Trollope’s other books. The concern that develops for the compromised characters in the main plot is more intellectual than emotional. Additionally, the love-interest subplot between two younger characters is underdeveloped and largely unaffecting. Nevertheless, the novel does accomplish its purpose—namely, to stimulate self-conscious consideration of whether existing moral standards are too rigid.
“You cannot alter the ways of the world suddenly, though by example and precept you may help to improve them slowly.”
Dr. Wortle's School also provides a strong dose of Anthony Trollope’s unique writing style, which is fun to read and always makes me feel like he is my friend.
“And now, O kind-hearted reader, I feel myself constrained, in the telling of this little story, to depart altogether from those principles of story-telling to which you probably have become accustomed, and to put the horse of my romance before the cart. There is a mystery respecting [two characters] which, according to all laws recognised in such matters, ought not to be elucidated till, let us say, the last chapter but two, so that your interest should be maintained almost to the end—so near the end that there should be left only space for those little arrangements which are personages. It is my purpose to disclose the mystery at once … Our mystery is going to be revealed in the next paragraph—in the next half-dozen words.”
And, as in most Trollope novels, there are many memorable quotes. Here are a few:
“Though the words of God should never have come with greater power from the mouth of man, they will come in vain if they be uttered by one who is known as a breaker of the Commandments—they will come in vain from the mouth of one who is even suspected to be so.”
“It is the man who shivers on the brink that is cold, and not he who plunges into the water.”
“The man who will not endure censure has to take care that he does not deserve it.”
“He knew his own temper well enough to be sure that, as he fought, he would grow hotter in the fight, and that when he was once in the mist of it nothing would be possible to him but absolute triumph or absolute annihilation.”
1) Story (4/5)
2) Writing (5/5)
3) Originality (5/5)
4) Characters (5/5)
5) Set pieces (4/5)
6) Suspense (4/5)
7) Ending (5/5)
8) Relationships (romantic or otherwise) (5/5)
9) Dialogue (5/5)
In this short novel, Anthony Trollope takes two upstanding people, puts them in a difficult situation where the choice is between living in misery or in sin, and asks whether society, with its strict, inflexible moral code, treats them unfairly or even cruelly.
“We must cling to each other, let the world call us what names it may.”
Overall, it is a great novel; it is absorbing, well written, and includes excellent, multidimensional characters (e.g., the title character, who is a hotheaded, tyrannical, but affectionate school owner and clergyman). However, it lacks some of the heart of Trollope’s other books. The concern that develops for the compromised characters in the main plot is more intellectual than emotional. Additionally, the love-interest subplot between two younger characters is underdeveloped and largely unaffecting. Nevertheless, the novel does accomplish its purpose—namely, to stimulate self-conscious consideration of whether existing moral standards are too rigid.
“You cannot alter the ways of the world suddenly, though by example and precept you may help to improve them slowly.”
Dr. Wortle's School also provides a strong dose of Anthony Trollope’s unique writing style, which is fun to read and always makes me feel like he is my friend.
“And now, O kind-hearted reader, I feel myself constrained, in the telling of this little story, to depart altogether from those principles of story-telling to which you probably have become accustomed, and to put the horse of my romance before the cart. There is a mystery respecting [two characters] which, according to all laws recognised in such matters, ought not to be elucidated till, let us say, the last chapter but two, so that your interest should be maintained almost to the end—so near the end that there should be left only space for those little arrangements which are personages. It is my purpose to disclose the mystery at once … Our mystery is going to be revealed in the next paragraph—in the next half-dozen words.”
And, as in most Trollope novels, there are many memorable quotes. Here are a few:
“Though the words of God should never have come with greater power from the mouth of man, they will come in vain if they be uttered by one who is known as a breaker of the Commandments—they will come in vain from the mouth of one who is even suspected to be so.”
“It is the man who shivers on the brink that is cold, and not he who plunges into the water.”
“The man who will not endure censure has to take care that he does not deserve it.”
“He knew his own temper well enough to be sure that, as he fought, he would grow hotter in the fight, and that when he was once in the mist of it nothing would be possible to him but absolute triumph or absolute annihilation.”
1) Story (4/5)
2) Writing (5/5)
3) Originality (5/5)
4) Characters (5/5)
5) Set pieces (4/5)
6) Suspense (4/5)
7) Ending (5/5)
8) Relationships (romantic or otherwise) (5/5)
9) Dialogue (5/5)
November 14, 2018
Short but full of everything I love about Trollope - moral dilemmas (that we wouldn't think twice about today), an outrageous press, the attitudes of the English towards the USA and many funny moments (usually stemming from hypocrisy or human foibles). I wouldn't suggest this book over "The Way We Live Now" which has many similarities but it was still a five star read for me. It is simply its shorter cousin.
July 26, 2013
This is my fourth Trollope novel, and the first one that doesn't belong in a series of novels. If I were a more disciplined reader I'd probably read through his novels in some kind of order instead to reading a Palliser, a Barestshire, another Palliser and a stand alone, like I was ordering food from columns.
So far, this is my least favorite Trollope novel, but there was still something quite nice about it, an unspectacular niceness, like a contentment of the fine but unspectacular. Maybe it also had to do with the edition I read being a cute little pocket hardcover edition that makes me want to find more of his novels in that particular Oxford editions.
The plot is fairly simple. A school master / local minister needs to hire a new teacher for his school, and he also needs an assistant deacon type person (are these the right terms for people in the Church of England?). Instead of trying to search for two people he decides one person could do if only he could find a qualified man who has an excellent education and who is ordained. He also would like the man to be married with a wife who can do some of the feminine things, like laundry and stuff, for the school. Which seems like a tall-order, an Oxford educated, ordained minister with a wife who wants to do servant work.
But guess what? He does! The man he finds is a gem with a beautiful young wife that is also perfect. A perfect young smart couple, what more could a school preparing young Lords for Eton want?
Everything would be perfect at Dr. Wortle's school if it weren't for a shhhhh!!! secret in the past of the man and women.
I'm not going to give away the secret, because the chapter that Trollope gives it away is one of the best parts of the book, but I will say that it's the kind of secret that would have left a wake of bodies and ruined lives if this had been a Thomas Hardy novel. It's also the kind of secret that if it were exposed today about someone you wouldn't think twice about it, and if you did have a reaction it would be something like, so?
But this is the 19th Century and propriety is much more important then, and the secret coupled with the head-strong personality of the school's headmaster is just begging for problems. Pride and impropriety are never good mixes in literature.
While reading this I read a contemporary novel written in the style of Thomas Bernhard, something that one would think would have been exactly to my tastes, but as I read the un-paragraphed ramblings of a cynical young man on a plane pontificating to himself about the world I kept wanting to get back to the more mundane but pleasant pages of this book that one could easily dismiss as sentimental whimsy and how sometimes a well written and charming conventional novel of only mediocre quality can beat the pants off of pretentious literature for literature's sake masturbation.
So far, this is my least favorite Trollope novel, but there was still something quite nice about it, an unspectacular niceness, like a contentment of the fine but unspectacular. Maybe it also had to do with the edition I read being a cute little pocket hardcover edition that makes me want to find more of his novels in that particular Oxford editions.
The plot is fairly simple. A school master / local minister needs to hire a new teacher for his school, and he also needs an assistant deacon type person (are these the right terms for people in the Church of England?). Instead of trying to search for two people he decides one person could do if only he could find a qualified man who has an excellent education and who is ordained. He also would like the man to be married with a wife who can do some of the feminine things, like laundry and stuff, for the school. Which seems like a tall-order, an Oxford educated, ordained minister with a wife who wants to do servant work.
But guess what? He does! The man he finds is a gem with a beautiful young wife that is also perfect. A perfect young smart couple, what more could a school preparing young Lords for Eton want?
Everything would be perfect at Dr. Wortle's school if it weren't for a shhhhh!!! secret in the past of the man and women.
I'm not going to give away the secret, because the chapter that Trollope gives it away is one of the best parts of the book, but I will say that it's the kind of secret that would have left a wake of bodies and ruined lives if this had been a Thomas Hardy novel. It's also the kind of secret that if it were exposed today about someone you wouldn't think twice about it, and if you did have a reaction it would be something like, so?
But this is the 19th Century and propriety is much more important then, and the secret coupled with the head-strong personality of the school's headmaster is just begging for problems. Pride and impropriety are never good mixes in literature.
While reading this I read a contemporary novel written in the style of Thomas Bernhard, something that one would think would have been exactly to my tastes, but as I read the un-paragraphed ramblings of a cynical young man on a plane pontificating to himself about the world I kept wanting to get back to the more mundane but pleasant pages of this book that one could easily dismiss as sentimental whimsy and how sometimes a well written and charming conventional novel of only mediocre quality can beat the pants off of pretentious literature for literature's sake masturbation.
October 6, 2021
In Dr. Whortle's School, Anthony Trollope, who was apparently very careful throughout his life to keep his specific Christian views under wraps, focuses on the idea of moral absolutism vs. moral relativism. The novel was written in 1881 and concerns the woes of two men in the center of a scandal. Dr. Whortle owns a school in Bowick, England, and is the Rector of the parish there. Under his employ is Mr. Peacocke. who teaches at the school and takes a turn at times preaching from Dr. Whortle's pulpit. There is something socially off about Mr. and Mrs. Peacocke, and those of the townspeople given to such matters begin to ferret out the fact that the Peacockes are not legally married. Needless to say, there is more to the matter than what meets the eye, nevertheless the scandal threatens to ruin Mr. Whortle's school and to drive the Peacockes off in disgrace. Just as the issue is approaching the tilting point, a person out of Mrs. Peacocke's past arrives from America threatening to blow the lid off everything - much like the hand of fate that we saw in so many of Thomas Hardy's novels.
Trollope is asking whether the tenets of Christianity are to be enforced rigidly, or whether there are occasions in which love, charity and forgiveness require us to apply them with great moral diligence and consideration. Old Testament law versus New Testament law.
As you can imagine, the Bishop is compelled to get involved. He writes to Whortle as if to say "What the hell is going on down there?" Obviously, Whortle's position as Rector is in the Bishop's control. His communications to Whortle reminded me of the time we are living in, in which what an employer may force upon his employees is hotly debated - a time in which many Americans cherish personal freedom over life itself.
In Dr. Whortle's School, we are faced with society's tenacious belief that there are limits to acceptable "variances" in behavior, beyond which the offending person or group will be cast out. It reminded me of the line in Gone With the Wind, when a young woman is being warned about the scandalous behavior of Rhett Butler: "My dear, he isn't received!" As centuries come and go, those limits have obviously expanded, but they are still there.
Turning from theme to style, a final personal observation on Trollope's writing. While my dog and I were walking in the woods this morning, I realized something. Trollope's writing is like Dostoyevsky's in that his novels are contained in the hearts, minds and souls of his characters. I prefer writers who enliven the experience with vivid descriptions of place.
Trollope is asking whether the tenets of Christianity are to be enforced rigidly, or whether there are occasions in which love, charity and forgiveness require us to apply them with great moral diligence and consideration. Old Testament law versus New Testament law.
As you can imagine, the Bishop is compelled to get involved. He writes to Whortle as if to say "What the hell is going on down there?" Obviously, Whortle's position as Rector is in the Bishop's control. His communications to Whortle reminded me of the time we are living in, in which what an employer may force upon his employees is hotly debated - a time in which many Americans cherish personal freedom over life itself.
In Dr. Whortle's School, we are faced with society's tenacious belief that there are limits to acceptable "variances" in behavior, beyond which the offending person or group will be cast out. It reminded me of the line in Gone With the Wind, when a young woman is being warned about the scandalous behavior of Rhett Butler: "My dear, he isn't received!" As centuries come and go, those limits have obviously expanded, but they are still there.
Turning from theme to style, a final personal observation on Trollope's writing. While my dog and I were walking in the woods this morning, I realized something. Trollope's writing is like Dostoyevsky's in that his novels are contained in the hearts, minds and souls of his characters. I prefer writers who enliven the experience with vivid descriptions of place.
January 5, 2021
Trollope takes these quite simple stories and infuses them with so much charm, lovely and fun characters and more relatable stuff than should be in classics.
I like the conflict of morality in this: what is considered the moral thing to do vs what is actually a good and nice action. Since a lot of such kind of stories is about handling scandel, this could have turned frustrating in the wrong hands but it's well handled here, even if I don't think the plot is what I was really reading this book for.
The best aspects of Trollope's writing are how he breaks with some clichés (most still present in modern literature) and therefore feels very unique and sometimes funny, how he words things and sometimes adresses the reader, the way he writes characters, some based on common stereotypes, some feeling very much their own.
Also, WTF is his romance. I mean he always sells it to me at the end but he never does it in the most conventional, expected way and while it's not the romance anyone craves for, it's so entertaining, sometimes hilarious, sometimes relatable and I love it.
I wish there were a couple more chapters for the B-plot concerning Mary and the events glossed over at the end were something that I've seen play out, but I really liked what I got.
I like the conflict of morality in this: what is considered the moral thing to do vs what is actually a good and nice action. Since a lot of such kind of stories is about handling scandel, this could have turned frustrating in the wrong hands but it's well handled here, even if I don't think the plot is what I was really reading this book for.
The best aspects of Trollope's writing are how he breaks with some clichés (most still present in modern literature) and therefore feels very unique and sometimes funny, how he words things and sometimes adresses the reader, the way he writes characters, some based on common stereotypes, some feeling very much their own.
Also, WTF is his romance. I mean he always sells it to me at the end but he never does it in the most conventional, expected way and while it's not the romance anyone craves for, it's so entertaining, sometimes hilarious, sometimes relatable and I love it.
I wish there were a couple more chapters for the B-plot concerning Mary and the events glossed over at the end were something that I've seen play out, but I really liked what I got.
April 24, 2023
Audible Plus 6 hours 53 min. Narrated by Timothy West (A)
4.5 stars. I inadvertently deleted my first longer review. I'm still getting used to this pen with my tablet.
Dr. Wortle himself is a much more well-rounded character than is found in most of Trollope's casts. This is the first of his novels that I have read that has two Americans and is set partially in America. One of the Americans is the stereo-typical Southern "bad guy." that Trollope must have delighted in creating. I was taken aback by Trollope's use of the word "n" by two different characters.
As in most of his novels, this is a satire, and to me, it demonstrates three kinds of love. The first is true brotherly love that is seen in the support Dr. Wortle gives to Mr, Peacock despite his own personal reservations and the objection of his wife. The future of Dr. Wortle's school is risked by his stubborn support of the Peacocks. His reputation is smeared, his daughter's dowry and his own retirement are jeopardized, but Dr. Wortle believes he must stand by Mr. Peacock, who is in a more than an awkward delimma. The second is the profound love of a husband and wife in the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Peacock. Mr Peacock's love is almost chivalrous in his effort to shield Mrs. Peacock from the tarnishing label of a "fallen woman" and Mrs. Peacock worships her husband more than God. Trollope loves romance, and so he includes a "first" love by one Dr. Wortle's previous boarding students for the Doctor's only daughter, Mary. "But they are both so young!"
4.5 stars. I inadvertently deleted my first longer review. I'm still getting used to this pen with my tablet.
Dr. Wortle himself is a much more well-rounded character than is found in most of Trollope's casts. This is the first of his novels that I have read that has two Americans and is set partially in America. One of the Americans is the stereo-typical Southern "bad guy." that Trollope must have delighted in creating. I was taken aback by Trollope's use of the word "n" by two different characters.
As in most of his novels, this is a satire, and to me, it demonstrates three kinds of love. The first is true brotherly love that is seen in the support Dr. Wortle gives to Mr, Peacock despite his own personal reservations and the objection of his wife. The future of Dr. Wortle's school is risked by his stubborn support of the Peacocks. His reputation is smeared, his daughter's dowry and his own retirement are jeopardized, but Dr. Wortle believes he must stand by Mr. Peacock, who is in a more than an awkward delimma. The second is the profound love of a husband and wife in the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Peacock. Mr Peacock's love is almost chivalrous in his effort to shield Mrs. Peacock from the tarnishing label of a "fallen woman" and Mrs. Peacock worships her husband more than God. Trollope loves romance, and so he includes a "first" love by one Dr. Wortle's previous boarding students for the Doctor's only daughter, Mary. "But they are both so young!"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2020
Of the Trollope books that I've read, Dr. Wortle's School is one of the shortest. I think I kind of like Trollope in this shorter format. It took me a bit to get into the story, but I really enjoyed the characters. I love Dr. Wortle and his determination to stick to his own beliefs and morals in the face of society around him. The introduction, written by Mick Imlah, in the Penguin edition claims that Mr. Peacocke is not a hero, but I respectfully disagree. I loved the devotion, love, and loyalty he showed to his wife. Faced with harsh judgement by society and a fall from grace, he remained her loving husband and never uttered a word of blame. If you are interested in a small taste of Trollope's writing, this is one I highly recommend. The story is fairly fast paced for Trollope and has some of the elements of Victorian Sensationalism. However, Trollope employs those elements in a different way and lets the reader in on the secret before most of the characters learn the truth.
January 2, 2018
Every novel by Trollope is intellectually stimulating yet comforting at the same time. Underlying each passage is a wry sense of humour, as if Trollope were standing back and observing the human condition in a loving yet amused way. This particular novel sets a challenge to the reader: if a couple finds that they are not legally married yet continue to live together as man and wife, is their sin greater than the abandonment of the woman by the man? Or is the husband's decision justifiable, if not in the view of society, then in the eyes of God? All the ramifications are thrashed out most satisfyingly by the all-too-human characters in this Trollopian gem.
October 10, 2019
This is my second favorite Trollope so far. Such complex conversations about morality versus religion. It had romance and adventure. Great length and pacing. Full of wit and thoughtfulness. A great place to start with Trollope.
March 21, 2025
Another solid Trollope read. The plot line involving the Peacockes and a trip to America for Mr. Peacocke, was quite interesting, and brought forth the effects of the village gossip mill and its destructive powers.
December 22, 2021
4.25⭐️
August 17, 2014
To call anything written by Trollope "minor" is to commit a great sacrilege; however, Dr. Wortle's School, while written late in Trollope's life—and published the year preceding his death—is far from the range, breadth, and scope that one associates with Trollope's work.
Trollope is not a hit-or-miss writer: his "misses" are ones that would race triumphant around even the most laudable titles of authors in the same vein. But it appears that Trollope requires a much larger canvas in order to do what he does best: interlocking stories; multiple storylines; commentaries on class and gender; and so on.
While Dr. Wortle's School has Trollope's trademark theme of how embedded discourses of morality run counter to the ever-changing world in which he and his contemporaries lived, its laconic nature means that Trollope at times reverts to didacticism which in his longer works is beneath the surface: here, though, it is all the more apparent given the brevity of the text itself.
This is not to say that the novel isn't good: it's wonderful. But it's not one that anyone should read who is unfamiliar with Trollope's work (The Claverings is the best for that, in my opinion), and one also feels that this is ground that he has covered before (and in much more skillful a manner) in his more mature and well-known titles.
One of the best Victorian novelists—he truly was. His humanity and his compassion are especially felt in this particular book, a title recommended for Trollope fans who may desire less of a commitment as far as length goes but who still need their Trollope fix.
3.5/5 stars
Trollope is not a hit-or-miss writer: his "misses" are ones that would race triumphant around even the most laudable titles of authors in the same vein. But it appears that Trollope requires a much larger canvas in order to do what he does best: interlocking stories; multiple storylines; commentaries on class and gender; and so on.
While Dr. Wortle's School has Trollope's trademark theme of how embedded discourses of morality run counter to the ever-changing world in which he and his contemporaries lived, its laconic nature means that Trollope at times reverts to didacticism which in his longer works is beneath the surface: here, though, it is all the more apparent given the brevity of the text itself.
This is not to say that the novel isn't good: it's wonderful. But it's not one that anyone should read who is unfamiliar with Trollope's work (The Claverings is the best for that, in my opinion), and one also feels that this is ground that he has covered before (and in much more skillful a manner) in his more mature and well-known titles.
One of the best Victorian novelists—he truly was. His humanity and his compassion are especially felt in this particular book, a title recommended for Trollope fans who may desire less of a commitment as far as length goes but who still need their Trollope fix.
3.5/5 stars
February 21, 2021
At just 214 pages, this is the shortest Trollope novel I’ve read yet. Normally this story about bigamy and Victorian era close-mindedness would just be one of many plot strands in a larger tome. While I think I prefer his chunkier, more crowded novels, this short book was delightful in its way.
Dr. Wortle, unsurprisingly, runs a small, private preparatory school for boys wanting to get into Eton or Harrow. Wortle is also a clergyman and needs a curate for his parish. He hires Mr. Peacocke as a schoolmaster and possible curate, since Peacocke is also ordained. At first, it appears that Peacocke and his beautiful American wife are perfect for the position in almost every way. But they will not accept the hospitality of their neighbors which arouses suspicion. What are they trying to hide? Interestingly, Trollope gives that secret away in the third chapter. The rest of the book is more about Dr. Wortle’s stubbornness in supporting the. Peacockes and the personal repercussions he faces by standing his ground. My favorite part about this book was Dr. Wortle’s evolving relationship with Mr. Puddicombe. We would all be better off if we had a Mr. Puddicombe in our lives to set us straight.
Dr. Wortle, unsurprisingly, runs a small, private preparatory school for boys wanting to get into Eton or Harrow. Wortle is also a clergyman and needs a curate for his parish. He hires Mr. Peacocke as a schoolmaster and possible curate, since Peacocke is also ordained. At first, it appears that Peacocke and his beautiful American wife are perfect for the position in almost every way. But they will not accept the hospitality of their neighbors which arouses suspicion. What are they trying to hide? Interestingly, Trollope gives that secret away in the third chapter. The rest of the book is more about Dr. Wortle’s stubbornness in supporting the. Peacockes and the personal repercussions he faces by standing his ground. My favorite part about this book was Dr. Wortle’s evolving relationship with Mr. Puddicombe. We would all be better off if we had a Mr. Puddicombe in our lives to set us straight.
December 7, 2023
This one gets an extra star because of its obscurity. This is a solid Trollope novel, but it feels extra au courant because of some American baddies (you know they’re baddies because among other terrible things, they use the N-word) .
I’m not going to spoil it except: Dr Wortle runs a school. He is fortunate to hire a Mr. Peacocke, a teacher that is well loved. They are both married to supportive loving wives.
When something happens to throw the whole thing into a cocked hat, Wortle and Peacocke both face challenges that put both their happiness and livelihoods into real peril.
I’m not going to spoil it except: Dr Wortle runs a school. He is fortunate to hire a Mr. Peacocke, a teacher that is well loved. They are both married to supportive loving wives.
When something happens to throw the whole thing into a cocked hat, Wortle and Peacocke both face challenges that put both their happiness and livelihoods into real peril.
June 29, 2016
Review to follow
July 17, 2015
This book was written before divorce was accepted as an option for abused spouses. To modern eyes and ears there would be a very easy and quick answer to Mrs. Ella Peacocke's (yes, she is beautiful) dilemma. So there is a dated feeling about this book, but it was still enjoyable because, of course, Anthony Trollope wrote it.
I keep saying it, but I'll say it again: I read Trollope for his characterizations of people. What a keen perception and sense of humor!
"His nose was aquiline, not hooky like a true bird's-beak, but with that bend which seems to give the human face the clearest indication of individual will." (NOT HOOKY LIKE A TRUE BIRD'S-BEAK? bwahaha)
"The bishop was a goodly man, comely in his person, and possessed of manners which had made him popular in the world. He was one of those who had done the best he could with his talent, not wrapping it up in a napkin, but getting from it the best interest which the world's market could afford. But not on that account was he other than a good man.
To do the best he could for himself and his family,—and also to do his duty,—was the line of conduct which he pursued. There are some who reverse this order, but he was not one of them. He had become a scholar in his youth, not from love of scholarship, but as a means to success. The Church had become his profession, and he had worked hard at his calling. He had taught himself to be courteous and urbane, because he had been clever enough to see that courtesy and urbanity are agreeable to men in high places."
One thing I've noticed (and may someday develop into a blog post) is how many times Trollope uses the phrase "he taught himself" or "she taught herself."
My favorite person in this book was the vicar of the neighboring parish, 'The Rev. Mr. Puddicombe, a clergyman without a flaw who did his duty excellently in every station of life...' I love him because he is kind and honest at the same time, faithfully gives Dr. Wortle sage advice, never shrinking from something Wortle would not want to hear.
He told Mr. Puddicombe also. "With your generosity and kindness of heart I quite sympathise," said Mr. Puddicombe, endeavouring to be pleasant in his manner.
"But not with my prudence."
"Not with your prudence," said Mr. Puddicombe, endeavouring to be true at the same time.
I keep saying it, but I'll say it again: I read Trollope for his characterizations of people. What a keen perception and sense of humor!
"His nose was aquiline, not hooky like a true bird's-beak, but with that bend which seems to give the human face the clearest indication of individual will." (NOT HOOKY LIKE A TRUE BIRD'S-BEAK? bwahaha)
"The bishop was a goodly man, comely in his person, and possessed of manners which had made him popular in the world. He was one of those who had done the best he could with his talent, not wrapping it up in a napkin, but getting from it the best interest which the world's market could afford. But not on that account was he other than a good man.
To do the best he could for himself and his family,—and also to do his duty,—was the line of conduct which he pursued. There are some who reverse this order, but he was not one of them. He had become a scholar in his youth, not from love of scholarship, but as a means to success. The Church had become his profession, and he had worked hard at his calling. He had taught himself to be courteous and urbane, because he had been clever enough to see that courtesy and urbanity are agreeable to men in high places."
One thing I've noticed (and may someday develop into a blog post) is how many times Trollope uses the phrase "he taught himself" or "she taught herself."
My favorite person in this book was the vicar of the neighboring parish, 'The Rev. Mr. Puddicombe, a clergyman without a flaw who did his duty excellently in every station of life...' I love him because he is kind and honest at the same time, faithfully gives Dr. Wortle sage advice, never shrinking from something Wortle would not want to hear.
He told Mr. Puddicombe also. "With your generosity and kindness of heart I quite sympathise," said Mr. Puddicombe, endeavouring to be pleasant in his manner.
"But not with my prudence."
"Not with your prudence," said Mr. Puddicombe, endeavouring to be true at the same time.
May 4, 2021
4.5* a really well-paced and characterised novel from a great Victorian writer.
August 14, 2019
I wish I picked that novel to discover Trollope instead of Lady Anna, like I explained in my review of said novel. This was a short book, easy to read but very compelling. It's a great way to start reading Trollope if you don't want to begin with a 500 pages book. The author's best quality is the characterisation, and this short novel has apparently every quality I'll be able to discover more in his longer works. I can't really say if Trollope is another author from the Victorian era that I love yet, but I'm definitely interested to find out by reading more.
February 7, 2023
I can't remember how I heard of this book but Anthony Trollope's just generally on my "to read" list after reading The Warden and Barchester Towers last year.
DO NOT read descriptions of the book because all of them give away a major spoiler. To be fair, it happens fairly early in the book but I wish I hadn't known it because I really enjoyed how he built up the suspense to the revelation.
I listened to Timothy West's wonderful narration on the version that comes as a free listen to Audible subscribers.
This book deals with a surprising topic with interesting character development for Mr. Peacock and Doctor Wortle. Not as good as The Warden or Barchester Towers but I enjoyed it a lot.
DO NOT read descriptions of the book because all of them give away a major spoiler. To be fair, it happens fairly early in the book but I wish I hadn't known it because I really enjoyed how he built up the suspense to the revelation.
I listened to Timothy West's wonderful narration on the version that comes as a free listen to Audible subscribers.
This book deals with a surprising topic with interesting character development for Mr. Peacock and Doctor Wortle. Not as good as The Warden or Barchester Towers but I enjoyed it a lot.
April 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this shorter Trollope. I liked Dr. Whortle and how deliberately awkward he could be. I also liked that he chose to stick by a friend despite his apparent moral failings.
October 10, 2021
Dr Wortle is a clergyman and the head of a boys’ prep school, a man of dignity and worthy of respect. He appoints a Classics master, Mr Peacocke, and Peacocke’s beautiful American wife takes on the role of caring for the boys and seeing to the laundry. However, the arrival of a visitor from America, a scoundrel who has a secret to reveal, threatens to ruin the Peacockes and bring scandal on Dr Wortle.
This is one of Trollope’s later works, it is much shorter than the reader would usually expect and has fewer characters to delight us. Therefore it’s a quick read where the moral dilemma of Dr Wortle isn’t probed in great depth and the resolution comes quite speedily and without too much disturbance.
However, there is still plenty to please admirers of Trollope’s work. The gossip and politics of the middle class, the clergy and the press all get an amusing and satirical treatment. Part of the novel takes place in America, in a setting that provides an entertaining contrast with the staid Victorian country town. And Dr Wortle himself is an engaging character, well meaning but hot tempered, kind hearted but a bit of a domestic tyrant, who has to deal with some uncomfortable issues before he can find peace restored.
This is one of Trollope’s later works, it is much shorter than the reader would usually expect and has fewer characters to delight us. Therefore it’s a quick read where the moral dilemma of Dr Wortle isn’t probed in great depth and the resolution comes quite speedily and without too much disturbance.
However, there is still plenty to please admirers of Trollope’s work. The gossip and politics of the middle class, the clergy and the press all get an amusing and satirical treatment. Part of the novel takes place in America, in a setting that provides an entertaining contrast with the staid Victorian country town. And Dr Wortle himself is an engaging character, well meaning but hot tempered, kind hearted but a bit of a domestic tyrant, who has to deal with some uncomfortable issues before he can find peace restored.
July 1, 2024
This was my first Trollope novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Trollope’s writing is wonderful with excellent characterization. I loved the moral dilemma addressed in this story and how Trollope explains the situation directly to the reader before the characters are aware of it - a technique in Victorian literature that I really enjoy.
This moral dilemma allows us to see how each of the characters respond to the situation, which in turn reveals hypocrisy among the church and society. I was pleasantly surprised by Dr. Wortle’s response to the dilemma after assuming he would be the most hypocritical of all the characters since the novel begins, “The Rev. Jeffrey Wortle, DD, was a man much esteemed by others - and by himself.” Wortle proves to be a man who is admirably determined to do what is right even as we watch him grow as a character. The love story among two minor characters was a fun plus.
All in all, this was a great story and a great first experience reading Trollope. This would also be a great read for a book club as the questions posed and the characters’ behaviors spur on lots of great discussion.
This moral dilemma allows us to see how each of the characters respond to the situation, which in turn reveals hypocrisy among the church and society. I was pleasantly surprised by Dr. Wortle’s response to the dilemma after assuming he would be the most hypocritical of all the characters since the novel begins, “The Rev. Jeffrey Wortle, DD, was a man much esteemed by others - and by himself.” Wortle proves to be a man who is admirably determined to do what is right even as we watch him grow as a character. The love story among two minor characters was a fun plus.
All in all, this was a great story and a great first experience reading Trollope. This would also be a great read for a book club as the questions posed and the characters’ behaviors spur on lots of great discussion.
October 7, 2021
This isn't one of Trollope's great novels, it is shorter than his usual offerings, the plot is relatively simple, yet there was something about this novel that I particularly enjoyed. Trollope always provides nuance, self-examination, and characters who learn and grow, with characters who are at heart good people. It is always a pleasure to return to Trollope-land.
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