Rhoda Fleming — Complete

by George Meredith

"Rhoda Fleming — Complete" by George Meredith is a novel written during the late 19th century. It explores the lives of two sisters, Dahlia and Rhoda, as they navigate love, societal expectations, and personal aspirations in their Kentish rural setting, with the complex dynamics of their family and community shaping their journey. At the start of the story, the reader is introduced to the Kentish family, primarily centered around Queen Anne's Farm, managed by the spirited Mrs. Fleming, who finds solace in gardening amid her struggles with poverty and a difficult husband. The narrative sets up the characters of the sisters, with Dahlia embodying charm and ambition while Rhoda adopts a more reflective, solemn demeanor. There are hints of their dreams of escaping their provincial life, a contrasting duality that is further complicated by family tensions and societal pressures. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for both the sisters' aspirations and the familial conflicts, particularly revolving around Mrs. Fleming's health and the arrival of a young man named Robert Armstrong who is tied to the family's future.