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Scholars -- Fiction Books
Best books
William John Locke
The Morals of Marcus Ordeyne : a Novel
"The Morals of Marcus Ordeyne" by William John Locke is a novel written during the early 20th century. It follows the adventures of Marcus Ordeyne, a middle-aged man recently freed from a tedious teaching job who unexpectedly inherits a title and wealth after a tragic family disaster. The story dives deep into Marcus's life as he struggles with the newfound responsibilities that come with his title and the awkwardness of societal expectations, especially regarding marriage and his personal relationships. The opening of the novel introduces Marcus as he reflects on his liberation from a life of teaching, marked by his indifference towards his family who perished in a shipwreck. He visits his Aunt Jessica, who presses the importance of marrying to secure the family line, while he proves himself to be an unconventional character, yearning for freedom over obligation. At the same time, he encounters a young woman named Carlotta, a seemingly wild creature from a different world, who has lost her way in London and brings unexpected challenges into his life. The narrative hints at a brewing comedic dynamic as Marcus grapples with societal norms, the presence of Carlotta, and the implications of his recent title, setting the stage for a richly textured examination of morality, identity, and social conventions.
Anthony Trollope
The Bertrams
"The Bertrams" by Anthony Trollope is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around the lives of George Bertram and Arthur Wilkinson, two young men who experience the trials of ambition, competition, and societal expectations at Oxford University. As they navigate their academic journeys and personal challenges, the novel explores themes such as the pressure of success, the burdens of family obligations, and the impact of failure on self-worth. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the characters through a vivid reflection on the era's competitive nature, wherein both men face their personal struggles after their university exams. George emerges triumphant as a double-first, while Arthur is confronted with the disappointment of a second class degree. This academic rivalry sets the stage for their relationship, characterized by friendship yet haunted by feelings of inadequacy and the burden of expectations. As the two young men grapple with their futures—Arthur contemplating a life dedicated to the church and George facing the realities of his successes—they venture into a world where ambition is intricately tied to personal worth, setting the tone for the drama that will unfold throughout the novel.
William John Locke
Vanhanpojan moraali
"Vanhanpojan moraali" by William John Locke is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Marcus Ordeyne, a man reflecting on his life and newfound freedom after learning about the tragic death of his family, which unexpectedly elevates him to the head of the family. As he navigates his complex relationships with various characters, including his ambitious aunt and two lively cousins, the theme of self-discovery and the societal pressures of marriage and duty loom large. At the start of the story, Marcus is in Verona, documenting his remarkable adventures six months after his liberation from a life of teaching. The opening chapters introduce his past in London, where he struggled with the oppressive nature of his profession and a disconnection from his relatives. The tragic news he receives sets him free from his burdens, and he begins to grapple with his identity and responsibilities, especially the pressure from his relatives to marry. The introduction of characters like his well-meaning but overbearing aunt Jessica and his spirited cousins adds depth and humor to Marcus's reflections as he seeks to find his place in a world that suddenly feels much larger and more complex than before.
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