Anthony Trollope
Anthony Trollope: A Literary Luminary
Full Name and Common Aliases
Anthony Trollope, often referred to simply as Trollope, was a prolific English novelist whose works have left an indelible mark on the literary world. While he did not commonly use aliases, his name alone has become synonymous with the rich tapestry of Victorian literature.
Birth and Death Dates
Anthony Trollope was born on April 24, 1815, and he passed away on December 6, 1882. His life spanned a period of significant social and industrial change in England, which is often reflected in his writing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Trollope was British by nationality, and he is best known as a novelist. However, his professional life was multifaceted; he also served as a civil servant in the British Post Office, a role that significantly influenced his writing and provided him with a stable income that allowed him to pursue his literary ambitions.
Early Life and Background
Anthony Trollope was born in London, England, into a family that struggled financially. His father, Thomas Anthony Trollope, was a barrister who failed to achieve success, leading to financial instability. His mother, Frances Milton Trollope, was a successful writer, which perhaps inspired Anthony's literary pursuits. Despite the family's financial difficulties, Trollope received an education at Harrow School and later at Winchester College, though his academic performance was unremarkable.
Trollope's early life was marked by challenges, including a difficult relationship with his father and the family's frequent relocations. These experiences, however, provided him with a deep understanding of human nature and society, which would later enrich his novels. At the age of 19, Trollope began working for the General Post Office, a position that took him to Ireland and later to various parts of England. This career not only provided him with financial stability but also exposed him to a wide range of social classes and settings, which became a hallmark of his literary work.
Major Accomplishments
Anthony Trollope's major accomplishments lie primarily in his contributions to literature. He wrote 47 novels, numerous short stories, and several non-fiction works, establishing himself as one of the most prolific writers of the Victorian era. His ability to produce such a vast body of work was due in part to his disciplined writing routine; he famously wrote for three hours each morning before heading to his job at the Post Office.
In addition to his literary achievements, Trollope made significant contributions to the British postal system. He is credited with introducing the pillar box, or public mailbox, to Britain, which revolutionized the way mail was collected and delivered.
Notable Works or Actions
Trollope's most notable works include the "Chronicles of Barsetshire," a series of six novels set in the fictional county of Barsetshire. These novels, including "Barchester Towers" and "The Last Chronicle of Barset," are celebrated for their detailed depiction of rural English life and the intricate social dynamics of the time.
Another significant series is the "Palliser" novels, which explore political and social issues through the lives of the aristocratic Palliser family. "Can You Forgive Her?" and "The Prime Minister" are among the most acclaimed in this series.
Trollope's novels are characterized by their realism, complex characters, and keen social commentary. His ability to capture the nuances of human relationships and societal structures has earned him a lasting place in the canon of English literature.
Impact and Legacy
Anthony Trollope's impact on literature is profound. He is often credited with helping to shape the modern novel, particularly through his use of serialized storytelling and his focus on character development. His works offer a window into Victorian society, providing valuable insights into the social, political, and economic issues of the time.
Trollope's legacy extends beyond his novels. His innovative contributions to the postal system have had a lasting impact on communication in Britain. Moreover, his disciplined approach to writing has inspired countless authors, demonstrating the power of dedication and routine in the creative process.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Anthony Trollope is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful observations on human nature and society. His novels are replete with memorable lines that capture the essence of the human experience, making them a rich source of quotes for readers and scholars alike. Trollope's ability to articulate the complexities of life with wit and empathy ensures that his words continue to resonate with audiences today.
In summary, Anthony Trollope's contributions to literature and society have cemented his place as a literary luminary. His works continue to be celebrated for their depth, realism, and enduring relevance, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
Quotes by Anthony Trollope
Anthony Trollope's insights on:
Not only humble but umble which I look upon to be the comparative, or, indeed, superlative degree.
Make all men equal today, and God has so created them that they shall all be unequal tomorrow.
One doesn’t have an agreement to that effect written down on parchment and sealed; but it is as well understood and ought to be as faithfully kept as any legal contract.
Of course he had committed forgery; – of course he had committed robbery. That, indeed, was nothing, for he had been cheating and forging and stealing all his life.
Men very skilful in unravelling such mysteries were sent to Paris, and the police of that capital entered upon the search with most praiseworthy zeal. But the number of life-preservers which had been sold altogether baffled them. It seemed that nothing was so common as that gentlemen should walk about with bludgeons in their pockets covered with leathern thongs.
Dr. Tempest was well known among his parishioners to be hard and unsympathetic, some said unfeeling also, and cruel; but it was admitted by those who disliked him the most that he was both practical and just, and that he cared for the welfare of many, though he was rarely touched by the misery of one.
A sermon is not to tell you what you are, but what you ought to be, and a novel should tell you not what you are to get, but what you’d like to get.
They two men cut the door, and took the box, and opened it, – and when they’d opened it, they didn’t get the swag. Where was the swag?