An Unprotected Female at the Pyramids By: Anthony Trollope (1815-1882)
Anthony Trollope’s An Unprotected Female at the Pyramids is an intriguing and engaging exploration of love, marriage, and societal expectations in Victorian England. Set against the backdrop of the stunning pyramids of Egypt, this novel delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on a young woman named Lucy Jones. From the very beginning, Trollope masterfully transports readers to the exotic and mystical land of Egypt, painting vivid descriptions of the pyramids, camels, and bustling bazaars. The setting not only serves as a beautiful backdrop but also reflects the themes of liberation and self-discovery that permeate the narrative. The protagonist, Lucy Jones, is a vibrant and unforgettable character. Unlike the typical female characters of her time, Lucy is independent, spirited, and unafraid to challenge the societal norms imposed upon her. As a governess, she is exposed to the Victorian class divide and the limitations it places on individuals, especially women. However, throughout the novel, Lucy defies these conventions, seeking fulfillment and happiness on her own terms. Trollope creates a captivating plot by intricately weaving together various storylines, including a love triangle and a murder mystery. The love triangle between Lucy, her dashing cousin Sir Thomas Tringle, and the enigmatic Captain Featherstone highlights the conflicts between duty, love, and financial security. Meanwhile, the murder mystery adds an element of suspense, driving the narrative forward and keeping the reader engaged until the very end. One of the strengths of this novel lies in Trollope’s ability to delve into the psychological depths of his characters. Lucy’s inner turmoil and her struggles to reconcile her desires with societal expectations are convincingly portrayed, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. Similarly, the supporting characters are well-developed and serve to enhance the themes of the novel, each representing various facets of Victorian society. While Trollope’s writing style may not be as flowery or poetic as some of his contemporaries, his strength lies in his ability to create multidimensional characters and realistic dialogues. His prose is straightforward, yet effective, drawing readers into the world he has created and making them emotionally invested in the characters' lives. An Unprotected Female at the Pyramids is a captivating novel that successfully combines elements of romance, mystery, and societal critique. Trollope’s exploration of the limitations placed upon women during the Victorian era is a thought-provoking commentary that remains relevant to this day. With its rich setting, well-drawn characters, and compelling plot, this novel is a delightful read that will leave readers reflecting on the complexities of love, marriage, and individual freedom. First Page: This etext was produced by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk, from the 1864 Chapman & Hall "Tales of all Countries" edition. AN UNPROTECTED FEMALE AT THE PYRAMIDS by Anthony Trollope In the happy days when we were young, no description conveyed to us so complete an idea of mysterious reality as that of an Oriental city. We knew it was actually there, but had such vague notions of its ways and looks! Let any one remember his early impressions as to Bagdad or Grand Cairo, and then say if this was not so. It was probably taken from the "Arabian Nights," and the picture produced was one of strange, fantastic, luxurious houses; of women who were either very young and very beautiful, or else very old and very cunning; but in either state exercising much more influence in life than women in the East do now; of good natured, capricious, though sometimes tyrannical monarchs; and of life full of quaint mysteries, quite unintelligible in every phasis, and on that account the more picturesque. And perhaps Grand Cairo has thus filled us with more wonder even than Bagdad. We have been in a certain manner at home at Bagdad, but have only visited Grand Cairo occasionally. I know no place which was to me, in early years, so delightfully mysterious as Grand Cairo. But the route to India and Australia has changed all this... Continue reading book >>

An Unprotected Female at the Pyramids By: Anthony Trollope (1815-1882)

Anthony Trollope’s An Unprotected Female at the Pyramids is an intriguing and engaging exploration of love, marriage, and societal expectations in Victorian England. Set against the backdrop of the stunning pyramids of Egypt, this novel delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on a young woman named Lucy Jones.

From the very beginning, Trollope masterfully transports readers to the exotic and mystical land of Egypt, painting vivid descriptions of the pyramids, camels, and bustling bazaars. The setting not only serves as a beautiful backdrop but also reflects the themes of liberation and self-discovery that permeate the narrative.

The protagonist, Lucy Jones, is a vibrant and unforgettable character. Unlike the typical female characters of her time, Lucy is independent, spirited, and unafraid to challenge the societal norms imposed upon her. As a governess, she is exposed to the Victorian class divide and the limitations it places on individuals, especially women. However, throughout the novel, Lucy defies these conventions, seeking fulfillment and happiness on her own terms.

Trollope creates a captivating plot by intricately weaving together various storylines, including a love triangle and a murder mystery. The love triangle between Lucy, her dashing cousin Sir Thomas Tringle, and the enigmatic Captain Featherstone highlights the conflicts between duty, love, and financial security. Meanwhile, the murder mystery adds an element of suspense, driving the narrative forward and keeping the reader engaged until the very end.

One of the strengths of this novel lies in Trollope’s ability to delve into the psychological depths of his characters. Lucy’s inner turmoil and her struggles to reconcile her desires with societal expectations are convincingly portrayed, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. Similarly, the supporting characters are well-developed and serve to enhance the themes of the novel, each representing various facets of Victorian society.

While Trollope’s writing style may not be as flowery or poetic as some of his contemporaries, his strength lies in his ability to create multidimensional characters and realistic dialogues. His prose is straightforward, yet effective, drawing readers into the world he has created and making them emotionally invested in the characters' lives.

An Unprotected Female at the Pyramids is a captivating novel that successfully combines elements of romance, mystery, and societal critique. Trollope’s exploration of the limitations placed upon women during the Victorian era is a thought-provoking commentary that remains relevant to this day. With its rich setting, well-drawn characters, and compelling plot, this novel is a delightful read that will leave readers reflecting on the complexities of love, marriage, and individual freedom.

First Page:

This etext was produced by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk, from the 1864 Chapman & Hall "Tales of all Countries" edition.

AN UNPROTECTED FEMALE AT THE PYRAMIDS

by Anthony Trollope

In the happy days when we were young, no description conveyed to us so complete an idea of mysterious reality as that of an Oriental city. We knew it was actually there, but had such vague notions of its ways and looks! Let any one remember his early impressions as to Bagdad or Grand Cairo, and then say if this was not so. It was probably taken from the "Arabian Nights," and the picture produced was one of strange, fantastic, luxurious houses; of women who were either very young and very beautiful, or else very old and very cunning; but in either state exercising much more influence in life than women in the East do now; of good natured, capricious, though sometimes tyrannical monarchs; and of life full of quaint mysteries, quite unintelligible in every phasis, and on that account the more picturesque.

And perhaps Grand Cairo has thus filled us with more wonder even than Bagdad. We have been in a certain manner at home at Bagdad, but have only visited Grand Cairo occasionally. I know no place which was to me, in early years, so delightfully mysterious as Grand Cairo.

But the route to India and Australia has changed all this... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Short stories
Travel

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