The Way We Live Now - Classic Text | Alexandria
The Way We Live Now, a panoramic novel by Anthony Trollope, is often viewed as a satirical exposé of Victorian England’s moral decay during the burgeoning railway mania and speculative financial schemes of the 1870s. But is it merely a simple condemnation of greed? The novel, initially published in serial form between February 1874 and September 1875, depicts a society grappling with new wealth, shifting social hierarchies, and the pervasive influence of money.
Trollope began writing the novel in 1873, likely inspired by the real-life financial scandals of the era, such as the collapse of Overend, Gurney and Company in 1866, a devastating event that shook the British economy. While Trollope never explicitly cited his sources, letters from the time reveal his growing disillusionment with the increasing materialism he saw permeating British society. This discomfort simmers beneath the surface of his narrative, coloring every scene from elegant London drawing rooms to the muddy fields of railway construction.
Over the decades, interpretations of The Way We Live Now have evolved from a straightforward social critique to a more nuanced exploration of human fallibility. Critics have debated the extent to which Trollope's satire is indiscriminate, some arguing that he unfairly targets both the old aristocracy and the nouveau riche. The character of Melmotte, the charismatic and ultimately fraudulent financier, has particularly fascinated readers, drawing comparisons to figures like Robert Maxwell. Did Trollope, knowingly or unknowingly, foreshadow the complexities of modern corporate malfeasance? The novel's enduring appeal lies in its uncomfortable truth: a society obsessed with wealth is perpetually vulnerable to corruption.
Today, The Way We Live Now continues to resonate, its themes of financial chicanery and social climbing finding echoes in contemporary society. Adaptations for television and stage demonstrate its lasting power to captivate audiences who grapple with similar anxieties about wealth, power, and the ever-shifting moral landscape. Does Trollope’s vision offer a cautionary tale, or does it simply reflect an inescapable aspect of human nature?