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.