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Cover of The Bigamist

The Bigamist

Written by F. E. Mills (Florence Ethel Mills) Young

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BritishMan-woman relationshipsBigamy

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About this book

"The Bigamist" by F.E. Mills Young is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of Herbert Arnott and his wife Pamela, focusing on the complexities of their marriage against the backdrop of a deeply troubling revelation: Herbert has another wife whose existence he has concealed. The main characters grapple with themes of love, deception, and societal norms, as the stability of their seemingly happy life begins to unravel. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Herbert and Pamela Arnott on the eve of their fifth wedding anniversary. Herbert appears troubled and preoccupied, while Pamela is blissfully content with their life together. As they share intimate moments and reflect on their happiness, a shadow looms closer, represented by the arrival of a letter that Pamela discovers later. This letter reveals that Herbert previously had another marriage, throwing their bond and Pamela's understanding of her identity into chaos. The opening chapters set the stage for a turbulent emotional journey, as Pamela must navigate the painful truth of her husband's past and the implications it poses for their future.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Bigamist, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Dramatic
  • Melancholy
  • Introspective

F.E. Mills Young's "The Bigamist" delves into the unraveling of Herbert and Pamela Arnott's seemingly idyllic five-year marriage, initiated by the shocking revelation of Herbert's concealed first wife. The novel meticulously charts Pamela's turbulent emotional journey as she grapples with love, betrayal, and the profound disruption to her identity and understanding of her life. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century societal norms, the narrative explores the devastating consequences of deception, forcing both characters to confront difficult moral choices and the complex implications of their past and future.

“"Five years of perfect bliss, shattered by a single truth that lay hidden beneath the surface like a serpent in a garden."”

Key themes

Deception and Trust
This is the central theme, exploring the profound impact of Herbert's sustained deception on Pamela, their marriage, and his own conscience. It delves into the nature of trust, how easily it can be shattered, and the immense difficulty of rebuilding it once broken. The theme also touches on self-deception, as Pamela initially lives in blissful ignorance.
Societal Expectations and Morality
The novel critically examines the rigid social and moral codes of the early 20th century, particularly concerning marriage, public reputation, and the legal status of women. Bigamy was not only a legal offense but a profound social scandal, and the characters must navigate the potential ostracization and judgment from their community.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Pamela's journey is fundamentally one of identity. Her entire sense of self is initially defined by her role as Herbert's wife and her 'perfect' marriage. The revelation of bigamy shatters this foundation, forcing her to question who she is outside of this constructed reality and to forge a new understanding of her autonomy and resilience.

Worth discussing

How does the novel explore the concept of identity, particularly for Pamela, once her understanding of her marriage is shattered?

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