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Cover of The Small House at Allington

The Small House at Allington

Written by Anthony Trollope

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Domestic fictionClergyBarsetshire (England : Imaginary place)

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About this book

"The Small House at Allington" by Anthony Trollope is a novel written during the mid-19th century, specifically in the Victorian era. The story centers around the lives of two closely linked families, the Dales of the Great House and the Dales of the Small House, particularly focusing on the widow Mrs. Dale and her daughters, Lily and Bell, who navigate social life and romantic entanglements in the rural setting of Allington. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the historical context of the Dales family, showcasing their long-standing connection to Allington and their social status. The narrative begins by outlining the character of Christopher Dale, the current squire, giving a glimpse of his personality and the familial dynamics that shape the lives of the characters. In the subsequent chapters, we meet the two Dale sisters, who engage in lighthearted conversations that hint at their budding relationships and hints of rivalry with local clerks and gentlemen. The opening portion sets up a rich tapestry of social interactions, familial responsibilities, and the complexities of love, hinting at the ensuing dramas that will unfold.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Small House at Allington, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 20 hours
  • intermediate
  • romantic
  • melancholy
  • social commentary

Anthony Trollope's "The Small House at Allington" is a quintessential Victorian novel set in a picturesque English village, exploring the romantic entanglements and social pressures faced by the intelligent and charming Dale sisters, Lily and Bell. The narrative primarily follows Lily's heartbreaking engagement to the ambitious but fickle Adolphus Crosbie, and her subsequent unwavering loyalty despite his betrayal, contrasting with Bell's more pragmatic approach to love and marriage. Through their experiences and those of their persistent suitor John Eames, Trollope meticulously dissects themes of duty, honor, class, and the complex interplay between individual desire and societal expectations. It's a poignant portrayal of rural life, moral choices, and the enduring power of steadfast affection amidst the superficiality of the aristocratic world.

“"It is a man's nature to be generous in trifles, but the heart of a woman is so constituted that she can be generous in her all."”

Key themes

Love, Marriage, and Social Expectations
The central theme, exploring the tension between genuine affection and the societal pressures to marry for status, wealth, or family connections. It contrasts the idealistic, unwavering love of Lily with the pragmatic choices of Bell and the mercenary ambition of Crosbie, highlighting the often-painful consequences of these choices in Victorian society.
Duty, Honor, and Personal Integrity
This theme examines how characters grapple with their sense of duty to family, society, and self, and how personal honor is defined and maintained. Crosbie's betrayal exemplifies a failure of honor, while Lily's fidelity and John Eames's loyalty demonstrate its enduring power, even in the face of heartbreak.
Class and Social Mobility
Trollope meticulously portrays the rigid class structure of Victorian England and the desires for social advancement. The novel contrasts the rural gentry and its traditional values with the urban aristocracy and its superficiality, showing how class dictates opportunities, relationships, and even personal happiness.

Worth discussing

Discuss Lily Dale's unwavering fidelity to Crosbie. Is it admirable, tragic, or foolish? How does it reflect Victorian ideals of womanhood?

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