The Two Heroines of Plumplington
The scene is set at a Christmas dinner party hosted by the Doctor at his Rectory in Plumplington. The guests include the two young couples: Emily Greenmantle and Philip Hughes, and Polly Peppercorn and Jack Hollycombe. Mr. Greenmantle, Emily's father, is initially hesitant to attend the party due to his dislike of Hickory Peppercorn, but eventually agrees after being persuaded by his daughter. At the dinner party, the conversation is stilted at first, with Mr. Greenmantle and Mr. Peppercorn sitting opposite each other in silence. However, Harry Gresham, seated between Philip and Mr. Peppercorn, takes it upon himself to keep the conversation going by talking about the "two heroines" of Plumplington. After dinner, the Doctor stands up to make a speech, praising the two young couples and welcoming their fathers to his table. He then asks the two fathers to say a word in acknowledgment of the toast. Mr. Greenmantle is taken aback but manages to blunder through a speech, while Mr. Peppercorn makes a better effort, expressing his pride in his daughter's manner and education. The evening continues with jollity and laughter, until it is time for Harry Gresham to return to Greshamsbury. As the brides are putting on their hats in the Doctor's study, Polly turns to Emily and says, "Now I can call you Emily again, and now I can kiss you; though I know I ought to do neither the one nor the other." Emily replies, "Yes, both, both, always do both," and they share a moment of affection. The scene ends with Polly walking home with her father, who is still quiet but presumably happy in his heart.
By Anthony Trollope · First published 1874 · Genre: Victorian Literature, Novella, Satire · 30,231 words
First lines
In the little town of Plumplington last year, just about this time of the year -- it was in November -- the ladies and gentlemen forming the Plumplington Society were much exercised as to the affairs of two young ladies. They were both the only daughters of two elderly gentlemen, well known and greatly respected in Plumplington. All the world may not know that Plumplington is the second town in Barsetshire, and though it sends no member to Parliament, as does Silverbridge, it has a population of over 20,000 souls, and three separate banks. Of one of these Mr. Greenmantle is the manager, and is reputed to have shares in the bank. At any rate he is known to be a warm man. His daughter Emily is supposed to be the heiress of all he possesses, and has been regarded as a fitting match by many of the sons of the country gentlemen around.
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The Two Heroines of Plumplington is listed on Textopian as a novella by Anthony Trollope, dated 1874 CE.
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- Work type: Novella
- Author: Anthony Trollope
- Date: 1874 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Victorian Literature, Novella, Satire, Romance, Feminist Literature
- Length: 30,231 words
- Structure: 1 section, 580 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Victorian Literature — The book is set in the Victorian era, and the author, Anthony Trollope, is a notable figure in Victorian literature. His work often reflects the social, political, and personal issues of this period.
- Novella — The book is shorter and more focused than Trollope's typical novels, featuring a self-contained story with fewer characters, qualifying it as a novella.
- Satire — The book employs satirical elements to criticize social norms, particularly those relating to gender and class in the Victorian era.
- Romance — A significant aspect of the plot involves romantic relationships and love interests, which brings elements of the romance genre.
Tags
Victorian literature · female protagonists · social commentary · romance · friendship · class differences · gender roles · family dynamics · moral dilemmas · small-town life · character development · humor