The Caxtons Part VI

Name: The Caxtons Part VI
Author: Edward Bulwer-lytton

Pisistratus Caxton, now the narrator, describes an evening visit from Mr. Trevanion, a member of parliament, and Sir Sedley Beaudesert, an old college friend of Mr. Caxton's, to the family's London drawing-room. Trevanion complains of unhappiness despite his public success, blaming his lack of firm conviction and his position of seeing "both sides" of every question. Sir Sedley Beaudesert, a celebrated, unmarried "fine gentleman" past his youth, confesses his own grief: dread of growing old, having lived a life devoted purely to pleasure. Mr. Caxton argues that man cannot live for happiness alone but must act for something beyond himself, and offers, half-mockingly, a physical remedy for both men's complaints — a saffron bag worn at the pit of the stomach, citing Lord Bacon — provoking argument rather than agreement. Captain Roland, seated by the unlit fireplace and suffering from old wounds, remarks that these two "have never known the bivouac and the battle." Trevanion mentions that Lady Ellinor, his wife, will call the next day, and urges Mr. Caxton to bring his family into society; Mr. Caxton declines for himself but agrees to consider it for Pisistratus. After the guests leave, Mrs. Caxton anxiously questions her husband about Lady Ellinor, sensing she was an early rival for his affections; he reassures her calmly. Captain Roland asks about his own past connection to Lady Ellinor. That night, Roland spots a mysterious watching figure in the street, rushes out crying "It is he! He has watched us! -- he repents!", and Pisistratus catches him from falling. The next day Lady Ellinor calls without her daughter Fanny. Both Roland and Mr. Caxton are visibly affected by her presence; Pisistratus observes and compares her charm, ambition, and pride to his own mother's simpler warmth, concluding his father was fortunate not to have married her. Pisistratus dines at the Trevanions' and meets Lady Ellinor again; he asks his father's permission to accept Trevanion's offer to become his secretary, seeing it as an entry into public life. After family discussion — including Roland's suggestion of the army, which alarms Mrs. Caxton, and Mr. Caxton's wry objections — his father agrees, arranging that Pisistratus keep lodging at home but work for Trevanion, who promises "he shall never be idle." Pisistratus becomes Trevanion's overworked secretary, detailing the statesman's exhausting daily routine of research, correspondence, and committee work. He is drawn into fashionable society, falls in love with the flirtatious Fanny Trevanion, and is given a horse by his father's arrangement. Meanwhile Captain Roland has gone abroad to fetch his estranged daughter and has not yet returned. Mr. Caxton completes the first portion of his great scholarly work, and Uncle Jack Tibbets undertakes to sell it to a publisher, urging his brother not to accept too little. Uncle Jack then reveals a new scheme: a daily newspaper devoted to literature, art, and science, modeled on the "Times," which he claims will educate and unite readers worldwide and yield vast profits chiefly through advertising. Despite his usual skepticism toward Jack's speculations, Mr. Caxton is captivated by the idea's grandeur and grows visibly excited, while Pisistratus is sworn to secrecy about the plan, noting with concern how thin and worn his uncle has become.

By Edward Bulwer-lytton · First published 1849 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Philosophical Fiction · 8 chapters · 10,693 words

First lines

"I don't know that," said my father.

What is it my father does not know? My father does not know that "happiness is our being's end and aim."

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The Caxtons Part VI is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edward Bulwer-lytton, dated 1849 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Edward Bulwer-lytton
Date: 1849 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Philosophical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama
Length: 10,693 words
Structure: 8 chapters, 191 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of happiness, ambition, and the human condition through character-driven narratives and philosophical dialogues.
Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms and the pursuit of happiness, reflecting on the roles of individuals within society.
Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into philosophical discussions about life, purpose, and the nature of happiness, showcasing the author's reflective writing style.
Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, it reflects the social dynamics and cultural attitudes of the time.