Marion Fay by Anthony Trollope

Author: Anthony Trollope. Review by John Lampen.

Lovers of Anthony Trollope’s novels generally admire his skill in depicting the lives and feelings of young women. But you may not know that one of his last heroines is a Friend. Trollope did not always have a high opinion of Quakers, once writing of our ‘low character for commercial honesty and a certain flavour of pretentious hypocrisy’! But Marion Fay is depicted as a woman who is generous, principled, passionate – an example of the best a Quaker might be.

Marion Fay is the story of a young aristocrat, John Trafford (known as Lord Hampstead), and his sister Frances. Hampstead is a radical, and proud of his friendship with a Post Office clerk, George Roden; but nonetheless he is perturbed when George and Frances fall in love and get engaged. One of the book’s two plots concerns that relationship and its ironic conclusion. The second begins when Hampstead meets the Quaker girl in George’s home and falls deeply in love. He is determined to marry her, but, though she loves him back, she decides to refuse him (I won’t spoil the story by saying why). There is a touching moment when he is coming to propose to her. She gets out her best frock but then puts it back in the wardrobe: ‘She would be the simple Quaker girl as she was to be found there on Monday, on Tuesday and on Wednesday. It would be better that he should know how little there was for him to lose.’ Of course it has the opposite effect.

The book mixes acute social observation and satire, humour, romance and tragedy. The four lovers all strive to be honourable, independent and consistent people; but two other love affairs, much more worldly, provide perspective. And there are many less admirable characters, including the nastiest of Trollope’s many clergymen. Marion’s father Zachary lives by traditional Quaker values but cannot resist some pride at the idea his daughter might marry an earl. He is portrayed with a rich blend of teasing and respect. The aristocratic parents claim the right to dictate their children’s decisions, which as Frances points out is hardest on the girls. But in contrast, when Hampstead in tears begs Zachary to support his suit, the old man says, ‘Thou and I, my Lord, are in sore trouble about this maiden… For her sake I wish I could give her to thee – because of thy truth and honesty; not because of thy wealth and titles. But she is not mine to give. She is her own – and will bestow her hand or will refuse to do so as her own sense of what is best for thee may direct her. I will say no word to persuade her one way or the other.’

It’s said that wicked characters are always the most interesting. But I love writing which shows goodness as strong, vulnerable, attractive and real. Marion, who loves Hampstead with her body as fully as her heart and soul, is a fine example. I find their relationship convincing and very moving. Some other readers have dismissed it as sentimental, so I would love to know what you think; if you decide to read it, please let me know. Even if you disagree with me, you will find plenty of other things to enjoy.

John’s course on Quaker characters in fiction runs at Glenthorne, 15 to 18 July.

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