There are men whose energies hardly ever carry them beyond looking for the thing they want

There are men whose energies hardly ever carry them beyond looking for the thing they want

Anthony Trollope, a renowned English novelist of the Victorian era, often explored the complexities of human nature in his works. One recurring theme in his novels is the idea of men whose energies are solely focused on obtaining their desires, without much consideration for the consequences of their actions. Trollope’s characters often exhibit a single-minded determination to achieve their goals, regardless of the impact on others or the ethical implications of their behavior.

In Trollope’s novel “The Way We Live Now,” the character of Augustus Melmotte exemplifies this idea of men whose energies are solely focused on obtaining what they want. Melmotte is a ruthless financier who will stop at nothing to increase his wealth and social status. He manipulates and deceives those around him in order to achieve his goals, showing a complete disregard for the well-being of others. Melmotte’s relentless pursuit of power and money ultimately leads to his downfall, as his schemes unravel and he is exposed as a fraud.

Similarly, in “The Eustace Diamonds,” the character of Lizzie Eustace is driven by a desire for material wealth and social status. She is willing to lie, cheat, and manipulate in order to hold onto the valuable diamond necklace that she believes is rightfully hers. Lizzie’s single-minded pursuit of her desires leads to a series of scandals and betrayals, ultimately resulting in her isolation and unhappiness.

Trollope’s portrayal of these characters reflects a broader commentary on the nature of ambition and greed. He suggests that when individuals are consumed by their desires, they lose sight of their moral compass and become willing to sacrifice their integrity in pursuit of their goals. Trollope’s characters serve as cautionary tales, warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destructive consequences of selfishness.