The Way We Live Now · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope.

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Chapter 1
Three Editors
Lady Carbury writes to three editors—Mr. Broune, Mr. Booker, and Mr. Alf—to secure favorable reviews for her book 'Criminal Queens'. The chapter explores the corrupt literary practices of the time, as editors trade praise for mutual benefit, and highlights Lady Carbury's relentless self-promotion.
Chapter 2
The Carbury Family
This chapter introduces the Carbury family, focusing on Lady Carbury's literary ambitions and her morally compromised methods, her son Sir Felix's handsome but heartless nature, and her daughter Hetta's virtuous character. It also sets up the romantic tension involving Hetta, her cousin Roger Carbury, and Paul Montague.
Chapter 3
The Beargarden
Lady Carbury, in her modest Welbeck Street home, writes letters and is interrupted by her son Sir Felix Carbury, who asks for money. She gives him £20 despite her poverty. Felix then goes to the Beargarden club, where he gambles all night, winning over £700 from Dolly Longestaffe and Lord Grasslough. He refuses to continue playing and leaves, feeling wealthy. The next morning, he hunts in Buckinghamshire using Dolly's horses.
Chapter 4
Madame Melmotte's Ball
The chapter describes the grand ball given by Augustus Melmotte in Grosvenor Square, a lavish affair attended by high society including the Duchess of Stevenage and a prince of the blood royal. Amid the opulence, Sir Felix Carbury dances with Marie Melmotte, while Henrietta Carbury and Paul Montague converse. Lady Carbury endures the evening with discomfort. The ball reflects Melmotte's ambition and the social maneuvering around his wealth, including the waning necessity of marrying off Marie as his status rises.
Chapter 5
After the Ball
Sir Felix Carbury returns home from a ball with his mother and sister, then immediately leaves to gamble at the Beargarden club. He wins heavily against Dolly Longestaffe, Lord Grasslough, and Miles Grendall, accumulating over £3,000 in debts owed to him. Meanwhile, Lady Carbury expresses her despair over Felix's gambling and lack of respect, and pressures Hetta to accept her cousin Roger's offer, suspecting her attachment to Paul Montague.

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Three Editors

The Carbury Family

The Beargarden

Madame Melmotte's Ball

After the Ball