Oxford World's Classics: Lady Anna

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When it was published in 1874, "Lady Anna" initially faced criticism and outrage, but Trollope defended it as a passionate exploration of enforced marriage within Radical politics and social inequality. The novel follows Countess Lovel's struggle to validate her title and her daughter Anna's legitimacy after her husband reveals he has another wife. Anna falls for Daniel Thwaite, a journeyman tailor and Radical, but her mother prefers a marriage to her cousin, the heir to the title. The narrative questions whether Anna can change her mind about her fate. Despite the predictable conclusion, Trollope's ambivalence on the matter adds depth, making the story both intense and powerful. The plot thickens as the Countess confronts the implications of her husband's claim about his previous marriage, leading to a legal dilemma that could declare her and her child illegitimate. Amidst family threats and a duel involving Lord Lovel, the Countess grapples with her options. She believes the Earl's first wife may have died before her marriage, complicating her situation further. In a moment of vulnerability, she pleads for a renewal of their vows, but the Earl's dismissive response leaves her yearning for the affection he once showed, highlighting the emotional turmoil at the heart of the story.