Old Mr. Tredgold explores the internal and external tensions that shape a family living in semi-retirement on the Isle of Wight. The novel opens with a portrait of domestic life marked by difference and subtle competition between two sisters. The setting, though idyllic, quickly becomes a space where interpersonal struggles and unspoken resentments surface. Through the contrast of one sister's steadiness and the other's radiant charm, the narrative examines how societal perception and paternal preference influence self-worth and agency. The sisters' lives are deeply affected by unbalanced affection and the silent pressures of maintaining decorum in a society that values appearance over depth. Early scenes highlight the fragility of familial harmony, culminating in a public gathering that brings long-standing tensions into sharper focus. As leisure turns into a test of character, personal convictions are measured against rigid expectations of behavior and propriety. These events act as catalysts for change, pushing characters to reassess their roles within both their family and society. The story unfolds with a quiet intensity, focusing on the emotional negotiations that accompany personal growth and social constraint.
Margaret Oliphant Wilson Oliphant, known as Mrs. Oliphant, was a Scottish novelist and historical writer, born on April 4, 1828, in Wallyford, United Kingdom. She became well-known for her diverse body of work, which spanned domestic realism, historical novels, and tales of the supernatural. Oliphant’s writing often explored complex social and family dynamics, as well as the intricacies of the human experience. In 1852, she married Francis Wilson Oliphant, and they had a child together, F. R. Oliphant. Throughout her career, she wrote prolifically, producing a range of novels, essays, and short stories that captured the social, moral, and emotional concerns of her time. Oliphant’s works remain notable for their keen psychological insight and attention to the social structures of the Victorian era. She passed away on June 25, 1897, at the age of 69 in Wimbledon, London, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to influence readers and writers today.
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