The Disowned Volume 4 by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, written in the mid-19th century, continues the journey of Clarence Linden as he grapples with issues of identity, rejection, and societal pressure. The story explores themes of honor, ambition, and the search for one’s true self against the backdrop of high society and social intrigue.
At the start of the volume, Clarence is emotionally shaken after being disowned by his father, feeling the weight of his rejection while finding some solace in his benefactor, Talbot, who encourages him to embrace his true nature. However, Clarence’s self-worth is continually challenged by the elitist attitudes of figures like Lord Borodaile, who looks down on him. The narrative deepens as Clarence becomes entangled in romantic and social complexities, particularly with La Meronville, whose love life complicates his own. Tensions heighten following a confrontation with Borodaile, which leads to a duel over honor, drawing Clarence further into a web of conflict, with his personal battles reflecting broader societal struggles.
Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803–1873) was a prominent English novelist, poet, playwright, and politician, best known for his contributions to Victorian literature. His works often explored themes of social justice, romance, mystery, and the supernatural. He was one of the most widely read and influential authors of his time, and his works were popular across both literary and social circles. Bulwer-Lytton is perhaps most famous for his novels The Last Days of Pompeii (1834), Eugene Aram (1832), and The Disowned (1829), among others. He is also credited with popularizing certain literary tropes, such as the Gothic novel, through works like Zanoni (1842), which combined mysticism and philosophical themes.
One of Bulwer-Lytton's most famous phrases, "It was a dark and stormy night," has become iconic, often cited for its melodramatic style. In addition to his literary success, Bulwer-Lytton had a significant political career, serving as a Member of Parliament and as a Secretary of State for the Colonies.