The Egoist by George Meredith. Summary of the book.

by

The Egoist by George Meredith

The Egoist is a novel by George Meredith, first published in 1879. It tells the story of a young woman, Clarissa Harlowe, who is determined to remain true to herself and her principles. The novel follows Clarissa and her journey to self-discovery and independence. Throughout the novel, Clarissa’s actions and decisions will have an impact on her relationships and the people around her.

The Plot of The Egoist

The Egoist follows Clarissa Harlowe, a young woman from a wealthy family. Her father, Mr. Harlowe, has arranged a marriage between Clarissa and Sir Willoughby Patterne, a wealthy baronet. Though Clarissa is initially opposed to the marriage, she eventually agrees to it, believing that it will bring her family financial security. However, she soon discovers that Sir Willoughby is not the man she thought he was. He is arrogant, selfish, and disrespectful to her. Clarissa eventually decides to break off the engagement and return home to her family.

Clarissa is soon pursued by another man, Victor Drayton, who is passionate and attentive. Though she is initially attracted to him, she eventually realizes that Victor is also selfish and manipulative. Clarissa refuses to accept his proposal of marriage and leaves for London. There, Clarissa meets a young lawyer, Monsieur de Bassompierre, who helps her come to terms with her situation and her own feelings.

Clarissa eventually realizes that she must be true to herself and that she cannot sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her family’s security. She returns home to her family and refuses to marry either of the two men. She declares that she will remain independent and true to herself. It is only through her strength and courage that she is able to overcome the obstacles that stand in her way.

The Teachings of The Egoist

The Egoist is a novel about self-discovery and independence. It teaches that we should strive to be true to ourselves and our principles, even when the pressures of society are against us. It emphasizes the power of courage and strength of character in overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals. Finally, it teaches us to take responsibility for our own happiness and to be independent and self-reliant.

Interesting Facts about The Egoist

  • The Egoist was George Meredith’s third novel. It was first published in 1879 and was an immediate success.
  • The novel was inspired by Meredith’s own life. He had been forced to break off his own engagement to a woman he had been set to marry and was determined to explore the idea of independence in his writing.
  • The novel is considered to be a landmark in the history of feminism. Clarissa’s journey to independence is seen as an inspiration to women of the time and is still seen as relevant to women today.
  • The novel is often compared to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Both novels feature strong female characters who struggle with society’s expectations of them.

FAQs about The Egoist

Q. Who is the protagonist of The Egoist?

A. The protagonist of The Egoist is Clarissa Harlowe, a young woman from a wealthy family.

Q. What is the main message of The Egoist?

A. The main message of The Egoist is that we should strive to be true to ourselves and our principles, even when the pressures of society are against us.

Q. Is The Egoist considered to be a feminist novel?

A. Yes, The Egoist is considered to be a landmark in the history of feminism. Clarissa’s journey to independence is seen as an inspiration to women of the time and is still seen as relevant to women today.

Q. Who wrote The Egoist?

A. The Egoist was written by George Meredith. It was first published in 1879 and was an immediate success.

Q. Is The Egoist similar to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice?

A. Yes, The Egoist is often compared to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Both novels feature strong female characters who struggle with society’s expectations of them.

Related books:

  1. Clarissa by Samuel Richardson. Summary of the book.
  2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813). Summary of the book.
  3. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (1923). Summary of the book.
  4. Jane Eyre: An Autobiography by Charlotte Brontë. Summary of the book.
  5. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Summary of the book.
  6. Enduring Love by Ian McEwan. Summary of the book.
  7. The Letters of Jane Austen by Jane Austen. Summary of the book.
  8. The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson. Summary of the book.
  9. The Ordeal of Richard Feverek by George Meredith. Summary of the book.
  10. The L Shaped Room by Lynne Reid Banks. Summary of the book.
  11. Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. Summary of the book.
  12. Curious George by H.A. Rey (1941). Summary of the book.
  13. The Odd Women by George Gissing. Summary of the book.
  14. The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks (2003). Summary of the book.
  15. Mrs Dalloway in Bond Street by Virginia Woolf. Summary of the book.
  16. My fight for Irish freedom by Dan Breen. Summary of the book.
  17. The foxholes of Mars by Fritz Leiber. Summary of the book.
  18. Money and Happiness (The Scientific Way): Scientifically Proven Ways To Be Happy And Highly Effective Life Hacks For Financial Independence by L.V. George. Summary of the book.
  19. Independence Day by Richard Ford. Summary of the book.
  20. The women of the Mayflower and women of Plymouth colony by Ethel J. R. C. Noyes. Summary of the book.
  21. The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank (1998). Summary of the book.
  22. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare (1958). Summary of the book.
  23. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (1811). Summary of the book.
  24. If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit by Brenda Ueland. Summary of the book.
  25. The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore. Summary of the book.
  26. How Do I Keep My Employees Motivated? by George Langelett. Summary of the book.
  27. Satan’s Invisible World Discovered by George Sinclair. Summary of the book.
  28. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray (1998). Summary of the book.
  29. Persuasion by Jane Austen (1817). Summary of the book.
  30. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft. Summary of the book.
  31. Look At Me by Anita Brookner. Summary of the book.
  32. Two Serious Ladies by Jane Bowles. Summary of the book.
  33. The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike. Summary of the book.
  34. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (1814). Summary of the book.
  35. Excellent Women by Barbara Pym. Summary of the book.
  36. Love and Freindship [sic] by Jane Austen. Summary of the book.
  37. 1776 by David McCullough (2005). Summary of the book.
  38. Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith. Summary of the book.
  39. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (1817). Summary of the book.
  40. The Trans-Galactic Twins by George O. Smith. Summary of the book.
  41. Lady Susan by Jane Austen. Summary of the book.
  42. The Hours by Michael Cunningham (1998). Summary of the book.
  43. Adam Bede by George Eliot. Summary of the book.
  44. Grimm’s Fairy Tales by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm. Summary of the book.
  45. The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot. Summary of the book.
  46. New Grub Street by George Gissing. Summary of the book.
  47. Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. Summary of the book.
  48. The Subjection of Women by John Stuart Mill. Summary of the book.
  49. The cowboy and the lady and her pa : by Irvin S. Cobb. Summary of the book.
  50. Silas Marner by George Eliot. Summary of the book.

Leave a Comment