Widely regarded as one of Trollope's most successful later novels, He Knew He Was Right is a study of marriage and of sexual relationships cast against a background of agitation for women's rights.
He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope, first published in 1869, is a compelling novel that explores themes of jealousy, obsession, and the complexities of marriage. The story follows the character of Louis Trevelyan, a well-educated and respectable man who becomes consumed by irrational jealousy after his wife, Emily, forms a friendship with a family friend, the charming Colonel Osborne. Trevelyan’s growing paranoia leads him to accuse Emily of infidelity, and his obsessive behavior and refusal to believe in her innocence unravel their once happy marriage.
The novel is an insightful exploration of the psychological effects of jealousy, as well as the social expectations of marriage and loyalty in Victorian society. Trollope deftly portrays Trevelyan’s internal struggles and his rigid, unyielding belief in his own righteousness, contrasting his delusional mindset with the rational and patient perspective of Emily, who remains devoted to him despite his increasing cruelty. Through this narrative, He Knew He Was Right examines the destructive power of unchecked emotions and the ways in which characters' perceptions of themselves and others shape their actions. The novel is a deep exploration of character, morality, and the limitations of personal pride, making it one of Trollope’s more psychological and tragic works.
Published on by eBooks
Categories: Fiction Historical Literature Classics