The Law and the Lady

Wilkie Collins

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murder accusation

victorian society gender roles

strong willed female protagonist

social justice

eccentric characters

victorian england setting

twisty detective novel

first person narrative

scottish law elements

effective pacing with twists

identity and secrets

melodramatic writing style

characterization in victorian literature

Valeria, a determined and strong-willed woman, marries a man under false pretenses only to uncover his dark secret of being accused of murdering his first wife. Despite societal expectations, Valeria sets out to clear her husband's name and unravel the mysteries surrounding his past. The narrative weaves together elements of identity, crime, social justice, and gender roles in Victorian society, creating a compelling and twisty tale filled with eccentric characters like Miserrimus Dexter and Major FitzDavid.

Characters:

The characters include the strong-willed Valeria, the flawed Eustace, and the eccentric Dexter, each contributing to the unfolding mystery and social themes.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by a first-person perspective, blending melodrama with detailed characterizations typical of the Victorian era.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Valeria as she uncovers her husband's dark past involving a murder accusation, leading her on a determined quest for justice and truth.

Setting:

The setting consists of Victorian England, incorporating aspects of Scottish law, which adds depth to the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is effective, keeping readers engaged through a mix of predictability and unexpected twists.

"FOR after this manner in the old time the holy women also who trusted in God adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands; even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose dau...

Notes:

Valeria Woodville is one of the first female detectives in literature.

The novel was published in 1875, during the Victorian era, when female detectives were almost nonexistent.

Wilkie Collins is known for his contributions to the detective fiction genre, with works like 'The Woman in White' and 'The Moonstone.'

The story's central conflict revolves around a not proven murder verdict, which leaves a stain on Eustace Woodville's reputation.

Valeria discovers her husband's true identity shortly after their wedding, which complicates their relationship.

The character Miserrimus Dexter is described as hideously deformed and plays a crucial role in the investigation.

The narrative is unique as it is told from Valeria’s first-person perspective, providing insight into her thoughts and emotions.

The novel explores themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and justice in the context of a woman's quest for truth.

Valeria's determination challenges Victorian stereotypes of women as passive and reliant on men for support.

The ending of the novel raises questions about morality and the repercussions of past actions.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of murder, mental health issues, and societal prejudices which may be triggering for some readers.

Has Romance?

The romance in the narrative is complicated and characterized by underlying tension due to deception and investigation.

From The Publisher:

Three years ago, her husband stood accused of murder - and the verdict that came in from the jury was the Scottish Verdict, Not Proven. The jury had not evidence enough to convict him - nor enough to comfortably exonerate him. Eustace could not bear the weight of her discovery; he fled to the continent, to live in anonymity. But Valeria knew her husband, and she loved him. She knew he was innocent, too, with the sort of intuition that guides the lucky flawlessly. And she set out to prove it to the world. * Valeria Woodville is one of English literature's earliest women detectives - that makes the novel historically remarkable. But it's also a great fun mystery, full of plot and circumsance, and a rogue's gallery of odd Dickensian characters. The Law and the Lady is as remarkable a novel today as it was when it was first published in 1875.

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About the Author:

William Wilkie Collins was born in London in 1824, the eldest son of a successful painter, William Collins. He studied law and was admitted to the bar but never practiced his nominal profession, devoting his time to writing instead. His…

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