The novel 'Man and Wife' by Wilkie Collins explores the complexities of marriage laws in the 19th century, focusing on the legal loopholes surrounding Irish and Scottish marriages. It follows the intertwined fates of two generations of friends, Anne and Blanche, as they navigate the consequences of marriages declared null and void by English law. The plot is filled with deadly secrets, tragic events, and characters caught in a web of legal and social injustices, culminating in a thrilling tale of betrayal, love, and sacrifice.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, exhibiting a range of moral complexities that contribute to the overall themes of the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing features elaborate prose filled with character introspection and social commentary, yet can feel overly lengthy.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative intricately weaves through the complexities of 19th-century marriage laws while highlighting the consequences they impose on women.

Setting:

The setting juxtaposes societal norms of the 19th century in Scotland and England, enriching the narrative's exploration of marriage laws.

Pacing:

While the pacing tends to drag in places due to detailed exposition, it ultimately culminates in an engaging and fast-paced finale.

Notes:

Wilkie Collins mocks the British obsession with sports and athletes in 'Man and Wife'.

The novel showcases the strange marriage laws in 19th century Scotland.

Geoffrey Delamayn is portrayed as a scoundrel who abandons Anne for selfish reasons.

Hester Dethridge, a mute character, has a secret past and plays a crucial role in the story.

The plot intertwines themes of marital legality and social status, making it complex.

Collins critiques the treatment of women in marriages that can lead to abusive situations.

The dialogue in the book references flawed judicial views on marriage consent.

The novel features rich character development, although it can feel meandering at times.

Collins' writing reflects a distrust of marriage amidst societal pressures of his time.

The story culminates in a riveting finale that shifts to a crime thriller format.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, emotional distress related to marriage and social status, and themes of betrayal.

Has Romance?

The presence of romance is medium, intertwined with betrayal and complicated relationships.

From The Publisher:

Man and Wife (1870) combines the fast pace and sensational plot structure of Collins's most famous novels with a biting attack on the inequitable marriage laws in Victorian Britain. At its centre is the plight of a woman who fears that the archaic marriage laws of Scotland and Ireland may have forced her into committing unintentional bigamy. As the novel progresses, the atmosphere grows increasingly sinister when the setting moves from a country house to a London suburb and a world of confinement, plotting, and murder.

About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

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Man and Wife

Wilkie Collins