The Caxtons: A Family Picture — Volume 09

"The Caxtons: A Family Picture — Volume 09" by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton is a novel written during the Victorian era. This work explores themes of family, honor, and societal expectations as it delves into the lives and struggles of the Caxton family, particularly focusing on the protagonist Pisistratus as he navigates personal challenges and romantic longing. The narrative encapsulates the essence of the era’s social dynamics, shedding light on the interplay of individual aspirations against familial duties. The story follows Pisistratus Caxton as he returns home burdened with heartache following a farewell to his love, Fanny Trevanion. Throughout the unfolding chapters, Pisistratus grapples with feelings of inadequacy due to his modest means contrasted with Fanny’s affluent family. The text explores his relationships with his father, who reflects wisdom accumulated from scholarly pursuits, and his well-meaning uncle, Captain Roland, who offers practical advice. As Pisistratus determines to leave the Trevanion household to preserve his honor, he faces a crossroads, ultimately seeking solace and identity within the familial embrace, where love and understanding serve as a counterbalance to his grief and aspirations. The narrative threads together themes of ambition, economic disparity, and the complex dynamics of familial love and loyalty, providing a reflective portrait of life in the Victorian age. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton,, was an English writer and politician. He served as a Whig member of Parliament from 1831 to 1841 and a Conservative from 1851 to 1866. He was Secretary of State for the Colonies from June 1858 to June 1859, choosing Richard Clement Moody as founder of British Columbia. He was created Baron Lytton of Knebworth in 1866.