The Green Carnation

"The Green Carnation" by Robert Hichens is a novel set in the late 1800s that follows Lord Reginald Hastings, a self-aware young man who basks in his attractiveness and societal allure. The story examines beauty, vanity, and social morals as Reggie moves through a world full of artistic goals and the temptation of scandal. Initially, Reggie is depicted as vain, getting ready for a night out while considering his looks and how others see him; his thoughts show both vanity and a desire for honesty within social limits. His interactions with people such as Esmé Amarinth, who shares his views, and Lady Locke, recently back in London society, highlight the complex web of modern social interactions. Discussions on hedonism, the nature of sin, and artistic expression are incorporated into their talks, laying the groundwork for a further study of morality.