'Old Man's Love' Summary

In Anthony Trollope's 'Old Man's Love', the protagonist, Mary Lawrie, faces a delicate predicament. After her father's death, she finds herself reliant on the kindness and affection of Mr. Whittlestaff, an older man who offers her a home and proposes marriage. While Mary appreciates his generosity, she cannot deny the lingering feelings she holds for Mr. Gordon, a former love who had left to seek his fortune and hadn't been heard from since. The arrival of Gordon throws Mary's life into turmoil. Torn between the comfort and security Whittlestaff offers and the hope and uncertainty of rekindling a past love, Mary struggles to make a decision that aligns with her heart and her sense of duty. The novel poignantly explores the complexities of love, societal expectations, and the delicate balance between personal happiness and societal obligations in Victorian England. Ultimately, Mary's choice reveals the profound impact of love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection.