The Egoist (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: George Meredith
- First Published: 1879
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Social satire
- Time of Work: Nineteenth century
- Setting: England
- Genres: Long fiction, Satire
- Subjects: Self, Escapes, Nineteenth century, Social issues, Marriage, England or English people, Wit or humor, Gossip, Wine or wine making
- Locales: England
Characters Discussed
Sir Willoughby Patterne, a nobleman whose pattern of egocentricities includes duplicity, austerity, snobbery, and sententiousness. Though he has played on the heartstrings of his most devoted Laetitia Dale, he learns through two broken engagements that all his barren heart can hope for is the solace of the good woman whom he has converted to egoism. Finally, Sir Willoughby is forced to abandon double dealing, to come down from the pedestal where he has viewed himself only in a favorable light, to bend his pride for the sake of a young cousin and a former...
[The entire page is 920 words long]
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