Paris in the nineteenth century is often romantically envisioned as a vibrant hub of artistic expression. This perception largely stems from two popular works: Giacomo Puccini’s opera LA BOHEME and George du Maurier’s novel TRILBY. While TRILBY may not be a heavyweight in literary circles, it continues to captivate audiences with its entertaining and vividly crafted depiction of Bohemian life.

The Allure of the Latin Quarter

Du Maurier's TRILBY offers readers a lively portrayal of Paris' Latin Quarter. It's depicted as a place of glamour, spontaneity, and ceaseless creativity, where parties and artistic endeavors thrive in a seemingly endless cycle. The characters are portrayed with loyalty, energy, and a boundless imagination, creating a picture-perfect Bohemian paradise. Through detailed descriptions, real names, and authentic cultural practices, du Maurier infuses his narrative with authenticity, despite the hyperbolic prose that elevates even mundane events to grand significance.

Middle-Class Morality in Bohemia

Despite the free-spirited nature of du Maurier's Bohemian world, there is a notable absence of struggle or poverty among his characters. The protagonists, Taffy, Sandy, and Little Billee, are financially secure, enjoy fine dining, and pursue promising careers. Their acquaintances, except for Trilby, appear similarly well-off. Poverty, when it is acknowledged, is romanticized as character-building rather than a dire circumstance. The characters' ambitions are firmly tied to achieving material success and respectable social standings, reflecting a middle-class morality beneath their Bohemian lifestyles.

Victorian Morality and Gender Roles

The novel adheres to Victorian standards of sexual morality, recognizing only two types of relationships: male friendships and pure, untainted heterosexual love. Even the slightest blemish on a woman's honor renders her socially unacceptable, as seen with Trilby, whose relationship with Billee is ultimately doomed by societal norms. Despite the lamentations over this moral judgment, it remains unchallenged throughout the story, mirroring the societal values of the time.

Emotional Intensity and the Central Romance

TRILBY is characterized by its heightened emotional expression, particularly between the central figures, Trilby and Little Billee. Their thwarted romance results in dramatic consequences, including physical illness. Little Billee suffers a severe "brain-fever" following their separation, and upon Trilby's final departure, the illness returns with fatal consequences. Trilby's own fate is a downward spiral marked by poverty, personal loss, and eventual death, culminating in her association with Svengali.

The Enduring Svengali

The dynamic between Trilby and Svengali is arguably the core of the novel's enduring appeal, tapping into Victorian interests in Gothic romance and sentimental narratives. Svengali embodies the archetypal Gothic villain with his mysterious presence, intelligence, and apparent supernatural abilities. He exerts an ominous, controlling influence over Trilby, ultimately leading to her downfall, a fate reminiscent of heroines in seduction novels. The Gothic elements are further emphasized by Svengali's posthumous "return" to claim Trilby, adding a chilling note to the narrative.

Blending Reality and Fantasy

TRILBY skillfully marries serious themes with popular appeal, traversing the line between conservative values and emancipated ideals, and combining reality with the fantastical. Though excessive at times, the novel remains an enjoyable read, with its characters, particularly Trilby and Svengali, transcending the pages to become iconic figures in popular culture. This blend of elements ensures that the story continues to resonate, much like other mythical figures such as Hamlet or Sherlock Holmes.