Thomas lost his mother when he was young, and his father remarried to the banker's daughter, thus stepping into the upper class. Thomas grew up with his half brothers Brian and Herbson. The rebellious Thomas went to India and became a colonel in the East India Company. A few years later, he returned to the British upper class with his son Robert Robert Clive and his accumulated wealth, but he was snubbed by his half-brother, who asked Brian's son Barnes to entertain him. Barnes' sister Cher gets along well with the father and son. Robert Robert Clive, who is smart, handsome and kind, is widely welcomed by everyone. However, in this intrigue aristocratic circle, Robert Robert Clive has stood the test of affection, love and money. His beloved Cher succumbed to the marriage arranged by her grandmother for her sister. Later, seeing the failure of her brother's political marriage, Ethel realized that marriage without love was terrible, and she bravely broke off her engagement. Robert Robert Clive's wife, Luzu Mackenzie, and her children died young, and Robert Robert Clive and her youngest son lived alone. Colonel Thomas's investment failed, and he was hurt by his snobbish nephew and heartless brother. There is a serious generation gap between him and his son, and he can only die alone in the "nursing home" in his later years. In the end, the faithful love between Robert Robert Clive and Ethel brought them together.
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At that time, Thomas Newcomb wanted to marry Robert Robert Clive, and at the same time, he had to completely hide the negotiations from him, which was not easy. If my dear reader has had the experience of loved one, he (she) will know that under such unfortunate circumstances, any friend who can give him the greatest sympathy must have experienced such a tragic history in his own life, so I can conclude that Colonel Niu Mock only knows a little about this affair in his early years, but he must be very sad himself, otherwise he would not be so anxious about the situation of Robert Robert Clive.
In the previous chapters, we have described Robert Robert Clive's first illness and his resolute treatment. Then I have to explain that the young master is ill again, and all kinds of yelling during the recurrence of fever. The girl sent him away first, then called him back, and went to see him again and again through such and such topics-she really encouraged him, but why did she encourage him again? Like the critic's wife and most moralists, I also admit that Miss Niu Mock's behavior in this matter is too wrong. I admit, if she doesn't want to marry Robert Robert Clive, she should break up with him completely; I also admit that a virtuous girl is virtuous, so once you decide to reject a suitor, you should make a clean break with him at that time-never give him a glimmer of hope again. The fire in the poor guy's chest has been extinguished and will never be lit again.
But coquetry, but kindness, but family affection and her strong, strong preference for the lover she refused-shouldn't these also be regarded as an explanation and excuse for cousin's behavior? Some critics will say that she wants to meet Robert Robert Clive without hurting her feelings with him, which is not a bad behavior in her original life; Because she is extremely concerned about him, it is understandable to express this concern; As for the traps the world has given her, it is no wonder that she wants to get rid of them. Every time she flaps her wings, it is nothing more than a natural desire for freedom. Her mistake still lies in being too cautious; Her greatest weakness still lies in obedience. When we read stories about ancient churches, we also saw how young men and women were martyred. Their secular parents often shut them up and forbid them to express dangerous views, so they often have to disobey orders. Didn't we also see how parents locked them up, gave them only a little bread and water to keep them alive, and whipped and tortured them to make them obey? However, they still have to tell the truth: they would rather resist the prescribed Shinto, and they would rather be eaten by lions than tortured. Now, don't we believe this heresy? Isn't society still worshipping these idols and destroying those who refuse to worship them? Many timid people don't sacrifice to them; Don't those who are bolder resist at first, then they are angry and bend their tenacious knees in front of the altar? Look! At first, I was on the side of a group of picky wives in society, but this time I turned to Cher's side on the seesaw. I thought that her best behavior was to escape from the routine behavior again and again-that is, the behavior that serious people should reprimand most. At least a beautiful girl will always torture a man several times, sometimes like him, sometimes cold; Seduce him, reject him, and call him back after exile; Playing tricks to please him-when you blame her for coquetry, you pretend you don't know-these things are of course common to young women and don't deserve special reprimand; If all Miss Ethel's mistakes are in these places, is she the only one who commits crimes in the world of women?
So Michelle and her guardian left again. They visited all the way, visited such a magnificent mansion and met such elegant hosts and guests, which made me afraid to follow a mere novelist everywhere. I just need to mention one. It's nothing more than that the Duke and Earl have hosted famous friends in their castles according to the hospitality practice, and their names are all in the morning paper. Among them are Count Qiu, the old lady and Miss Niu.
When she left London, Thomas Newcomb waited in disgust for the result of his proposal to Barnes. The baron showed his uncle a letter from Mrs. Qiu, with only a postscript at the end. Maybe Barnes directed the words in it. The old lady wrote that she was very moved to hear the generosity and kindness of Colonel Niu Mock. She also said that although she admits that she has very different views on her granddaughter's future, of course, Miss Niu Mock is still in her own choice. At this time, Mrs. Qiu and Michelle are touring all over the country. When the social season comes, they will return to London, and then they will have time to talk about this topic. Mrs. Qiu is afraid that dear Cher will be unnecessarily excited when people discuss this matter, and that the colonel is willing to communicate with her directly and take care of her. All letters from London should be written with the words "accepted by the old lady" on the envelope. Only after she has carefully checked the contents can Cher receive the information she deserves.
Thomas Newcomb thought it was not the right step for him to write to her directly to discuss his marriage. "They think," he said, "that their status is really much higher than ours (Oh, dear! How small we are! How can you put on airs for a few days? Angels don't cry when they see it! ), nature always has to do it in a proper way, and the young man's parents always have to do it for us. Robert Robert Clive is a very honest man, and he won't take any other way. If the other person is a poor girl, he may try his beaux yeux magic and take her to Grena, but this girl has property and is also his relative, sir, we should be upright; For this marriage, we must respect ourselves and not let all the Christians in the autumn family overwhelm us. "
In the meantime, we always deliberately leave Robert Robert Clive's backstage. His face is so miserable that we won't get involved in this picture of family realism. His situation is so common that there is no need to describe all kinds of poor images in detail. He painted very hard and improved his art unconsciously. This year, he sent two paintings to the British Art Museum, one is Knight Tournament, and the other is The Templar Sir Briant robbed Rebecca. Both of them were praised by Palmell and other publications. He doesn't care about the praise in the newspaper either. Later, a businessman bought Burian and the Templar, but he was a little surprised. He always looks lovelorn when he comes in and out of our house. He thanked Laurie for his kindness and sympathy. He often goes to Qiao Zhan's studio; I dare say that he must have put his easel there, drawing beside Qiao Zhan and sighing his fate in front of his sympathetic friends.
None of Sir Barnes Newcomb's family is in London this winter. His mother, brothers and sisters, wife and two children have all gone to newcomb for Christmas. About six weeks after leaving my uncle, Michelle wrote him a kind and friendly letter. She and Mrs. Qiu live in a villa, where everyone performs amateur performances. "Captain Crathorpe played Jamie Didel in The Wind, which was very good. Lord Farintosh played Fasbeth in Help Bastias Freoso, but he played it badly. " Miss Ethel performed very well in these two funny little comedies. "I really want Wu to paint me as a young lady before marriage," she wrote. "I'm wearing a fake front hair, powdered hair and a wrinkled face, trying to dress up as Mrs. Griffin. It seems that I am at least sixty years old. "
Thomas Newcomb replied to this pleasant letter from his beautiful niece: "Robert Robert Clive," he wrote in the letter, "is willing to discuss painting for her and will paint for her all his life, and only her; Moreover, "Calibrator knows," even though she is sixty, he still loves her as much as she did when she was twenty. " However, because he has a certain policy of loving Cher and is determined to carry it out, he gave this letter to Sir Barnes and asked him to pass it on to his sister. Sir Barnes took the letter and promised to pass it on for him. He met his uncle for a short time, and his feelings were very cold, because the last time Mrs. Qiu came to London, he told a few little lies, which he casually told when he was a baron, and his heart suddenly disappeared, but the kind colonel could never forgive him. Once or twice Barnes invited his uncle to dinner, but the colonel had other things to do. How did Barnes know why his elders rejected him? As a Londoner, banker and MP, Qian Qian has countless things to consider; Naturally, there was no time to think about why his friend politely refused his invitation. Barnes met his uncle, grinning as usual, with an extremely cordial expression; Hold his hand, tell him the latest accounts of India and congratulate him. He doesn't know how much his elders despise and doubt him. "This old guy is a little suspicious of Violet's love affair," perhaps the baron thought. "Let the old man eat some reassurance first." There is no doubt that Barnes thinks he has handled this matter beautifully and diplomatically.
××××××
"This meaning, gentlemen, I tell you the truth, I have thought about it in my heart," said Thomas Newcomb. "When I saw in Congress that the guy who humiliated my surname and my father's birthplace represented this autonomous town, I thought that for the sake of the reputation of this town and my family, the representative of Niukemo Town should at least be an honest man. I am a veteran; I have spent my whole life in India; I am not familiar with domestic things "("You are familiar, you are familiar! " They shouted). "I had hoped that my son Robert Robert Clive Newcomb was qualified to compete with his cousin in this autonomous town. Maybe he can sit in Congress and be your representative. I am lucky. Of course, my accumulated wealth will be passed on to him, and it won't be too far, because I am nearly seventy years old, gentlemen. "
The three men were all taken aback.
"However," the colonel continued, "my son Robert Robert Clive, our friend Behim also knows that even I am very sad and disappointed. I didn't want to talk to you about this, but he just stated that he was not interested in politics and didn't want to appear in public-he would rather do his own thing-and even said that I was afraid I couldn't teach him to concentrate. A person in a certain position, I think, should be that position, nothing polite; Although a few years ago, I didn't want to go out on business at all, I just planned to be a retired dragon riding officer and spend my old age quietly, but-but thanks to the kindness of Tianxin, my wealth has increased greatly, and I have been assigned the position of director and manager of a big bank, which has made me bear important business responsibilities. My directors, colleagues and I all think that one of us should enter the parliament. If possible, I would never.
"Colonel, we will call a meeting of voters. Will you attend once and tell you this passage well? " Mr. Bartz shouted. "Can I put a notice in the newspaper that you are going to play?"
"I'm going to do it, my good sir."
So this serious negotiation is over.
The next day, in Mr. Bartz's Independent, in addition to Mr. Wallington's criticism of the baron's speech, an article was published in the first edition of the column, which held a fierce and hateful attitude towards the representatives of Newmoor. The Independent wrote: "This man showed great genius in his speech career." . "So, we regret that he didn't quit politics and turned to cultivate Niu Mock, a well-known art in the town, which he is most familiar with; That is, poetry and affection. The speech made by our genius representative last night was so sad and touching that our girlfriend was in tears. We have heard of it before, but now we believe that Sir Barnes Newcomb has a gift for teaching women to cry. Last week, we invited the talented Miss Knox from Slocombe to read Milton's poems to us. But Niu Mock's eloquence is far less than that of Baron Sir Barnes Niu Mock, and even the famous actress is far less than him! Last night, a few people gave generously on the spot and put forward a bet that Sir Barnes could beat any woman-this bet, needless to say, no one would play, which shows that our citizens really appreciate the character of our best and most admirable representative. Let the slave baron continue his speech career and let Niu Kemo relieve his political task. It is inappropriate for him to do such a political task. He is too sentimental to meet our needs. Niu Kemo's people need a sound and capable person; Newcomo liberals also want someone to represent them. When we chose Sir Barnes, his speech was free. We thought he could do it, but you see, how poetic this noble baronet is! If we knew about it, we wouldn't believe him. Let's find someone straightforward. If we can't find a person who can say where to do it, at least let us have a capable person. If we can't find an eloquent person, at least we need someone we can trust, but Sir Barnes Newcomb can't be trusted. We have tested him, and now we can't trust him. Last night, when those ladies were crying, we couldn't help laughing. We hope we also know how to be a gentleman. We believe that we have not disturbed the harmony of the night; But Sir Barnes Newcomb talks about children and morality, as well as emotions and poetry, which is great.
"This newspaper is named after the Independent, and its name is consistent with its reality. It always acts according to moral principles. This was originally intended to give a fair test to Sir Barnes Newcomb, a baronet in Newcomb. This is something that thousands of our readers know. After his father died, he stepped forward. We believe in his vows and promises and think that he is a thrifty man and reformer, so we support him. But now, who will believe Sir Bart Barton except our old colleague The Sentinel? We said no one, and now we report a good news to the readers of the Independent and the voters of this autonomous city. When this Congress is dissolved, there will be a good man, a sincere man and an experienced man. He is neither a dangerous radical nor a special speaker-Mr. Hicks' friends know exactly who we are talking about-but a liberal. The Independent is one of them. We say that we know the good people in your family, and we know that someone in your family can take any name, which will only add glory. But you, Baron Newcomb, Sir Barnes Newcomb, we can't trust you any more. "
This election caused my self-defeating dissuasion, which made this good colonel a little indifferent. Robert Robert Clive said personally about the campaign that he didn't like the plan; But according to his usual practice, he obeyed. His obedience was also reluctant, which we expected, so although he obeyed, the colonel did not appreciate it. Thomas Newkemore was sad to see his son listless, and Xiao Lu naturally didn't like the way he flinched. He went by train with his father and became a silent and unhappy henchmen. Along the way, Robert Robert Clive sat sullenly opposite his father, but Thomas Newcomb had time to observe, chew his beard and think about his anger and grievances. He sacrificed everything for that child. What bold plans have been made for him? But Robert Robert Clive didn't care about his plan! The colonel couldn't see how much he upset Robert Robert Clive. Didn't he try his best to make his son happy? How many young people in Britain can have so many advantages as this boring, unhappy and spoiled child? The more Robert Robert Clive flinches in this election, the more excited his father will be. Robert Robert Clive secretly avoided those committees, did not listen to campaign speeches, and always wandered in the factory of Niu Mock, while his father filled his stomach with gas and bitterness, but he always stood in his so-called glorious post, determined to defeat the enemy and achieve the goal of opposing Barnes Niu Mock. "If Paris refuses to fight, sir," said the colonel, who looked at his son with gloomy eyes as he went out. "Priam will have to go out." This kind-hearted old Priam thinks that his purpose is completely in line with justice, and his duty and honor are calling him to draw his sword. Therefore, there was an argument between Thomas Newcomb and his son Robert Robert Clive. I assert that I am really miserable and reluctant to write here, but I have to write that this good man is wrong-I have to write that one person has done something wrong, and Atticus is him.
Addicks, don't forget that we think this is the best motive. Indian banker Thomas Newcomb went to war with British banker Barnes. Barnes unexpectedly played a cowardly and treacherous trick to wage war. Personal attacks intensified the war, but the colonel chose commercial conflicts as the topic of declaring war. It was Barnes who made a despicable blow at first, so his uncle was determined to fight to the end. As I have said, so did George Wallington's verdict. From then on, in the struggle between Sir Barnes and his uncle, Wallington became a very enthusiastic and effective confidant of the Colonel. "The feeling of flesh and blood!" George said. "Old Tom Newcomb, from his flesh and blood, what else do you get except despicable and fraudulent means? If Barnes can stir up his thumb that day, this little guy may be very proud; If he had done it that day, the colonel and his bank would have been destroyed. I'm in favor of going to war and sending the old man to Congress. Of course he doesn't understand politics, just like I dance polka; However, there were 500 smart people at that meeting, and they were not smart compared with him. Besides, it is at least a reform to let an honest man sit there instead of a villain. "
I dare say that Master Thomas Newkemore will never agree with the above estimate that his political knowledge is so low. He thinks he is as familiar as anyone else. When he talks about our constitution, he often calls it the glory of the whole world and the constitution envied by the whole world in a very serious manner, even though he sometimes enthusiastically promotes laissez-faire reforms and sometimes promotes some extremely eccentric and outdated conservative views, which makes you equally surprised. He agrees that everyone has the right to vote; Every poor person shortens working hours and raises wages; Every poor priest has two or three times the salary; Every bishop was given a pay cut and told to quit the House of Lords. However, he is a loyal admirer of the House of Lords and a supporter of kingship. He is in favor of exempting the poor from all taxes. In order to maintain * * *, it is necessary to raise funds. He argued that the rich should pay for it. His opinions were expressed in a very serious tone in the public building of Newkemore town, in front of voters and many others at the meeting. Those who didn't have the right to vote heard loud applause, but Mr. Bartz of the Independent newspaper was flustered because he wrote the colonel as a firm reformer in the newspaper. The Sentinel described him as an extremely dangerous radical, a party serving in the Indian army, and so on. Colonel cow monk flew into a rage. He is * * * and the party! He has always looked down on this name! How many times has he shed blood for the king? Similarly, he is willing to serve the king. He is the enemy of our beloved state religion! He hates all kinds of superstitions in Rome. Similarly, he also respects and attaches great importance to the state religion. (Cried the Irishman at the meeting. ) He is an enemy of the House of Lords! He always thinks that it is the guarantee of our constitution, the best navy and army, and-and the hero of the legislative circle (booing) should be rewarded. He contemptuously refuted the cowardly attack of the newspaper on him; He put his hand on his heart and asked everyone, since he is a decent man, can an officer appointed by Her Majesty the Queen deliberately subvert her empire and insult the dignity of the throne, and can he commit such a crime?
(translated by Wang Peide)
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As an English critical realist novelist in the19th century, Thackeray ruthlessly shows the truth of life with the wit and humor unique to English gentlemen, reflects the ugly phenomena of intrigue, power struggle and snobbery among the upper class of the western bourgeoisie, and criticizes the social reality with money as its essence.
By describing the life of the Niu Mock family for two generations, the Niu Mock family shows the life picture of the British aristocratic bourgeoisie. In this book, the author, as a friend and a bystander, witnessed the rise and fall of this family and the entanglement between the characters. The rough love entanglement between Robert Robert Clive and Ethel is the main line of this novel. Thomas wants to repair his son and Cher, so he has to deal with Barnes, the capitalist he hates. In order to pave the way for his son's political career, he went to the election with his nephew. The author uses detailed description and psychological description to create characters, which fully shows Thomas' great and noble fatherly love for his son. This generous, brave, enthusiastic and kind old soldier concentrated all the advantages Thackeray loved. He is a standard gentleman, ready to help others, kind to others and generous in helping others. He takes evil as his enemy, has a sense of justice, and is not polite to Barnes, the nephew of despicable * * * *; He is honest and respected, and not only his relatives and friends but also his servants are full of praise. His greatest concern and happiness in this life is his precious only son, and his struggle in this life is for his son's happiness. He treats people kindly and forgives others, including his snobbish nephew Barnes and his heartless brother. But such a good person has a bad fate; There is a generation gap between his son and him, and mutual ignorance hurts him; "But Robert Robert Clive how don't see in the eye for his plan! The colonel doesn't know what he did to Robert Robert Clive. Didn't he do his best for his son's happiness? " Pain and incomprehension made him exhausted, and he could only die alone in a nursing home in his later years. We can't help but respect the stubborn old colonel.
In this battle of love, the hero Robert Robert Clive is a typical aristocratic youth image. Handsome, kind and full of sense of justice, he was widely welcomed by everyone as soon as he stepped into the upper class. But he doesn't have a formal career, just relying on his interest in painting. For a long time, he lived entirely on his father. The person he loves is his cousin Michelle, the daughter of a rich banker. Cher is engaged to someone else. She is engaged to a noble young man with extraordinary skills. "At least a beautiful girl always tortures a man several times, sometimes she likes him, sometimes she is cold; Seduce him, exile him and call him back after exile. " Suffering from love, Robert Robert Clive had to accept his fate, and he chose to retreat in love. The young man who grew up with praise thinks highly of himself. He didn't seize his most precious love and cherish his father's protection. The spoiled young man encountered many setbacks in his growth. He hated fighting, despised politics, was puzzled by his father's good intentions and even stopped him. "He for him, what kind of bold plan has not been decided? But how indifferent Robert Robert Clive is to his plan! " The more his father helped him, the more he resisted, the more interested his father was, and the more coldly he looked at things. He is rebellious, but he lacks the ability to rebel, and as a result, he has embarked on a bumpy life path.
Thackeray often adds unemotional comments to his works. This is a common phenomenon in novel creation in that era. In the excerpt, the author resents the rugged love road between Robert Robert Clive and Michelle, accuses the upper class of restricting marriage and love, and regrets that young people can't bravely break through the secular world and pursue their own happiness. The author shows deep sympathy for women in buying and selling marriages. He depicts the young lover of the Colonel, Cher, the lover of Robert Robert Clive, and Cora, Cher's sister-in-law, describing their pain and struggle, submission and resistance in the marriage transaction. He shouted angrily through Ethel's mouth: "We are betrayed like Turkish women. The only difference is that our master can only have one Seigas at a time." Not only that, we can also see the author's profound exposure of capitalist democracy, his analysis of the constitution and monarchy, and his appeal for freedom and democracy that truly belongs to the people. Because of this, Marx said that Dickens and Thackeray "exposed the political and social truth with realistic and touching words;" All politicians, political critics and moralists reveal less together than they do. They describe every stratum of the middle class: from the gentleman-like shareholders who look down on all business to the shopkeepers of small brokers and secretaries under lawyers. "
(Li Ting)