A Poor Gentleman

"A Poor Gentleman" by Mrs. Oliphant is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around two contrasting families, both bearing the Penton name, showcasing themes of wealth, class differences, and family dynamics. The story primarily unfolds between Sir Walter Penton of the grand estate of Penton and the impoverished family residing at Penton Hook, focusing on their distinctive lifestyles and struggles. The opening of the novel introduces us to the two Penton families, highlighting the stark contrast in their fortunes and living conditions. At Penton, Sir Walter and his daughter, Alicia, live in a lavishly decorated house, but their household is marked by a solitude borne of tragedy, having lost family members to a tumultuous past. In comparison, at Penton Hook, Edward Penton grapples with the poverty of his family, striving to provide for his wife and eight children amidst the challenges of their dilapidated home near the river. The narrative sets the stage for the exploration of familial relationships interwoven with themes of social status, duty, and the burdens of expectations that each family faces. Mr. Russell Penton, Alicia's husband, adds to the complexity, as he feels a sense of restlessness and inadequacy amidst the stark oppositions between the two families. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Margaret Oliphant Wilson Oliphant was a Scottish novelist and historical writer, who usually wrote as Mrs. Oliphant. Her fictional works cover "domestic realism, the historical novel and tales of the supernatural".