Why Frau Frohmann Raised Her Prices, and Other Stories

"Why Frau Frohmann Raised Her Prices, and Other Stories" by Anthony Trollope is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The opening tale introduces Frau Frohmann, a strong-willed widow who operates a picturesque hotel called the Peacock in the Brunnenthal valley of Tyrol, as she navigates the challenges of maintaining her establishment amid changing economic conditions. The narrative explores her struggles with business decisions, the influence of her family, and the tension with her loyal guests, which raises questions of tradition versus modernity. The opening of the book sets the stage for the central conflict involving the Frau's steadfast refusal to raise prices despite rising costs and changing societal norms. We learn about her character: a fierce yet caring matriarch who prides herself on providing for her guests and community while grappling with the pressures to conform to modern trade practices. The story begins with her disdain for change, highlighting her old-fashioned values and her deep emotional ties to the valley and the people she serves. As discussions unfold between her, her family, a young lawyer, and local townsfolk, the complexity of balancing personal beliefs with the realities of running a profitable business is vividly portrayed, foreshadowing deeper dilemmas as the narrative progresses. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Anthony Trollope was an English novelist and civil servant of the Victorian era. Among his best-known works is a series of novels collectively known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, which revolves around the imaginary county of Barsetshire. He also wrote novels on political, social, and gender issues, and other topical matters.