Paul Clifford — Complete

"Paul Clifford" by Edward Bulwer-Lytton is a novel written during the early 19th century. The story focuses on the life of Paul Clifford, who is raised in the harsh realities of London, embodying the experiences of a young man navigating societal vices, crime, and moral dilemmas as he seeks to understand his own identity in a world filled with contradictions. The novel presents themes of social critique, particularly regarding the penal system and the nature of crime and virtue. The opening of "Paul Clifford" sets a dark and stormy atmosphere in London, introducing a character named Dummie, who is on a quest to procure a Bible for a sick woman named Judy. However, Dummie's attempts are comically thwarted, leading him to deliver a collection of plays instead. The scene shifts to Judy's sickroom, revealing her chaotic emotional state and strained relationship with her child. Through vivid descriptions and interactions, Bulwer-Lytton paints a picture of despair and human suffering, emphasizing the importance of circumstances in shaping fate. The narrative touches upon issues like maternal love, neglect, and the societal failure to rehabilitate those imprisoned, hinting at larger themes that will unfold throughout the novel. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton,, was an English writer and politician. He served as a Whig member of Parliament from 1831 to 1841 and a Conservative from 1851 to 1866. He was Secretary of State for the Colonies from June 1858 to June 1859, choosing Richard Clement Moody as founder of British Columbia. He was created Baron Lytton of Knebworth in 1866.