DISHONESTY AND THE COST OF PLAYING WITH OTHERS’ FEELINGS IN ANTHONY TROLLOPE’S THE WAY WE LIVE NOW

The Victorian Period, beginning in 1837 and ending in 1901, is a period when British

Imperial develops and expands with an unprecedented speed. This period brings England- the first

industrialized country in the world- to the highest level of develeopment. During this period, rural

based life styles change into urban based economy and modern life which results in increase in

wealth. Cities experience rapid growth, life styles of people differentiate, the landscape changes

and massive production replaces agricultural production. Despite the prosperity and optimism in

this period, some difficulties associated with the rapid industrialization emerge. Unemployment,

poverty and competitive desire for social security appear causing restlessness among the members

of the British society. The authors of this period from Charles Dickens to Elizabeth Gaskel and

Anthony Trollope handle the issues of Victorian period and keep a critical eye on the matters

changing the structure of the community. The aim of his study is to reflect the effects of rapid

industrialization through Anthony Trollope’s view. In his novel titled The Way We Live Now he

presents the introduction of materaliasm characterized by a ‘’great financier’’ and the leakage ofdishonesty- as the financial power- into economical, religious, social and political institutes of

British Community is analyzed. This study, displays the excessive interest of both the institutes

and individuals to dishonesty at the same time proves that financial benefits result in frustration.

Additionally, the presentation of the cost of playing with others’ feelings and the significance of

love and moral values are handled.