Essay Questions

How does Anthony Trollope exemplify that human nature is far-flung from precision?

The ‘Spotted Dog’ story provides a seamless illustration that human beings are not faultless. A human being can make bad choices in life and that does not mean that he is doomed. Anthony Trollope argues that human beings will naturally lie to get what they want and he demonstrates this in the story 'The Turkish Bath.' In the short story ‘La Mere Bauche’, Anthony Trollope depicts the character, Madame, as a stern mother who does not mind about other people's sentiments. However, Madame is guilty of her actions and it is understandable because there is no human being who is perfect.

How do the short stories ‘The Mistletoe Bough’ and ‘La Mere Bauche’ help Anthony Trollope to build the theme ‘love is a give and take’?

The short story 'The Mistletoe Bough' presents Elizabeth and Godfrey who are ready to conciliate their contentment for the sake of their reciprocated happiness. Both Elizabeth and Godfrey have not sacrificed their individual happiness by making a compromise in their marriage. The couple's love blossoms because they are ready to forgive and find the best way of solving their marriage problems. On the other hand, the short story 'La Mere Bauche’ is a complete opposite. The main characters in this story are Adolphe and Marie. These two lovers are not ready to make a compromise for their mutual happiness. Adolphe thinks that his individual happiness is more important than that of his wife. Marie only relies on the love she receives from her husband but this union ends tragically.

What is the symbolic meaning of ‘The Widow’s Mite’?

‘The Widow’s Mite’ story is related to the bible in which the widow gave her only two coins (mites) to coffers. The main character in this story is Nora and she is ready to sacrifice what she treasures most for the sake of other people’s happiness. She sacrifices wearing her wedding dress for the good of her community. Therefore, ‘The Widow’s Mite’ means making sacrifices for the sake of others.