" Character insights in this novel often come from Mrs. Mountstuard-Jenkinson, while its main action begins when Harry Oxford begins giving it to Constantia Durham, terminating her engagement to the title character.
The prelude of this work notes that the title figure is "condemned to strip himself stark naked" as the form of pathos, but is not allowed to "rush at you, roll you over, and squeeze your body for the briny drops." Character insights in this novel often come from Mrs. Mountstuard-Jenkinson, while its main action begins when Harry Oxford begins giving it to Constantia Durham, terminating her engagement to the title character. Vernon Whitford's education of  Crossjay occupies much of the novel, and Clara Middleton contemplates marrying the protagonist, who is rejected by Laetitia Dale. For 10 points, name this George Meredith novel about Sir Willoughby Patterne, the title narcissist.
The prelude of this work notes that the title figure is "condemned to strip himself stark naked" as the form of pathos, but is not allowed to "rush at you, roll you over, and squeeze your body for the briny drops.
The {Egoist}