1. Based on the unions of Arabella to Lord Marney, Lady Joan to Alfred Mountchesney, and Lady Marney (Egremont's mother) to Deloraine, how does the novel portray marriage among aristocrats?

2. What commentary does the novel make about Sybil's purity and her desire to enter the convent? How do Sybil's many suitors play a part in the formation of this commentary?

3. What commentary does the novel make about the relationship between Egremont and Sybil, in regard to their differing social classes? How does this stance change as their relationship progresses and Egremont discovers Sybil's true class standing?

4. What is the novel saying about the quality of marriage among the laboring classes, through the characters of Harriet's parents, Dandy Mick and Julia, and Devilsdust and Caroline? How does this stance on proletariat unions compare to the way that the novel portrays the quality of aristocratic unions?



Victorian Web Overview Benjamin Disraeli

Last modified 6 May 2009