An Eye for an Eye

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

An Eye for an Eye

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

A young cavalry officer seduces a poor Irish girl, promising her a future that clashes with his aristocratic family's demands. When he attempts to balance his love for her against his duty to his uncle, the consequences spiral into tragedy. This Victorian tale explores themes of class, honor, and the devastating cost of broken promises, culminating in a shocking act of retribution that leaves the protagonist dead and the victim's mother driven mad.

Summary up to 500 words

In Anthony Trollope's *An Eye for an Eye*, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of rigid Victorian class structures and the tragic consequences of social prejudice. The story centers on Fred Neville, the heir to the gloomy Scroope Manor, who is dying Earl of Scroope's nephew. Fred is deeply in love with Kate O'Hara, a beautiful but impoverished Irish girl living in obscurity with her mother. Despite his affection, Fred feels bound by a solemn promise made to his dying uncle not to marry a woman of such low station. He devises a scheme to keep Kate as his mistress while he fulfills his social obligations, hoping to marry her once his uncle passes away. Fred travels to Ireland to visit Kate, only to find his plans disrupted by rumors that her father, Captain O'Hara, has returned. The plot reaches its catastrophic climax at the cliffs of Liscannor. During a heated confrontation, Mrs. O'Hara accuses Fred of ruining her daughter's life. Enraged by his perceived betrayal and the threat to her child's future, she pushes Fred over the cliffs. He falls to his death, his body eventually washing ashore broken and mangled. Mrs. O'Hara is arrested for murder but claims insanity, repeatedly chanting, "An eye for an eye." She is committed to an asylum, where she continues to justify her actions as divine justice. Kate is left heartbroken and is eventually sent to live with her father in France. The Countess of Scroope, Fred's aunt, is consumed by guilt for her role in the tragedy, living in seclusion until her death. The novel concludes with the lingering shadow of the tragedy over the Scroope family, illustrating the destructive power of social prejudice and the fatal consequences of trying to navigate rigid class structures with human emotion. The story serves as a grim commentary on how societal expectations can drive individuals to madness and murder, leaving a legacy of sorrow that transcends legal judgment.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks-2/anthony-trollope_eye-for-an-eye.epub

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data/epubs/url-93aab4ba076713c9.epub

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2026-08-13 16:40 UTC

Categories

• Domestic Fiction
• Fiction