# The Carbury Family explained — The Way We Live Now

> Chapter companion for The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

This chapter introduces the Carbury family, focusing on Lady Carbury's literary ambitions and her morally compromised methods, her son Sir Felix's handsome but heartless nature, and her daughter Hetta's virtuous character. It also sets up the romantic tension involving Hetta, her cousin Roger Carbury, and Paul Montague.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Hypocrisy

Lady Carbury's entire literary career is built on deceit, seeking praise rather than producing good work.

### Family Obligation and Selfishness

Lady Carbury's devotion to her children contrasts with Sir Felix's utter lack of concern for others.

### Love vs. Practicality

The romantic dynamics between Hetta, Roger Carbury, and Paul Montague hint at conflicts between practical matches and genuine affection.

## Character check-ins

### Lady Carbury

A widow and mother, she is clever but deceitful, working tirelessly to advance her children's interests through dishonest literary means.

### Sir Felix Carbury

Lady Carbury's handsome, selfish son, who is incapable of genuine affection and lives only for immediate gratification.

### Hetta Carbury

Lady Carbury's virtuous and charming daughter, who has not been spoiled by wealth and is the object of Roger Carbury's love.

### Roger Carbury

The head of the Carbury family, nearly forty, who is passionately in love with his cousin Hetta.

### Paul Montague

A man whom Hetta has seen and who is part of the romantic entanglement.

## Key lines

> She was the widow of one Sir Patrick Carbury, who many years since had done great things as a soldier in India, and had been thereupon created a baronet.

Lady Carbury is the widow of Sir Patrick Carbury, a distinguished soldier in India who was made a baronet.

_Establishes Lady Carbury's background and social standing._

> His heart was a stone. But he was beautiful to look at, ready-witted, and intelligent.

Sir Felix is utterly unfeeling, yet he is strikingly handsome, quick-witted, and intelligent.

_Highlights the contrast between Sir Felix's appearance and his moral emptiness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/ii-the-carbury-family
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters