# The Party explained — The Way We Live Now

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

## What happens

After the grand party at Melmotte's house, the crowd is thinner than expected, but Melmotte remains defiant despite rumors of fraud. He reflects on his rise from the gutter to entertaining royalty, and confronts the desertion of Lord Alfred and Miles Grendall. Alone in the empty rooms, he steels himself for the coming storm, aware that his life of risk may soon end in ruin.

## Themes in this chapter

### Speculation and Ruin

Melmotte's party is overshadowed by rumors of fraud, and he contemplates the imminent collapse of his empire.

### Deception and Hypocrisy

Guests attend the party despite believing Melmotte guilty, and Melmotte himself maintains a facade of confidence.

### Social Mobility and Class

Melmotte, a former 'boy out of the gutter,' entertains royalty, highlighting the fluidity and peril of social ascent.

## Character check-ins

### Augustus Melmotte

Hosts the party, reflects on his precarious position, and resolves to face his dangers with courage.

### Lord Nidderdale

Engages in light conversation about marriage and the Emperor during the party.

### Miles Grendall

Remains after the party on his father's advice, but shows reluctance and is scorned by Melmotte.

### Lord Alfred Grendall

Leaves early, deserting Melmotte, which stings the host with ingratitude.

### Herr Croll

Melmotte's loyal clerk, entrusted with securing the house after the party.

### Madame Melmotte

Leaves the party in the carriage with her daughter, as Melmotte stays behind.

### Marie Melmotte

Accompanies her mother in the carriage after the party.

## Key lines

> It was so probable that such a man should have done something horrible! It was only hoped that the fraud might be great and horrible enough.

People assumed Melmotte was guilty of something terrible and even hoped the crime would be spectacular.

_Reflects the public's eagerness to believe in scandal._

> He had always lived with the consciousness that such a burden was on him and might crush him at any time.

Melmotte had always known his risky lifestyle could lead to disaster.

_Highlights Melmotte's awareness of his precarious position._

> Curs! ... They neither of them will be there. If any evil can be done to me by treachery and desertion, they will do it.

Melmotte curses the Grendalls, predicting they will betray him in his time of need.

_Shows Melmotte's bitterness and sense of abandonment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxii-the-party
- 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