Talboys’ Literary Personality

Before we are even given a chance to be told George Talboys’ library inventory, it is described as “no very brilliant collection of literature.” The narrator starts by describing the contents of the trunk, which all seem old and random. Robert Audley treats the items with “respectful tenderness,” showing that the items clearly seemed to be meaningful. The literature found was kept out,  hoping that the themes will play some importance in Audley’s search. The first is Eton Latin Grammar, which was a standard Latin textbook for schoolboys in the 19^th century. Henry Fielding’s “The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling” is a well received and poplar novel of an abandoned found on a property, who then falls in love with the neighbors daughter and has to deal with class friction in society. “Don Juan,” written by Byron, a leading poet in the Romantic movement, tells the legend of a man easily seduced by women, which was popular but criticized for immoral content.

All of the literature found seems to be popular of the time. Eton Latin Grammar shows a possible interest in different languages or cultures. It was also supported by royalty in the 16^th century, making it the only Latin textbook available in schools and widespread throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. This shows Talboys’ possible respect and loyalty toward those in a higher social standing than him. Both “Tom Jones” and “Don Juan” show reoccurring themes of love and the sacrifices that come with it. This suggests that Talboys was interested in romantic literature, and could sympathize with some of the repercussions of love. George Talboys’ library gives the impression that he reads a variety of different novels, all of which are culturally and socially acceptable.