Trilby

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Trilby is a novel by George du Maurier, first published in 1894. The story is set in the 1850s in Bohemian Paris and follows the lives of three English artists and their model, Trilby O'Ferrall. The novel is notable for its portrayal of the character Svengali, a manipulative music teacher who hypnotizes Trilby to gain control over her and transform her into a talented singer. The themes of hypnotism, manipulation, and the Bohemian lifestyle are central to the narrative, offering a glimpse into the artistic life of Paris during the mid-19th century.

Plot Summary

The novel begins with the introduction of the three English artists, Little Billee, Taffy, and the Laird, who live and work in the Latin Quarter of Paris. They befriend Trilby O'Ferrall, a young Irish woman of modest means who works as an artists' model. Trilby is amiable, free-spirited, and becomes the muse and affection of the trio, especially Little Billee, with whom she develops a romantic relationship.

The story takes a dark turn with the entrance of Svengali, a brilliant but malevolent music teacher who recognizes Trilby's potential as a singer, despite her apparent tone-deafness. Through hypnotism, Svengali is able to control Trilby's mind and voice, transforming her into a world-renowned singer, La Svengali, but at the cost of her health and identity.

As Trilby tours Europe under Svengali's influence, the novel explores themes of identity, exploitation, and the power dynamics in relationships. The climax of the story occurs when Svengali dies suddenly during a performance, and Trilby is freed from his hypnotic spell. However, without Svengali's control, she can no longer sing and soon after dies, broken and lost.

Themes and Analysis

Trilby delves into the darker aspects of the Bohemian and artistic lifestyle of Paris in the 19th century, highlighting the exploitation and objectification of women, the fascination with the supernatural, and the complex dynamics of power and control. The character of Svengali has become synonymous with manipulative and controlling individuals, entering the lexicon as a term for someone who exerts a malign influence over another person.

The novel also reflects contemporary attitudes towards art, gender, and class, and has been the subject of various interpretations and criticisms, particularly regarding its portrayal of antisemitism through the character of Svengali, who is depicted as a stereotypical Jewish villain.

Legacy

Trilby had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations in theatre, film, and music. The term "Trilby hat" derives from the stage adaptations of the novel, where such a hat was worn. The character of Svengali has been adapted and referenced in various forms, becoming a archetype for the villainous mentor or controller.

The novel's exploration of hypnotism and its effects also contributed to the period's fascination with the mind and its vulnerabilities, influencing the burgeoning field of psychology.

Adaptations

Trilby has been adapted into several films, plays, and operas since its publication. These adaptations vary in their faithfulness to the original text, with some focusing more on the romantic elements of the story, while others emphasize the psychological and sinister aspects of Svengali's control over Trilby.

See Also

• George du Maurier
• Bohemianism
• Hypnotism
• Psychology