The Way We Live Now

I'm nearly half-way through The Way We Live Now, and I can understand why this novel is thought to be one of Trollope's best novels. It bears not only his most common literary idiosyncrasies, but deals with two important human experiences: love and ethics. Most of the main characters in the novel are involved in relationships, or have been called on to consider a new romance. Except one in particular: Mr. Melmotte. A Nineteenth Century Donald Trump, a man who people either love or hate because of the wealth people assume he has. Of course a not so subtle question in the novel is "how much does he have, or does he have any money?" The questions of ethics seem to center around whether or not people should consort with him. In part because rumors are circulating that he is dishonest, and due to his un-aristocratic idiosyncrasies. Sadly enough they are correct, that he is dishonest, besides being crass.