Thackeray and Bulwer: A study of their literary relationship

Abstract

This thesis is the first attempt to study in detail. Thackeray's attacks on Bulwer in various periodicals and news-papers during the years 1837-47, and to consider how the ideals for novel-writing expressed in these, were later practised in his novels. Such previous discussion of the subject as there has been has concentrated on the personal rather than the literary implications, but Thackeray's attacks on Bulwer illuminate his attitude to the novels of his time, and to novel-writing in general. The introduction describes Bulwer's standing as a novelist at the time when Thackeray's attacks began, along with that of the different genres of novel he had attempted. Chapters I-III deal with three of these genres, respectively the Newgate, the fashionable, and the historical novel. The attitudes of the two writers to these genres are compared, and considered in the context of contemporary periodical criticism. Bulwer's various prefaces and revisions to his novels are discussed, and Thackeray's attitudes are revealed through his later treatment of similar themes, as well as through his attacks on Bulwer's treatment of such themes. Chapter IV deals with the two writers' respective semi-autobiographical novels, and, as well as contrasting their use of their material, considers their opposing views on the standing and obligations of their profession. Chapter V attempts to summarize Thackeray's ideals for novel-writing expressed in his attacks on Bulwer by showing how he held to them in the writing of his own novels. Appendix A lists the attacks chronologically, and Appendix B considers Thackeray's attitude to Bulwer's "fine writing."