What Will He Do with It? — Volume 12

"What Will He Do with It? — Volume 12" by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. This installment appears to delve into themes of social expectation, personal duty, and the intersection of love and familial legacy, primarily revolving around the character Guy Darrell. As he grapples with his own pride, past decisions regarding honor and lineage haunt him, affecting the fates of those around him, particularly Lionel and Sophy. The opening portion introduces several characters and sets up a tension-filled narrative centered on the consequences of marriage, social standings, and familial ties. It details Guy Darrell's emotional turmoil regarding his refusal to marry Sophy, a young woman whose parentage may taint his noble lineage, and the fallout this causes among his friends and family. George Morley engages in a philosophical dialogue with Darrell about the nature of good and evil, while Lionel Haughton's longing for Sophy's affection is juxtaposed against Darrell's stubbornness. As societal duties clash with personal desires, the stakes rise, leading to a precarious dilemma that suggests profound consequences for all involved.