Essay Questions

How are the lives of the eminent Victorians significantly different from their portrayal in society?

While the eminent Victorians were supposed to be nothing short of eminent, upholding a high degree of moral uprightness and applaudable ways, the characters portrayed therein are not seen as so distinguished, so to say. For instance, Cardinal Manning engages in reprehensible behavior, manipulating situations behind the curtains to fit his own interests. He pulls the strings to ensure that only those individuals he deems fit are promoted. On the other hand, Gordon considered a hero among the people is a nonconformist gun for hire involved in covert missions on the side of the government of Britain. In this way, the behind-the-curtains affairs of these Victorians significantly deviate from what society knows of them.

Explore the idea of imperfection as brought out in Lytton Strachey’s Eminent Victorians.

The idea of imperfections is deeply rooted in the portrayal and presentation of the eminent Victorians. While it is held that these individuals are morally rich, they are far from it. Cardinal Manning engages in manipulative politics. Not only does he stand in the way of people he deems inappropriate for promotions but he also ensures that only those he wants are promoted. On the other hand, Gordon is also not so perfect as a person. Having been largely recognized as a war hero is negated when the writer presents his involvement in government-led covert missions as a hired gunslinger. Imperfection as a theme thus becomes central to the portrayal of these characters.

How is the character of Cardinal Manning presented in this book?

Cardinal Manning’s character is rather reprehensible and despicable. He engages in morally uncouth behavior including the manipulation of systems to fit his interests. In this way, the character is brought out as rather manipulative, unscrupulous, and devious. Cardinal Manning also works against John Henry Newman whom he despises so that he does not become a cardinal. In this way, he is an antagonistic character. Cardinal Manning as an eminent personality is expected to uphold good morals that are in line with his religion as well as status in society. However, he has his flaws and imperfections. His whole personality can be argued as hypocritical and insincere. He is two-faced.