Basil
1852
Published in 1852, 'Basil' by Wilkie Collins explores the complexities of love, social class, and personal morality in 19th-century England. The narrative follows Basil, who reflects on his life and familial ties while navigating a secret and unconsummated marriage to Margaret Sherwin, a linen-draper's daughter. The novel addresses themes of betrayal, insanity, and the societal pressures that challenge personal identity, making it notable for its explicit treatment of sexuality and its critique of the aristocracy's decline amidst a changing commercial landscape.
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“The mountain-path of Action is no longer a path for me; my future hope pauses with my present happiness in the shadowed valley of Repose.””
— Wilkie Collins
“Fancy and Imagination, Grace and Beauty, all those qualities which are to the work of Art what scent and colour are to the flower, can only grow towards heaven by taking root in earth.””
— Wilkie Collins
“It is true that love soars higher than the other passions; but it can stoop lower as well.””
— Wilkie Collins
“Stop! If you must make excuses, Basil, I must ask no questions. You have a secret which you wish to keep from me; and I beg you will keep it. I have never been accustomed to treat my sons as I would not treat any other gentlemen with whom I may happen to be associated. If they have private affairs, I cannot interfere with those affairs. My trust in their honour is my only guarantee against their deceiving me; but in the intercourse of gentlemen that is guarantee enough.””
— Wilkie Collins
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<a href="https://lex-books.com/book/basil-771b856a-1038-45bb-bacc-02373f2015ca"><img src="https://lex-books.com/badges/read-on-lex.svg" alt="Read Basil by Wilkie Collins free on Lex" width="160" height="40"></a>[](https://lex-books.com/book/basil-771b856a-1038-45bb-bacc-02373f2015ca)[url=https://lex-books.com/book/basil-771b856a-1038-45bb-bacc-02373f2015ca][img]https://lex-books.com/badges/read-on-lex.svg[/img][/url]Read Basil by Wilkie Collins free on Lex: https://lex-books.com/book/basil-771b856a-1038-45bb-bacc-02373f2015caCite this book
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Collins, Wilkie. Basil. Lex, lex-books.com/book/basil-771b856a-1038-45bb-bacc-02373f2015ca.Collins, W. (1852). Basil. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/basil-771b856a-1038-45bb-bacc-02373f2015caCollins, Wilkie. Basil. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/basil-771b856a-1038-45bb-bacc-02373f2015ca.
