Innocent, A Tale of Modern Life

Innocent: A Tale of Modern Life is a novel written by Margaret Oliphant, who is often referred to as Mrs. Oliphant. The novel was first published in 1872 and is set in the Victorian era. It explores the complexities of Victorian society and the moral and social issues of the time. The story revolves around the life of its protagonist, Rachel West. Rachel is a young and innocent woman who is raised in a strict and sheltered environment by her mother, who is a religious zealot. As she grows into adulthood, Rachel's world expands as she encounters different people and situations, including the Moultrie family, who play a central role in the narrative. The Moultries are a wealthy family who become intertwined with Rachel's life, and her interactions with them lead to various complications and moral dilemmas. The novel delves into themes such as social class, marriage, religious beliefs, and societal expectations. Innocent is a character-driven novel that explores the inner thoughts and struggles of its characters as they grapple with the moral and ethical challenges of their time. It paints a vivid picture of Victorian society, its rigid norms, and the consequences of straying from them. The novel is a reflection of the moral and social issues of the Victorian era, and it is known for its depth and complexity in portraying the characters' inner lives and their interactions within the constraints of a society bound by strict conventions and expectations.