Description

The Egoist by George Meredith is a brilliant blend of satire, romance, and social commentary. At its center is Sir Willoughby Patterne, a wealthy, self-absorbed gentleman whose quest for the perfect marriage becomes a comedy of errors. Jilted by his first fiancée, he turns his attentions between the devoted Laetitia Dale and the independent-minded Clara Middleton, whose strength of character challenges his vanity at every turn.

Through sharp wit and biting observation, Meredith paints a vivid portrait of 19th-century English society, exposing the hypocrisies of love, class, and marriage. Both humorous and deeply insightful, the novel remains a timeless study of human character—how pride blinds us, how love tests us, and how society shapes our choices.

Often praised as Meredith’s masterpiece, The Egoist is more than just a story of courtship; it is a philosophical comedy that still resonates with modern readers, offering laughter, reflection, and a lasting critique of egoism in all its forms.