The History of Pendennis

Historical Context and Significance

«The History of Pendennis» by William Thackeray, published between 1848 and 1850, is a significant work of Victorian literature. It explores themes of maturation, social mobility, and the moral dilemmas faced by a young man in 19th-century English society. The protagonist, Arthur Pendennis, undergoes numerous trials and errors, making his development the central theme of the book. Thackeray uses this novel to critique and satirize the hypocrisy and social conventions of his time. «Pendennis» had a considerable influence on subsequent literature, particularly in the bildungsroman genre, and continues to be studied as an example of realistic depiction of life and society in the Victorian era.