‘Heart: A Social Novel’ is a Victorian novel written by Martin Farquhar Tupper. The book follows the story of a wealthy and privileged young woman, Hilda, who becomes disillusioned with her superficial life and begins to explore deeper human emotions and values. She is drawn to the plight of the poor and becomes involved in charitable work, much to the dismay of her aristocratic friends and family. The novel explores themes of social class, philanthropy, and morality. It also addresses the role of women in Victorian society, highlighting the limited opportunities available to them and the pressures they faced to conform to societal norms. Through the character of Hilda, Tupper challenges the reader to question their own values and priorities, and to consider the importance of empathy and compassion for others.
Martin Farquhar Tupper, commonly known as M. F. Tupper was a 19th-century English writer and poet. He was born on July 17, 1810, in London, England, and died on November 29, 1889. Tupper is best known for his works of moral and religious poetry and prose. Tupper attended Christ Church, Oxford, and became a barrister in 1835, but he gave up law to pursue a career in literature. He published his first book, "Poems," in 1845, which was followed by many other works, including "Proverbial Philosophy","Ballads for the Times," and "An Author's Mind: The Book of Title-pages." Tupper's writings often contain moral lessons and spiritual insights, and he was highly regarded by his contemporaries. He was also known for his philanthropic efforts and was involved in various charitable organizations, including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
