Warleggan (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1953 |
| Founder | Winston Graham |
| Products | Historical novel |
Warleggan represents the fourth installment in the twelve-part Poldark series, a collection of historical novels authored by Winston Graham. Released in 1953, this volume advances the narrative of the Poldark family. The preceding book, Jeremy Poldark, concludes in June 1791 with Jeremy Poldark's birth and a reconciliation between Francis and Ross Poldark. The storyline in Warleggan closes around Christmas 1793, depicting Elizabeth’s marriage to George Warleggan, the engagement of Dwight Enys to Caroline Penvenen, and the strained yet healing relationship between Ross and Demelza.
Significant plot points include Francis Poldark’s demise, a contentious sexual encounter between Ross and Elizabeth that some interpret as rape, Elizabeth’s union with George Warleggan, and difficulties within Ross and Demelza’s marriage. The novel also delves into the turbulent romance between Dwight Enys and Caroline Penvenen, set amid the upheaval of the French Revolution and England’s entry into war.
The six big houses
For the first time in the Poldark saga, six prominent "big houses" located within Cornwall’s coastal triangle—between Truro, St. Ann's, and St. Michael—are introduced. These estates along with their residents are:
- Mingoose House: John and Ruth Treneglos
- Werry House: Sir Hugo Bodrugan and his stepmother Constance Lady Bodrugan; recognized as the largest yet most disreputable
- Place House: Sir John Trevaunance; an unattractive Palladian-style mansion
- Killewarren: Ray Penvenen; essentially a large farmhouse
- Trenwith House: Francis and Elizabeth Poldark
- Nampara: Ross and Demelza Poldark; a Georgian-style, practical residence with distinctive charm
Book One
Covering May through September 1792 across seven chapters, Book One centers on the sorrowful death of Francis Poldark.
With France engaged in war against Austria, characters express concern over possible hostilities involving England and how this might influence metal prices critical to tin and copper mining operations.
Key events include:
- Invitations are extended to the "big houses" for a gathering hosted by Sir John Trevaunance, anticipated to announce an engagement between his brother Unwin—now a Member of Parliament—and heiress Caroline Penvenen. During this event, Elizabeth confides to Ross that her enduring love remains with him rather than Francis. Meanwhile, Demelza catches the eye of Captain Malcolm McNeil. Unwin departs looking displeased, hinting at complications in his courtship. Ross deems Caroline unsuitable as a match for Dwight Enys.
- George Warleggan visits Trenwith while Francis is away, seeking Elizabeth’s assistance in mending relations with Francis and expressing his admiration for her.
- Dwight Enys provides medical care to impoverished patients such as Rosina Hoblyn, who is being courted by widower Charlie Kempthorne. Following the party, Dwight encounters Caroline in Truro; they acknowledge mutual feelings and arrange to ride together.
- Ross commissions smuggler Trencom to obtain intelligence about fugitive Mark Daniel in France; in exchange, Trencom requests increased smuggling storage space at Nampara beyond current provisions.
- Ross discovers that Warleggan's interests have acquired his £1400 debt due within seven weeks.
- Francis collaborates with Ross at Wheal Grace mine, grows closer to Demelza, and admits to her that he informed George Warleggan about investors in Carnmore Copper. Demelza voices doubts regarding Ross’s affections; Francis reassures her of Ross’s prudence and urges her to have confidence. Soon after, Francis tragically drowns at Wheal Grace while Ross is away in Truro.
Book Two
Covering the period from November 1792 to February 1793 across thirteen chapters, Book Two centers on Dwight Enys's secret marriage to Caroline Penvenen and the unmasking of a smuggling informant.
- Upon returning from London, Caroline Penvenen encounters Ross Poldark and learns about his financial difficulties caused by a £1400 note held by the Warleggans. She discreetly purchases the note, thereby saving Ross from imprisonment for debt, much to the annoyance of the Warleggan family.
- Ross’s duties expand as he frequently visits Elizabeth at Trenwith and assumes responsibilities as a magistrate, which places strain on his relationship with Demelza.
- Dwight’s medical career flourishes after he successfully treats Rosina Hoblyn’s limp. Subsequently, Rosina becomes engaged to Charlie Kempthorne, a prosperous widowed sailmaker.
- Wheal Grace mine faces financial hardships. Ross consults Mark Daniels, an old acquaintance who fled after killing his wife and had previously hinted at valuable ore in the mine. Mark, now residing in Ireland, provides no helpful information.
- Caroline and Dwight plan to elope so that Dwight can establish a medical practice in Bath, supported by anticipated inheritances. Both harbor uncertainties about their future together. On the night of their planned departure, Dwight is called to Rosina Hoblyn’s house where he discovers that Charlie Kempthorne is the smuggling informant. Dwight manages to warn the smugglers just in time to prevent their capture.
- After Dwight misses their rendezvous, Caroline departs for London, ending their relationship with a farewell note. Meanwhile, Charlie Kempthorne absconds, leaving his daughters behind.
Book Three
Set between February and May 1793, Book Three details several pivotal events:
- Dwight travels to London to explain his failure to meet Caroline Penvenen; she rejects him. He returns to Cornwall feeling dejected.
- Ross confides in Demelza that he had given £600 of the £675 proceeds from selling his Wheal Leisure shares years earlier to the financially struggling Elizabeth Poldark as an honorable debt.
- In March, Captain Henshawe delivers ore samples from Wheal Grace. Ross agrees to examine the mine; however, the ore barely covers operational expenses. In May, part of the mine collapses, resulting in two fatalities and three injuries; debris covers a promising vein.
- George Warleggan proposes marriage to Elizabeth; she accepts after some hesitation and informs Ross by letter. Ross confronts Elizabeth at Trenwith, leading to a contentious encounter that remains debated among readers.
- Aware of Ross's infidelity, Demelza seeks revenge by choosing Captain McNeil at a Bodrugan dance. His aggressive behavior repels her, leaving her in tears.
- Verity is pregnant and expecting her child in October 1793.
- Following a single night with Elizabeth, Ross ceases contact. Uncertain about their relationship status, Elizabeth writes to George requesting a delay in their wedding. George pressures her to set a date, concluding Book Three.
Book Four
Spanning from June until Christmas Eve 1793 over seven chapters, Book Four highlights include:
- Wheal Grace reopens in June and produces substantial tin—enough for Ross and Demelza to pay off debts and enhance their living standards.
- Elizabeth and George marry in late June; they honeymoon until August before settling at Cardew. Her elderly parents relocate to Trenwith with servants paid by George. Later in autumn, Elizabeth and George move into Trenwith amid rumors of pregnancy, much to Ross's displeasure.
- Dwight Enys diagnoses Ray Penvenen with sugar sickness and prescribes Theban opium, which proves effective. After learning of Caroline’s engagement post-Christmas, Dwight enlists as a naval surgeon.
- Verity gives birth to a son in October and experiences great happiness.
- George summons Ross to Trenwith over financial disputes concerning Wheal Grace's ownership transfer from Francis George for £600. George demands half ownership be returned now that the mine is profitable and threatens legal action when Ross refuses.
- Ross discovers that Caroline Penvenen purchased his debt from the Warleggans a year earlier. With Demelza’s encouragement, he visits London to thank her and learns her engagement news was false. He convinces Caroline to accompany him to Plymouth where Dwight awaits naval deployment; they reconcile and plan their marriage during Dwight’s first leave.
- While Ross is away in London, Demelza’s dog Garrick is shot but not fatally wounded by an agent employed by George Warleggan enforcing new trespassing rules on Trenwith grounds.
- Upon returning, Ross notices Garrick’s bite wound but restrains himself after Demelza explains the incident out of concern for conflict with George. Ross visits Trenwith proposing peace with George; Elizabeth remains distant while George’s response is ambiguous. Ross warns that ongoing hostilities could provoke local miners against Trenwith.
- On Christmas Eve, following months of marital tension after his affair with Elizabeth, Ross and Demelza confront their issues. Demelza admits nearly having an affair with Captain McNeil; after an initially harsh exchange, Ross apologizes and offers her jewelry as a peace gesture. Their relationship seems set for improvement as the novel ends.
Television adaptations
The story of Warleggan is portrayed across Episodes 5 through 10 in Season 2 of the 2015 TV series version.