What Will He Do with It? Volume 8

In What Will He Do with It? Volume 8, Edward Bulwer-Lytton explores themes of ambition, mortality, and the tension between public acclaim and lasting significance. The novel centers on Darrell, a once-successful lawyer and orator, who retreats into solitude, reflecting on his past and grappling with the futility of seeking fame without leaving a meaningful legacy. He is portrayed as a man of intellectual brilliance, weighed down by the realization that his achievements may be forgotten, as he has no children or written work to preserve his name. Darrell's internal conflict revolves around his desire to create something of lasting value, leading him to consider writing despite his doubts about transitioning from orator to author. The story introduces moments of levity through the presence of other characters, such as a companion who offers a contrast to Darrell's isolation, providing both respite and insight. Through Darrell's introspection and his evolving relationships, the novel delves deeply into the human desire for meaning, the struggle to leave a mark on the world, and the complexities of personal legacy in the face of time and societal expectations.