The Tragic Muse: Victorian Romance Novel

The Tragic Muse presents wide and cheerful panorama of English life through the fortunes of two would-be artists: Nick Dormer, who throws over a political career in his efforts to become a painter, and Miriam Rooth, an actress striving for artistic and commercial success. Nick Dormer wants to pursue a career in painting instead of his family's traditional role in British politics. Despite his misgivings Nick goes through an election campaign, supported by his lady friend Julia, and wins a seat in Parliament. However, Nick seeks to become an artist and resigns from Parliament, and when Miriam comes from Paris to London in search of theatrical success, she sits to Nick for her portrait as "the tragic muse."