I think the Stanhopes in total are a fascinating study (except Mrs Stanhope, who stays shadowy throughout). The absolute clarity with which they all face (and contribute to) their own grim futures is breathtaking, I think - absolute nihilism. No - only the younger Stanhopes - Dr. Stanhope is different: a devastating portrait of a man who's brought others to ruin, and knows it, and can't stop - like Macbeth, in (not-blood - fecklessness?) so far, returning were as tedious as go o'er.