# Barchester Towers — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope.

- [Who Will Be the New Bishop?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/i-who-will-be-the-new-bishop.md): The chapter opens with the death of old Bishop Grantly and the ensuing question of who will succeed him. Archdeacon Grantly, his son, had been led to believe he would inherit the bishopric, but the political landscape sh
- [Hiram’s Hospital According to Act of Parliament](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/ii-hiram-s-hospital-according-to-act-of-parliament.md): This chapter recounts Mr. Harding's resignation from Hiram's Hospital under public and legal pressure, his subsequent praise from the Archbishop and the press, and the eventual passage of a Parliamentary bill that restru
- [Dr. and Mrs. Proudie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/iii-dr-and-mrs-proudie.md): This chapter introduces Dr. Proudie, the newly installed Bishop of Barchester, and his domineering wife, Mrs. Proudie. It details Dr. Proudie's background as a liberal clergyman who rose through political connections and
- [The Bishop's Chaplain](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/iv-the-bishop-s-chaplain.md): This chapter introduces the Rev. Mr. Slope, his background, character, and ambitions. It details his lineage, his time at Cambridge, his role as a preacher in London, and his relationship with the Proudie family, includi
- [A Morning Visit](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/v-a-morning-visit.md): Mr. Harding and Archdeacon Grantly pay their respects to the newly arrived Bishop Proudie at the palace. They find Mrs. Proudie present in the bishop's study—an unprecedented innovation—and are introduced to the obsequio
- [War](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/vi-war.md): The chapter opens with Archdeacon Grantly and Mr. Harding discussing the new bishop and his chaplain, Mr. Slope. Grantly is furious at the appointment of Dr. Proudie and the influence of Mr. Slope, whom he sees as a low 
- [The Dean and Chapter Take Counsel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/vii-the-dean-and-chapter-take-counsel.md): After Mr. Slope's provocative sermon, the clergy of Barchester, led by Archdeacon Grantly, convene to discuss how to prevent him from preaching again in the cathedral. Mr. Harding suggests toleration, but the archdeacon 
- [The Ex-Warden Rejoices in His Probable Return to the Hospital](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/viii-the-ex-warden-rejoices-in-his-probable-return-to-the-hospital.md): Mr. Slope successfully ingratiates himself with Eleanor Bold and Mary Bold through flattery and praise of Mr. Harding, overcoming their initial hostility. Meanwhile, Mr. Harding visits his daughter to share the news that
- [The Stanhope Family](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/ix-the-stanhope-family.md): This chapter introduces the Stanhope family, who have returned to Barchester after twelve years in Italy due to pressure from Bishop Proudie and Mr. Slope. The family is characterized by heartlessness masked by good natu
- [Mrs. Proudie's Reception—Commenced](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/x-mrs-proudie-s-reception-commenced.md): The chapter details the return of Bishop and Mrs. Proudie to Barchester after a two-month absence, during which Mr. Slope consolidated a party in their favor. It describes the preparations for Mrs. Proudie's grand recept
- [Mrs. Proudie's Reception—Concluded](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xi-mrs-proudie-s-reception-concluded.md): The chapter concludes Mrs. Proudie's grand reception, highlighting the escalating tensions between Mrs. Proudie and Mr. Slope over his attentions to Signora Neroni. Mrs. Proudie's attempts to control Slope fail as he def
- [Slope Versus Harding](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xii-slope-versus-harding.md): Mr. Slope meets with Mr. Harding to discuss the terms of the warden's appointment at Hiram's Hospital, imposing new duties and conditions that Mr. Harding ultimately rejects, leading Slope to report the refusal to the bi
- [The Rubbish Cart](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xiii-the-rubbish-cart.md): Mr. Harding visits his daughter Mrs. Grantly at Plumstead, expressing his distress over Eleanor's growing friendliness with Mr. Slope. Mrs. Grantly warns that Mr. Slope may be courting Eleanor for her fortune, and Mr. Ha
- [The New Champion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xiv-the-new-champion.md): Archdeacon Grantly secures Mr. Arabin as the new vicar of St. Ewold's, a strategic move to counter Mr. Slope's influence. He persuades Mr. Harding to resist Slope's conditions for returning to Hiram's Hospital, arguing t
- [The Widow's Suitors](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xv-the-widow-s-suitors.md): Mr. Slope learns of Mrs. Bold's fortune from Mr. Quiverful and begins to consider marrying her for her money, while simultaneously the Stanhopes scheme to have Bertie Stanhope court Eleanor for the same reason. The autho
- [Baby Worship](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xvi-baby-worship.md): Mr. Slope continues his campaign to win Eleanor Bold and manipulate the hospital appointment. He reveals to Eleanor that Bishop Proudie has offered the hospital to Mr. Quiverful, but suggests that with her help, the offe
- [Who Shall Be Cock of the Walk?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xvii-who-shall-be-cock-of-the-walk.md): Bishop Proudie, feeling emboldened by Mr. Slope's hints of support, attempts to assert his authority over his wife regarding the appointment to Hiram's Hospital. He resolves to reappoint Mr. Harding, but when he broaches
- [The Widow's Persecution](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xviii-the-widow-s-persecution.md): Mr. Slope meets with the bishop and they form a secret league against Mrs. Proudie, agreeing on Mr. Quiverful's appointment. The archdeacon, angered by the bishop's avoidance, confronts Mr. Harding and Eleanor, suspectin
- [Barchester by Moonlight](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xix-barchester-by-moonlight.md): The Stanhope family, despite their financial and moral troubles, maintain a facade of cheerfulness. During a moonlit walk, Eleanor Bold, Bertie Stanhope, and Charlotte Stanhope discuss astronomy and Mr. Slope's character
- [Mr. Arabin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xx-mr-arabin.md): This chapter provides an interior and exterior portrait of Mr. Arabin, detailing his past temptation to convert to Roman Catholicism, his retreat to Cornwall where a humble curate taught him the importance of inner moral
- [St. Ewold’s Parsonage](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxi-st-ewold-s-parsonage.md): Mr. Harding and Mrs. Bold arrive at the rectory, where the archdeacon and Mr. Arabin are inspecting St. Ewold's church. Mrs. Grantly and Eleanor discuss Mr. Slope, with Mrs. Grantly suspecting Eleanor's attachment to him
- [The Thornes of Ullathorne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxii-the-thornes-of-ullathorne.md): Mr. Arabin is to read himself in at St. Ewold's on Sunday, with the archdeacon assisting and Mr. Harding taking the archdeacon's duty. Mrs. Bold accompanies them, and they plan to lunch at the squire's house. The chapter
- [Mr. Arabin Reads Himself in at St. Ewold's](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxiii-mr-arabin-reads-himself-in-at-st-ewold-s.md): Mr. Arabin, accompanied by the Archdeacon and Eleanor Bold, travels to Ullathorne to be formally installed as the new vicar of St. Ewold's. Despite his nervousness and self-doubt about facing his new parishioners, he suc
- [Mr. Slope Manages Matters Very Cleverly at Puddingdale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxiv-mr-slope-manages-matters-very-cleverly-at-puddingdale.md): Mr. Slope visits Mr. Quiverful at Puddingdale to secure his support for Mr. Harding's appointment to Hiram's Hospital, playing on Quiverful's desperate need for income. Meanwhile, at Plumstead, Eleanor grows irritated by
- [XXV: Fourteen Arguments in Favour of Mr. Quiverful's Claims](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxv-fourteen-arguments-in-favour-of-mr-quiverful-s-claims.md): Mrs. Quiverful learns from her husband that Mr. Slope has convinced him to resign his claim to the warden's position, leading her to take decisive action. She walks to Barchester, borrows a farmer's cart, and goes to the
- [Mrs. Proudie Wrestles and Gets a Fall](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxvi-mrs-proudie-wrestles-and-gets-a-fall.md): Mrs. Proudie confronts her husband and Mr. Slope over the hospital appointment, but is outmaneuvered when Slope convinces the bishop to write to the archbishop accepting an invitation and to nominate Mr. Harding instead.
- [A Love Scene](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxvii-a-love-scene.md): Mr. Slope, feeling triumphant after his maneuvering at the palace, writes a letter to Eleanor Bold about the wardenship of the hospital and his hopes for reconciliation with her father. He then visits Signora Neroni, who
- [Mrs. Bold Is Entertained by Dr. and Mrs. Grantly at Plumstead](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxviii-mrs-bold-is-entertained-by-dr-and-mrs-grantly-at-plumstead.md): Mr. Slope's letter to Eleanor Bold is intercepted by Archdeacon Grantly, who reacts with outrage and suspicion. The letter is eventually given to Mr. Harding, who reads it and finds it contains Mr. Slope's proposal for E
- [A Serious Interview](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxix-a-serious-interview.md): Eleanor Bold, determined to return to Barchester after a quarrel with Archdeacon Grantly over Mr. Slope's letter, refuses to discuss the matter with her father. The archdeacon confronts Eleanor about the letter, accusing
- [Another Love Scene](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxx-another-love-scene.md): Mr. Arabin, troubled by the rumor that Eleanor Bold will marry Mr. Slope, realizes he is in love with her. He returns early to Plumstead and confronts Eleanor, who is angry at his earlier suspicions. They walk in the gar
- [The Bishop's Library](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxi-the-bishop-s-library.md): The pleasant party at Plumstead breaks up as Eleanor returns to Barchester, where she learns of the dean's apoplexy. The archdeacon and other clergy gather in the bishop's library, discussing the dean's condition and spe
- [A New Candidate for Ecclesiastical Honours](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxii-a-new-candidate-for-ecclesiastical-honours.md): Mr. Slope maneuvers to secure the deanery for himself after Dr. Trefoil's apoplexy, persuading Bishop Proudie to support his candidacy while conceding the Hiram's Hospital appointment to Mr. Quiverful. Meanwhile, the bis
- [Mrs. Proudie Victrix](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxiii-mrs-proudie-victrix.md): The chapter describes the apparent tranquility in Barchester as the old dean lingers on, while Mr. Slope awaits replies to his letters. Eleanor Bold grows closer to the Stanhopes, especially Charlotte and Bertie, though 
- [Oxford—The Master and Tutor of Lazarus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxiv-oxford-the-master-and-tutor-of-lazarus.md): Mr. Arabin, after a melancholy walk in Plumstead churchyard, resolves that he is too old for love and that Eleanor Bold does not care for him. He forces himself to appear cheerful at dinner, while Mr. Harding is distress
- [Miss Thorne's Fête Champêtre](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxv-miss-thorne-s-f-te-champ-tre.md): The day of Miss Thorne's grand party at Ullathorne arrives, with preparations overseen by the steward Mr. Plomacy. The chapter details the social dynamics among the guests, including Mr. Slope's triumphant mood over his 
- [Ullathorne Sports—Act I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxvi-ullathorne-sports-act-i.md): Eleanor Bold confronts her father, Mr. Harding, about his belief that she intends to marry Mr. Slope, vehemently denying any such intention and expressing her disgust for Slope. Mr. Harding, relieved, apologizes and prom
- [The Signora Neroni, the Countess de Courcy, and Mrs. Proudie Meet Each Other at Ullathorne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-signora-neroni-the-countess-de-courcy-and-mrs-proudie-meet-each-other-at-ullathorne.md): At the Ullathorne fête, the Signora Neroni captivates Mr. Thorne and Mr. Arabin from her sofa, while Mrs. Proudie and Lady De Courcy bond over their mutual disdain for her. Mrs. Proudie recounts the Signora's scandalous 
- [The Bishop Sits Down to Breakfast, and the Dean Dies](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-bishop-sits-down-to-breakfast-and-the-dean-dies.md): Mr. Arabin, distressed by seeing Eleanor Bold arrive with Mr. Slope, is confronted by Archdeacon Grantly, who condemns her behavior. The Signora Neroni, intuiting Arabin's love for Eleanor, engages him in a flirtatious c
- [The Lookalofts and the Greenacres](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxix-the-lookalofts-and-the-greenacres.md): The chapter explores the social tensions and class envy between the Greenacres and the Lookalofts during Miss Thorne's grand fête. Mrs. Greenacre, through gossip with Mrs. Guffern, learns that the Lookalofts have been ad
- [Ullathorne Sports—Act II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xl-ullathorne-sports-act-ii.md): Mr. Slope, emboldened by wine, pursues Eleanor Bold into the garden to declare his love. Eleanor, realizing his intentions, tries to dismiss him coldly, but Mr. Slope persists, making an impassioned proposal. When he att
- [Mrs. Bold Confides Her Sorrow to Her Friend Miss Stanhope](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xli-mrs-bold-confides-her-sorrow-to-her-friend-miss-stanhope.md): Eleanor Bold, distressed after Mr. Slope's inappropriate advances at Miss Thorne's party, confides in Charlotte Stanhope. Charlotte devises a plan to protect Eleanor from further harassment by arranging for Bertie Stanho
- [Ullathorne Sports—Act III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xlii-ullathorne-sports-act-iii.md): Bertie Stanhope, under pressure from his sister Charlotte, awkwardly proposes to Eleanor Bold, revealing that his courtship is driven by financial motives rather than genuine affection. Eleanor, feeling insulted and disi
- [Mr. and Mrs. Quiverful Are Made Happy. Mr. Slope Is Encouraged by the Press](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xliii-mr-and-mrs-quiverful-are-made-happy-mr-slope-is-encouraged-by-the-press.md): Mrs. Proudie ensures the Quiverfuls receive letters summoning them to the palace, confirming Mr. Quiverful's appointment to Hiram's Hospital. The Quiverfuls rejoice. Meanwhile, Dr. Gwynne visits the bishop to discuss bus
- [Mrs. Bold at Home](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xliv-mrs-bold-at-home.md): After returning from Miss Thorne's party, Eleanor Bold is deeply distressed and confides in Mary Bold about Mr. Slope's unwanted advances and the Stanhopes' scheme to secure her fortune for Bertie. She finds solace only 
- [The Stanhopes at Home](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xlv-the-stanhopes-at-home.md): After returning from Ullathorne, the Stanhope family deals with the fallout of Bertie's failed courtship of Eleanor Bold. Dr. Stanhope angrily confronts Charlotte, blaming her and Bertie for the debacle. Meanwhile, Signo
- [Mr. Slope's Parting Interview with the Signora](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xlvi-mr-slope-s-parting-interview-with-the-signora.md): In this chapter, the Signora Neroni holds court in her drawing room, attracting several gentlemen including Mr. Arabin, Mr. Slope, and Mr. Thorne. The Signora, aware of Mr. Slope's romantic ambitions toward Eleanor Bold 
- [The Dean Elect](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xlvii-the-dean-elect.md): The chapter details the uncertainty in Barchester over who will be the new dean, with Mr. Slope's chances fluctuating. At Plumstead, Archdeacon Grantly is distressed by Mr. Quiverful's appointment to the hospital, Mr. Ha
- [Miss Thorne Shows Her Talent at Matchmaking](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xlviii-miss-thorne-shows-her-talent-at-matchmaking.md): Miss Thorne, hearing rumors about Mr. Arabin, decides to match him with Eleanor Bold. She invites Eleanor to Ullathorne and arranges for Mr. Arabin to visit. Despite initial awkwardness, the two quickly become engaged, s
- [The Beelzebub Colt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xlix-the-beelzebub-colt.md): Eleanor Bold reveals her engagement to Mr. Arabin to Miss Thorne. The next morning, she and Mr. Arabin have a private moment together, affirming their love. Mr. Harding visits Eleanor and tells her he has been offered th
- [The Archdeacon Is Satisfied with the State of Affairs](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/l-the-archdeacon-is-satisfied-with-the-state-of-affairs.md): The archdeacon, initially skeptical, learns of Eleanor Bold's engagement to Mr. Arabin and becomes reconciled to the match, expressing his approval and planning the wedding. He also encounters Mr. Slope and Mrs. Quiverfu
- [Mr. Slope Bids Farewell to the Palace and Its Inhabitants](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/li-mr-slope-bids-farewell-to-the-palace-and-its-inhabitants.md): Mr. Slope, having lost the deanship and been outmaneuvered by Mrs. Proudie, prepares to leave Barchester. He writes to a wealthy widow in London, then confronts the bishop and Mrs. Proudie, who accuse him of improper con
- [The New Dean Takes Possession of the Deanery, and the New Warden of the Hospital](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/lii-the-new-dean-takes-possession-of-the-deanery-and-the-new-warden-of-the-hospital.md): Mr. Harding and Archdeacon Grantly travel to Oxford to enlist the Master of Lazarus in securing the deanery for Mr. Arabin. After a week of lobbying in London, their efforts succeed, and Mr. Arabin is appointed Dean of B
- [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/liii-conclusion.md): The final chapter resolves the fates of the principal characters. Eleanor marries Mr. Arabin, who becomes Dean of Barchester, and they settle into a happy life at the deanery. Mrs. Grantly and Eleanor maintain a close bu

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