# Hiram’s Hospital According to Act of Parliament explained — Barchester Towers > Chapter companion for Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope. ## What happens 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 restructures the charity. It also introduces Eleanor Bold's widowhood and devotion to her infant son, John Bold the Younger. ## Themes in this chapter ### Personal Integrity vs. Ambition Mr. Harding's resignation demonstrates personal integrity over financial gain, while the political maneuvering around the hospital reform highlights ambition. ### Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity The press and politicians praise Mr. Harding yet alter the charity's purpose without understanding its original intent, showing moral ambiguity. ### Tradition vs. Reform The new Act of Parliament overrides John Hiram's original will, embodying the tension between traditional charitable foundations and modern reform. ## Character check-ins ### Mr. Harding Former warden of Hiram's Hospital, now vicar of St. Cuthbert's and precentor; praised for his resignation but still involved with the hospital. ### Eleanor Bold Widow of John Bold, devoted mother to her infant son; deeply mourns her husband but finds solace in her child. ### John Bold Deceased husband of Eleanor; his lawsuit against Mr. Harding and his character are discussed. ### Johnny Bold Infant son of Eleanor and John Bold; described as a delightful baby. ### Mary Bold Eleanor's sister-in-law, a devoted admirer of the baby. ### Archdeacon Grantly Eleanor's brother-in-law, agrees that the baby is delightful. ## Key lines > It is hardly necessary that I should here give to the public any lengthened biography of Mr. Harding up to the period of the commencement of this tale. The narrator assumes readers already know Mr. Harding's story from the previous novel. _Opens the chapter by referencing prior events._ > Under pressure of these attacks, Mr. Harding had resigned his wardenship, though strongly recommended to abstain from doing so both by his friends and by his lawyers. Despite advice to the contrary, Mr. Harding resigned due to public criticism. _Highlights Mr. Harding's principled decision._ > The most remarkable thing that occurred was the receipt of an autographed letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury, in which the primate very warmly praised his conduct. The Archbishop personally commended Mr. Harding's actions. _Shows high-level approval of his resignation._ > It is singular enough that no adverse letter appeared at all, and, therefore, none of course was written. No opposing views were published, so none were submitted. _Ironically comments on the one-sided media coverage._ > What would John Hiram have said in the matter, could he have predicted that some forty-five gentlemen would take on themselves to make a law altering the whole purport of his will, without in the least knowing at the moment of their making it, what it was that they were doing? The legislators unknowingly changed the charity's purpose, which would have shocked its founder. _Criticizes the careless legislative process._ > Poor Eleanor! Poor Eleanor! I cannot say that with me John Bold was ever a favourite. I never thought him worthy of the wife he had won. The narrator expresses sympathy for Eleanor but admits he disliked her late husband. _Reveals the narrator's personal opinion._ > But God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb. Providence eases the suffering of those already afflicted. _Proverbial comfort for Eleanor's grief._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/ii-hiram-s-hospital-according-to-act-of-parliament - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters