Barchester Towers · Chapter
The Archdeacon Is Satisfied with the State of Affairs explained
The archdeacon, initially skeptical, learns of Eleanor Bold's engagement to Mr.
What happens
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. Quiverful, showing his changed mood.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Snobbery
The archdeacon's relief that Eleanor is marrying Mr. Arabin rather than Mr. Slope underscores the class distinctions within the clergy.
Marriage and Courtship
Eleanor's engagement to Mr. Arabin is a central plot point, highlighting the strategic and emotional aspects of marriage in the clerical world.
Personal Integrity vs. Ambition
Mr. Slope's defeat and the archdeacon's satisfaction reflect the triumph of personal integrity over ambition, as Mr. Arabin is seen as a worthy match.
Characters to notice
- Archdeacon Grantly
Initially disbelieves Eleanor's engagement to Mr. Arabin, but later approves and plans the wedding; shows goodwill to Mrs. Quiverful.
- Mr. Harding
Informs the archdeacon of Eleanor's engagement to Mr. Arabin, enjoying the revelation.
- Eleanor Bold
Flees to avoid the archdeacon's congratulations; her engagement to Mr. Arabin is confirmed.
- Mr. Arabin
Engaged to Eleanor; receives the archdeacon's approval and plans for the wedding.
- Mrs. Grantly
Expresses satisfaction at Eleanor's engagement and promises to welcome Mr. Arabin.
- Mrs. Quiverful
Surprised by the archdeacon's friendly greeting while moving into Hiram's Hospital.
Key passages
“The archdeacon, in his journey into Barchester, had been assured by Mr. Harding that all their prognostications about Mr. Slope and Eleanor were groundless.”
During his trip to Barchester, Mr. Harding convinced the archdeacon that his suspicions about Mr. Slope and Eleanor were unfounded.
Shows the archdeacon's initial disbelief and the correction of a misunderstanding.
“He brought himself to admit that he would at the present regard his past convictions as a mistake, but in doing this he so guarded himself that if, at any future time, Eleanor should come forth to the world as Mrs. Slope, he might still be able to say: 'There, I told you so.'”
He reluctantly admitted he might be wrong, but left room to claim he was right if Eleanor ever married Mr. Slope.
Highlights the archdeacon's stubbornness and need to be proven correct.
“On the whole things were going well with the archdeacon, and he could afford to be charitable to Mrs. Quiverful.”
The archdeacon's good mood allowed him to be kind to Mrs. Quiverful, whom he might otherwise have ignored.
Reflects the archdeacon's change in attitude due to his satisfaction with events.