Barchester Towers · Chapter
Conclusion explained
The final chapter resolves the fates of the principal characters.
What happens
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 but doctrinally distinct relationship, with Eleanor leaning toward High Church practices. The archdeacon celebrates his triumph over Mr. Slope with lavish gifts. Mr. Slope is dismissed and fades from power; the Stanhopes return to Italy; and Mr. Harding remains a humble, good precentor. The chapter concludes with a peaceful ecclesiastical order in Barchester, with the Proudies largely leaving the dean and chapter alone.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Courtship
The chapter culminates in the marriage of Eleanor and Mr. Arabin, resolving the courtship plot and establishing domestic harmony.
Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity
The archdeacon's extravagant gifts are framed as a 'song of triumph' over Mr. Slope, revealing a blend of genuine generosity and vindictive pride.
Ecclesiastical Power and Politics
The final arrangement shows a balance of power: the Proudies control the diocese, while the dean and chapter are left undisturbed, reflecting a truce in church politics.
Characters to notice
- Eleanor Bold
Marries Mr. Arabin and becomes Mrs. Arabin; develops High Church leanings; maintains a close but doctrinally different relationship with her sister Mrs. Grantly.
- Mr. Arabin
Becomes Dean of Barchester; marries Eleanor; is a studious, hardworking clergyman; lives at the deanery and preaches nearly every Sunday.
- Archdeacon Grantly
Performs the marriage ceremony; celebrates his victory over Mr. Slope with extravagant gifts; retains some ecclesiastical authority but no longer reigns supreme.
- Mr. Harding
Remains precentor of Barchester and pastor of St. Cuthbert's; gives away the bride; is portrayed as a good, humble man without guile.
- Mrs. Proudie
Continues to influence the diocese but leaves the dean and chapter alone; her sphere is more extended than the cathedral city.
- Signora Neroni
Leaves Barchester before the wedding; corresponds briefly with Eleanor after her marriage; the friendship ends.
Key passages
“The end of a novel, like the end of a children’s dinner party, must be made up of sweetmeats and sugarplums.”
The conclusion of a story, like the finale of a child's party, should be filled with pleasant and delightful things.
The author explicitly acknowledges the conventional happy ending, framing it as a necessary sweetness.
“He is still precentor of Barchester and still pastor of the little church of St. Cuthbert’s. In spite of what he has so often said himself, he is not even yet an old man.”
Mr. Harding continues in his roles as precentor and pastor, and despite his own claims, he is not yet elderly.
The author leaves Mr. Harding as a humble, good man, not a hero, emphasizing his quiet integrity.