Barchester Towers · Chapter
A Morning Visit explained
Mr.
What happens
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 obsequious chaplain Mr. Slope. The visit is marked by tension and mutual disdain, as the archdeacon bristles at the new regime and Mrs. Proudie asserts her authority. Mr. Harding, though personally indifferent to the change, is caught in the crossfire. The chapter ends with the archdeacon's simmering wrath as they depart.
Themes in this chapter
Ecclesiastical Power and Politics
The visit highlights the shifting power dynamics in the diocese, as the new bishop, his wife, and chaplain assert authority over the established clergy like Archdeacon Grantly.
Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity
Mr. Slope's obsequious yet condescending behavior toward Mr. Harding, and Mrs. Proudie's self-righteous questioning about Sabbath travel, reveal the gap between professed piety and genuine Christian charity.
Gender and Domestic Power
Mrs. Proudie's unprecedented presence in the bishop's study and her active role in the conversation illustrate her influence over ecclesiastical matters, challenging traditional gender roles.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Harding
Visits the palace with Archdeacon Grantly; remains courteous but is subtly patronized by Mr. Slope and challenged by Mrs. Proudie on Sabbath travel.
- Archdeacon Grantly
Accompanies Mr. Harding; deeply offended by the new bishop's household, especially Mr. Slope's familiarity and Mrs. Proudie's presence; vows never to shake Slope's hand again.
- Dr. Proudie
The new bishop, seated in the old bishop's chair, wearing his apron; appears somewhat passive while his wife and chaplain dominate the conversation.
- Mrs. Proudie
Present in the bishop's study—a shocking innovation; interrogates Mr. Harding about Sabbath travel and asserts her social plans, including visiting Mrs. Grantly.
- Mr. Slope
The bishop's chaplain, standing on the hearthrug; introduces himself effusively, shakes hands damply, and condescends to Mr. Harding after greeting the archdeacon.
Key passages
“I hope, Mr. Harding, I hope you will not leave me to think that you approve of Sabbath travelling”
Mrs. Proudie challenges Mr. Harding on the morality of traveling on Sundays, implying that his silence might indicate approval.
Mrs. Proudie uses a pointed question to assert moral authority over Mr. Harding.
“If you will come to St. Cuthbert's some Sunday, I will preach you a sermon on that subject.”
Mr. Harding politely deflects Mrs. Proudie's attack by inviting her to hear his views in a proper setting.
Mr. Harding's mild retort shows his quiet dignity and refusal to be drawn into a confrontation.
“Dr. Grantly swore deeply in the bottom of his heart, that no earthly consideration should ever again induce him to touch the paw of that impure and filthy animal.”
The archdeacon silently vows never to shake Mr. Slope's hand again, viewing him as unclean.
The narrator conveys the archdeacon's intense disgust and contempt for Mr. Slope.