# The Dean and Chapter Take Counsel explained — Barchester Towers

> Chapter companion for Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

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 insists on action, arguing that Slope deliberately insulted the established clergy. Meanwhile, a small party of laypeople, especially ladies, begin to support Slope's new ideas, and a few needy clergymen like Mr. Quiverful court his favor. Dr. and Mrs. Proudie return to London, leaving Slope to continue his machinations.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ecclesiastical Power and Politics

The chapter meeting reveals the political maneuvering among clergy to control who preaches in the cathedral, highlighting the struggle between the bishop's party and the chapter.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity

Mr. Slope's supporters, especially ladies, embrace his new ideas for excitement rather than conviction, while needy clergy like Mr. Quiverful court him for material gain, exposing self-interest masked as religious zeal.

## Character check-ins

### Archdeacon Grantly

Leads the chapter meeting, vehemently opposes Mr. Slope, and insists on barring him from the cathedral pulpit.

### Mr. Harding

Suggests tolerating Mr. Slope unless he preaches false doctrine, but his gentle plea is overruled; he privately fears further disruption to his life.

### Mr. Slope

Remains in Barchester after the Proudies' departure, actively flattering, prying, and ingratiating himself with the poor and a few clergy.

### Mr. Quiverful

Among the few clergy who call on Mr. Slope after the sermon, driven by his large family and meager income.

### Dr. Proudie

Returns to London with his wife to avoid confrontation with the dean and chapter over the sermon.

## Key lines

> Who can wonder that a gentleman with fourteen living children and a bare income of £400 a year should look after the loaves and fishes, even when they are under the thumb of a Mr. Slope?

It is unsurprising that a man with fourteen children and only £400 a year would seek material benefits, even from someone as unpleasant as Mr. Slope.

_Highlights Mr. Quiverful's desperate financial situation driving him to associate with Slope._

> It is not because his opinion on church matters may be different from ours—with that one would not quarrel. It is because he has purposely insulted us.

The objection is not to Mr. Slope's differing views, but to his deliberate insult to the established clergy.

_Archdeacon Grantly articulates the chapter's grievance, framing the conflict as personal rather than doctrinal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/vii-the-dean-and-chapter-take-counsel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters