Barchester Towers · Chapter
The Ex-Warden Rejoices in His Probable Return to the Hospital explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Slope successfully ingratiates himself with Eleanor Bold and Mary Bold through flattery and praise of Mr. Harding, overcoming their initial hostility. Meanwhile, Mr. Harding visits his daughter to share the news that he is likely to be reappointed as warden of Hiram's Hospital under a new arrangement with a reduced income of £450 per annum, the addition of twelve old women and a matron, and the support of Archdeacon Grantly, who assures him the appointment is secure and not a favor from the bishop.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity
Mr. Slope's ability to turn aversion into acquaintance through flattery and soft words highlights the theme of hypocrisy and moral ambiguity in personal interactions.
Personal Integrity vs. Ambition
Mr. Harding's quiet acceptance of the reduced wardenship contrasts with Dr. Grantly's indignation, illustrating the tension between personal integrity and worldly ambition.
Clerical Corruption and Patronage
The discussion of the bishop's power to appoint the warden and the role of Mr. Slope touches on clerical corruption and patronage within the church.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Slope
Visits Eleanor Bold and Mary Bold, using flattery and praise of Mr. Harding to win their favor and establish his right to call again.
- Eleanor Bold
Receives Mr. Slope's visit, is swayed by his soft words, and later tells her father she thinks Mr. Slope is not as bad as painted.
- Mary Bold
Present during Mr. Slope's visit; initially hostile but ultimately allows him to shake hands and leaves without disgust.
- Mr. Harding
Visits Eleanor to share the news of his probable return to Hiram's Hospital as warden, with a reduced income and new responsibilities including a matron and twelve old women.
- Archdeacon Grantly
Expresses strong opinions on the hospital affair, criticizing the government's role and the reduction of income, but supports Mr. Harding's reappointment as a practical matter.
Key passages
“He knows how to say a soft word in the proper place; he knows how to adapt his flattery to the ears of his hearers; he knows the wiles of the serpent, and he uses them.”
Mr. Slope is skilled at flattering people appropriately and using cunning tactics to achieve his goals.
Narrator's assessment of Mr. Slope's manipulative charm.
“This new act of Parliament that is to put us all on our feet again, continued he, settles my income at four hundred and fifty pounds per annum.”
Mr. Harding explains that the new law sets his salary at £450 per year.
Mr. Harding informs Eleanor about the financial changes to the wardenship.
“The archdeacon would not be much obliged to you if he heard you, said he, smiling somewhat at the exclusive manner in which his daughter confined her illustration to the church dignitaries of the chapter of Barchester.”
Mr. Harding gently chides Eleanor for only mentioning church officials in her compliment, noting the archdeacon might not appreciate it.
Mr. Harding's amused reaction to Eleanor's praise.