Barchester Towers · Chapter
Ullathorne Sports—Act II explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Slope, emboldened by wine, pursues Eleanor Bold into the garden to declare his love. Eleanor, realizing his intentions, tries to dismiss him coldly, but Mr. Slope persists, making an impassioned proposal. When he attempts to seize her hand, Eleanor slaps him and runs away. Mr. Slope, humiliated and enraged, vows revenge and struggles with his own sense of sin and worldly corruption.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity
Mr. Slope's pious demeanor contrasts with his worldly ambition and drunken pursuit of Eleanor, exposing his hypocrisy.
Marriage and Courtship
The chapter centers on Mr. Slope's unwelcome proposal and Eleanor's rejection, highlighting the tensions in courtship dynamics.
Personal Integrity vs. Ambition
Mr. Slope's ambition to win Eleanor clashes with his lack of integrity, leading to humiliation and vengeful thoughts.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Slope
Emboldened by champagne, he pursues Eleanor to propose, but is slapped and rejected, leading to rage and a desire for revenge.
- Eleanor Bold
Flees from Mr. Slope's advances, coldly rejects his proposal, and slaps him when he seizes her hand, then runs away in distress.
- Mr. Thorne
Host of the Ullathorne Sports; his champagne is noted as contributing to Mr. Slope's boldness.
- Signora Neroni
Mentioned in Mr. Slope's thoughts as he reflects on his sinful state and worldly associations.
Key passages
“That which has made them drunk has made me bold.”
The same wine that intoxicated others has given me courage.
Mr. Slope uses this line from Macbeth to justify his boldness after drinking champagne.
“Beautiful woman, you cannot pretend to be ignorant that I adore you. Yes, Eleanor, yes, I love you.”
You must know that I worship you, Eleanor; I love you truly.
Mr. Slope's declaration of love to Eleanor, combining piety and passion.
“She had not indeed seen in that room any person really intoxicated, but there had been a good deal of wine drunk, and Mr. Slope had not hesitated to take his share, in order to screw himself up to the undertaking which he had in hand.”
Though no one was truly drunk, much wine had been consumed, and Mr. Slope drank his fill to gather courage for his plan.
Narrator explains Mr. Slope's use of alcohol to bolster his resolve.