# Mr. and Mrs. Quiverful Are Made Happy. Mr. Slope Is Encouraged by the Press explained — Barchester Towers

> Chapter companion for Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mrs. Proudie ensures the Quiverfuls receive letters summoning them to the palace, confirming Mr. Quiverful's appointment to Hiram's Hospital. The Quiverfuls rejoice. Meanwhile, Dr. Gwynne visits the bishop to discuss business but is confronted by Mrs. Proudie's overbearing presence. The chapter also includes a newspaper article praising the reform of Hiram's Hospital, announcing Mr. Quiverful's acceptance of the wardenship, and noting the death of Dean Trefoil.

## Themes in this chapter

### Clerical Corruption and Patronage

The appointment to Hiram's Hospital is driven by Mrs. Proudie's manipulation and the bishop's compliance, highlighting the patronage system and the struggle for control over church positions.

### Gender and Domestic Power

Mrs. Proudie exerts significant influence over ecclesiastical decisions, dictating the bishop's actions and challenging Dr. Gwynne, illustrating the power dynamics within the domestic sphere.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity

The press article praises reform while the Quiverfuls' joy is based on financial gain rather than spiritual calling, and Mrs. Proudie's religious zeal masks her domineering ambition.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Proudie

Arranges the letters to the Quiverfuls, pressures the bishop to sign the appointment, and later dominates the conversation with Dr. Gwynne, asserting her authority over church matters.

### Mr. Quiverful

Receives the bishop's summons, hopes for the appointment to Hiram's Hospital, and is determined not to be cajoled out of it again.

### Mrs. Quiverful

Receives Mrs. Proudie's letter, expresses cautious optimism about the appointment, and embraces her husband in joy.

### Dr. Proudie

Signs the appointment for Mr. Quiverful under his wife's insistence, enjoys his day at Ullathorne, and later receives Dr. Gwynne in his study.

### Dr. Gwynne

Visits the bishop to discuss business, but is subjected to Mrs. Proudie's intrusive questioning about Sunday schools; he finds her overbearing.

### Mr. Slope

Mentioned in the context of Mrs. Proudie's resolve to prevent his secret negotiations; the press article encourages his reformist stance.

## Key lines

> She'd never have sent for me again if it wasn't all right.

Mrs. Quiverful believes that Mrs. Proudie's invitation is a sure sign that the appointment is confirmed.

_Reflects the Quiverfuls' cautious hope and Mrs. Quiverful's trust in Mrs. Proudie's intentions._

> For heaven's sake, don't let anyone cajole you out of it again.

Mrs. Quiverful warns her husband not to be persuaded to give up the appointment again.

_Highlights the previous disappointments and the Quiverfuls' determination to secure the position._

> Suffer little children, and forbid them not,' she said. 'Are we not to remember that, Dr. Gwynne?

Mrs. Proudie quotes scripture to justify her insistence on Sunday schools, challenging Dr. Gwynne.

_Illustrates Mrs. Proudie's use of religious rhetoric to assert her authority in church matters._

## Links

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