# The Beelzebub Colt explained — Barchester Towers

> Chapter companion for Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Eleanor Bold reveals her engagement to Mr. Arabin to Miss Thorne. The next morning, she and Mr. Arabin have a private moment together, affirming their love. Mr. Harding visits Eleanor and tells her he has been offered the deanery, but he begins to think Mr. Arabin should be dean instead.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Courtship

Eleanor and Mr. Arabin's engagement is central, highlighting the joy and solemnity of their commitment.

### Personal Integrity vs. Ambition

Mr. Harding's internal conflict about accepting the deanery versus supporting Mr. Arabin illustrates this theme.

## Character check-ins

### Eleanor Bold

Confesses her engagement to Miss Thorne and later shares a tender moment with Mr. Arabin.

### Mr. Arabin

Affirms his love for Eleanor and accepts the trust of their engagement.

### Miss Thorne

Learns of Eleanor's engagement and congratulates her.

### Mr. Thorne

Discusses the Beelzebub colt with Mr. Arabin and later leaves to check on the horse.

### Mr. Harding

Visits Eleanor to share news of the deanery offer and begins to consider Mr. Arabin for the position.

## Key lines

> When Miss Thorne left the dining-room, Eleanor had formed no intention of revealing to her what had occurred, but when she was seated beside her hostess on the sofa, the secret dropped from her almost unawares.

Eleanor had not planned to tell Miss Thorne about her engagement, but the news slipped out naturally as they sat together.

_Shows Eleanor's inability to hide her feelings._

> It is a great trust, said he, a very great trust.

Mr. Arabin views marriage as a serious responsibility.

_Highlights Mr. Arabin's solemn approach to their union._

> She had found the strong shield that should guard her from all wrongs, the trusty pilot that should henceforward guide her through the shoals and rocks.

Eleanor feels that Mr. Arabin will protect and guide her through life's difficulties.

_Metaphor for Eleanor's reliance on her future husband._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xlix-the-beelzebub-colt
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters