Barchester Towers · Chapter
Mr. Slope's Parting Interview with the Signora explained
In this chapter, the Signora Neroni holds court in her drawing room, attracting several gentlemen including Mr.
What happens
In this chapter, the Signora Neroni holds court in her drawing room, attracting several gentlemen including Mr. Arabin, Mr. Slope, and Mr. Thorne. The Signora, aware of Mr. Slope's romantic ambitions toward Eleanor Bold and his pursuit of the deanery, publicly taunts and humiliates him, mocking his courtship and aspirations. Mr. Slope, unable to defend himself, is left discomfited and resentful, while Mr. Arabin observes the scene with mixed feelings.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity
Mr. Slope's public embarrassment reveals the gap between his self-important demeanor and his actual vulnerability, while the Signora's cruel mockery exposes the moral complexities of social games.
Clerical Corruption and Patronage
Mr. Slope's candidacy for the deanery and his ambition for power highlight the corrupting influence of patronage and political maneuvering within the Church.
Marriage and Courtship
The Signora's taunts about Mr. Slope's courtship of Eleanor Bold underscore the strategic and often public nature of marriage negotiations in this society.
Characters to notice
- Signora Neroni
Holds a levée in her drawing room, dressed in her brightest morning dress, and delights in publicly mocking and humiliating Mr. Slope.
- Mr. Slope
Visits the Signora but is subjected to her cruel teasing about his courtship of Eleanor Bold and his ambitions for the deanery, leaving him red-faced and speechless.
- Mr. Arabin
Pays a second visit to the Signora, feeling troubled by his own feelings for Mrs. Bold, and stands by awkwardly during the Signora's attack on Mr. Slope.
- Mr. Thorne
Pays his first visit to the Signora, dressed with particular care, and silently observes the scene.
- Eleanor Bold
Referenced indirectly as the object of Mr. Slope's courtship and the Signora's mockery, though not present in the scene.
Key passages
“It’s gude to be merry and wise, Mr. Slope; It’s gude to be honest and true; It’s gude to be off with the old love— Mr. Slope, Before you are on with the new.”
The Signora sings a Scottish song advising Mr. Slope to be cautious and honest, and to end one romance before starting another.
This song is used by the Signora to publicly mock Mr. Slope's romantic entanglements.
“Go to her again with the prime minister’s letter in your pocket. I’ll wager my shawl to your shovel she does not refuse you then.”
The Signora suggests that Mr. Slope should use his political influence to win Eleanor Bold's hand, implying that power and position are more persuasive than genuine affection.
This highlights the theme of clerical corruption and the use of patronage in courtship.