Barchester Towers · Chapter
The Dean Elect explained
The chapter details the uncertainty in Barchester over who will be the new dean, with Mr.
What happens
The chapter details the uncertainty in Barchester over who will be the new dean, with Mr. Slope's chances fluctuating. At Plumstead, Archdeacon Grantly is distressed by Mr. Quiverful's appointment to the hospital, Mr. Harding's refusal to contest it, Mr. Slope's potential success, and Mr. Arabin's rumored misconduct with Signora Neroni. Mr. Harding arrives unexpectedly, having received an offer of the deanery, but he hesitates to accept, feeling unqualified, much to the archdeacon's frustration.
Themes in this chapter
Personal Integrity vs. Ambition
Mr. Harding's hesitation to accept the deanery due to his sense of duty contrasts with the archdeacon's ambition to secure the position for family advantage.
Clerical Corruption and Patronage
The archdeacon's desire to place Mr. Harding in the deanery to thwart Mr. Slope highlights the political maneuvering in church appointments.
Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity
Mrs. Grantly's criticism of Mr. Arabin's conduct with Signora Neroni, while the archdeacon is more concerned with reputation than morality, underscores the theme.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Harding
Arrives at Plumstead with news of being offered the deanery, but hesitates due to feeling unqualified.
- Archdeacon Grantly
Frustrated by Mr. Harding's reluctance to accept the deanery and distressed by Mr. Arabin's rumored misconduct.
- Mrs. Grantly
Criticizes Mr. Arabin's behavior and advises the archdeacon to speak to him about his conduct.
- Mr. Arabin
Rumored to be spending time with Signora Neroni, causing concern for the archdeacon.
- Mr. Slope
Mentioned as a candidate for the deanery, with fluctuating public favor.
Key passages
“dear, I own that I ought. But I feel my weakness, and I know that I can’t. And to tell you the truth, I know no more than a child what the dean has to do.”
Mr. Harding admits he should accept the deanery but feels incapable and ignorant of the duties.
Highlights Mr. Harding's humility and reluctance.
“If you would have been led by me, Archdeacon, you would never have put a bachelor into St. Ewold’s.”
Mrs. Grantly criticizes the archdeacon for appointing an unmarried clergyman to the parish.
Reflects Mrs. Grantly's views on clerical propriety.
“It was frightful to think that such unhoped-for good fortune should be marred by the absurd crotchets and unwholesome hallucinations by which Mr. Harding allowed himself to be led astray.”
The archdeacon is dismayed that Mr. Harding's scruples might prevent him from accepting the deanery.
Shows the archdeacon's frustration with Mr. Harding's integrity.