Miss Thorne Shows Her Talent at Matchmaking explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Marriage and Courtship

  Miss Thorne's deliberate matchmaking and the rapid engagement of Eleanor and Mr. Arabin illustrate the social pressures and romantic ideals of courtship in the novel.

• Social Class and Snobbery

  Miss Thorne's careful selection of a 'marriageable' young lady with a dowry for Mr. Arabin reflects class considerations in marriage.

Characters to notice

• Miss Thorne

  Acts as matchmaker, inviting Eleanor to Ullathorne and arranging Mr. Arabin's visit; delighted but surprised by the rapid engagement.

• Eleanor Bold

  Accepts Miss Thorne's invitation, feels destined to be with Mr. Arabin, and becomes engaged to him after a brief courtship.

• Mr. Arabin

  Visits Ullathorne, initially talks about Signora Neroni, but later proposes to Eleanor during a sunset conversation.

• Mr. Harding

  Returns to Barchester from Plumstead, perplexed by the deanery offer, and receives a note from Eleanor begging him to come to her.

• Archdeacon Grantly

  Accompanies Mr. Harding back to Barchester, arguing that Harding should accept the deanery.

Key passages

• “Miss Thorne had not been slow to hear the rumours respecting Mr. Arabin which had so much disturbed the happiness of Mrs. Grantly.”

  Miss Thorne quickly learned about the gossip concerning Mr. Arabin that had upset Mrs. Grantly.

  Shows Miss Thorne's awareness of local gossip and her motivation to intervene.

• “She was like an inexperienced gunner, who has ill-calculated the length of the train that he has laid. The gunpowder exploded much too soon, and poor Miss Thorne felt that she was blown up by the strength of her own petard.”

  Miss Thorne felt her matchmaking plan succeeded far faster than expected, leaving her surprised and slightly overwhelmed.

  Metaphor illustrating Miss Thorne's astonishment at the rapid engagement.