Baby Worship explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Clerical Corruption and Patronage

  The hospital appointment is used as a bargaining chip by Slope and Proudie, revealing the corrupting influence of patronage.

• Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity

  Slope pretends to act for Harding's benefit while pursuing his own selfish ends, and the bishop's indecision masks his complicity.

• Gender and Domestic Power

  Mrs. Proudie's behind-the-scenes manipulation and Slope's criticism of 'petticoat government' highlight gender dynamics in ecclesiastical politics.

Characters to notice

• Mr. Slope

  Manipulates both the bishop and Eleanor, using the hospital appointment as leverage in his courtship.

• Eleanor Bold

  Distressed by news of Quiverful's appointment, but cautious about involving herself in her father's affairs.

• Mr. Harding

  Discussed indirectly; his refusal of conditions attached to the hospital is used by Slope to justify the bishop's actions.

• Mrs. Proudie

  Has committed the bishop to Quiverful by writing to Mrs. Quiverful, complicating Slope's plans.

• Dr. Proudie

  Torn between his wife and his chaplain, uncertain about the hospital appointment.

• Mr. Quiverful

  Has been offered the hospital appointment; his large family is a point of sympathy and leverage.

Key passages

• “He thought that such a state of things would be advisable, not only in respect to Messrs. Harding and Quiverful, but also in the affairs of the diocese generally. Mr. Slope was by no means of opinion that Dr. Proudie was fit to rule, but he conscientiously thought it wrong that his brother clergy should be subjected to petticoat government.”

  Slope believed it would be beneficial to stir up a small rebellion against Mrs. Proudie's influence, not just over the hospital matter but across the diocese. He didn't think the bishop was capable of ruling, but he felt it was wrong for clergymen to be controlled by a woman.

  Reveals Slope's strategic thinking and his disdain for Mrs. Proudie's authority.

• “The husband well understood the ruse of his wife, but he did not resent it. He knew that she was taking the patronage out of his hands; he was resolved to put an end to her interference and reassume his powers. But then he thought this was not the best time to do it. He put off the evil hour, as many a man in similar circumstances has done before him.”

  The bishop saw through his wife's scheme to control the appointment, but he postponed confronting her, a common pattern of avoidance among henpecked husbands.

  Highlights the bishop's weakness and the ongoing power struggle in the Proudie household.

• “I have to apologize for calling at so very early an hour, but I was really so anxious to speak to you that I hope you and Miss Bold will excuse me.”

  Slope apologized for his early visit, explaining his eagerness to speak with Eleanor.

  Shows Slope's calculated persistence in courting Eleanor.