Barchester Towers · Chapter
Who Shall Be Cock of the Walk? explained
Bishop Proudie, feeling emboldened by Mr.
What happens
Bishop Proudie, feeling emboldened by Mr. Slope's hints of support, attempts to assert his authority over his wife regarding the appointment to Hiram's Hospital. He resolves to reappoint Mr. Harding, but when he broaches the subject with Mrs. Proudie, she firmly insists that the place has been promised to Mr. Quiverful. The bishop's courage falters, and he weakly retreats, mentioning Mr. Slope's concerns about public opinion, which only provokes Mrs. Proudie's ire. Later, Mrs. Proudie confronts Mr. Slope about his conduct with Signora Neroni, warning him to know his place.
Themes in this chapter
Clerical Corruption and Patronage
The struggle over the hospital appointment highlights how personal and political considerations, rather than merit, dictate clerical positions.
Gender and Domestic Power
Mrs. Proudie's dominance over the bishop illustrates the inversion of traditional gender roles within the domestic sphere of the palace.
Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity
The bishop's internal debate and his retreat from confrontation reveal the hypocrisy and moral weakness beneath his episcopal authority.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Proudie
The bishop attempts to assert his independence from his wife, but his courage fails when confronted.
- Mrs. Proudie
She firmly insists that Mr. Quiverful must have the hospital and rebukes the bishop for listening to Mr. Slope.
- Mr. Slope
He offers covert support to the bishop, but later is confronted by Mrs. Proudie about his behavior with Signora Neroni.
- Archdeacon Grantly
He writes to the bishop requesting a meeting about Mr. Harding's reappointment to the hospital.
- Mr. Harding
His potential reappointment to Hiram's Hospital is the central point of contention.
- Mr. Quiverful
He is the current candidate for the hospital, having made arrangements based on the promise of the appointment.
Key passages
“The conqueror once is generally the conqueror forever after. The prestige of victory is everything.”
Once someone wins a power struggle, they usually remain dominant; the appearance of winning is crucial.
Narrator's reflection on the dynamics of marital conflict.
“Mr. Slope seems to think! said Mrs. Proudie in a tone of voice which plainly showed the bishop that he was right in looking for a breach in that quarter.”
Mrs. Proudie's sarcastic repetition of 'Mr. Slope seems to think' made it clear to the bishop that his suspicion of a rift between them was correct.
Mrs. Proudie's reaction to the bishop mentioning Mr. Slope's opinion.