Barchester Towers · Chapter
Mr. Arabin explained
This chapter provides an interior and exterior portrait of Mr.
What happens
This chapter provides an interior and exterior portrait of Mr. Arabin, detailing his past temptation to convert to Roman Catholicism, his retreat to Cornwall where a humble curate taught him the importance of inner moral duty, his return to Oxford and rise as a staunch High Churchman under Dr. Gwynne's patronage, and his arrival at Plumstead Episcopi where the Grantly family—especially Mrs. Grantly and the young daughters—form mixed first impressions of him.
Themes in this chapter
Personal Integrity vs. Ambition
Arabin's internal struggle between following his heart to Rome and his ambition for a secure, respected place in the Anglican Church; his eventual choice of integrity through inner moral law.
Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity
The chapter examines the fine line between genuine faith and self-deception, as Arabin nearly convinces himself that conversion is noble while actually seeking 'selfish freedom from personal danger.'
Clerical Corruption and Patronage
Dr. Gwynne's initial willingness to let Arabin's fellowship become vacant if he converts, and his later embrace of Arabin as a 'confirmed Protestant,' illustrates the political and institutional dimensions of clerical appointments.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Arabin
Protagonist of the chapter; his spiritual crisis, conversion back to Anglicanism, and character are explored in depth.
- Dr. Gwynne
Master of Lazarus College; initially skeptical of Arabin's Romanist leanings but later becomes his patron and mentor.
- Archdeacon Grantly
Host at Plumstead; praises Arabin highly and defends him against his wife's criticisms.
- Mrs. Grantly
Forms a less favorable first impression of Arabin, finding him conceited and not a paragon.
- Griselda Grantly
Elder daughter; decides Arabin is 'not at all nice' despite his lovely eyes, preferring Rev. Augustus Green.
Key passages
“he loved with a strong and eager love the man who had hitherto been his guide, and yearned to follow his footsteps.”
He felt a deep, passionate devotion to his former mentor and longed to emulate him.
Refers to Arabin's attachment to John Henry Newman, the leader of the Oxford Movement who converted to Rome.
“no man can become a serviceable servant solely by obedience to written edicts; and that the safety which he was about to seek within the gates of Rome was no other than the selfish freedom from personal danger which the bad soldier attempts to gain who counterfeits illness on the eve of battle.”
True Christian service comes from inner conviction, not mere rule-following; seeking refuge in Rome was like a coward faking sickness to avoid combat.
The Cornish curate's lesson that external authority cannot substitute for internal moral duty.
“He talked to them without putting out all his powers, and listened to them without any idea that what he should hear from them could either actuate his conduct or influence his opinion.”
He conversed with women in a condescending manner, never fully engaging his intellect or expecting their words to matter.
Describes Arabin's patronizing attitude toward women, typical of many celibate Oxford dons.
“Considering how much we are all given to discuss the characters of others, and discuss them often not in the strictest spirit of charity, it is singular how little we are inclined to think that others can speak ill-naturedly of us.”
We frequently gossip about others uncharitably, yet we are shocked and hurt when we learn that others have done the same to us.
Narrator's ironic reflection on human hypocrisy in social judgment.
