Barchester Towers · Chapter
Oxford—The Master and Tutor of Lazarus explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Arabin, after a melancholy walk in Plumstead churchyard, resolves that he is too old for love and that Eleanor Bold does not care for him. He forces himself to appear cheerful at dinner, while Mr. Harding is distressed and the Archdeacon is gloomy over the possibility of Mr. Slope becoming Dean. Mr. Arabin then travels to Oxford to consult Dr. Gwynne, the Master of Lazarus, and his tutor Tom Staple about the ecclesiastical crisis. They discuss the hospital appointment, Mr. Slope's machinations, and the need to outmaneuver the bishop.
Themes in this chapter
Ecclesiastical Power and Politics
The chapter centers on the strategic maneuvering of Dr. Grantly, Mr. Arabin, Dr. Gwynne, and Tom Staple to counter Mr. Slope's influence and secure the hospital appointment for Mr. Harding.
Personal Integrity vs. Ambition
Mr. Arabin's internal conflict between his love for Eleanor and his suspicion of mercenary motives highlights the tension between personal integrity and worldly ambition.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Arabin
Struggles with his feelings for Eleanor Bold, resolves to give up hope, and later visits Oxford to confer with Dr. Gwynne and Tom Staple.
- Eleanor Bold
Mentioned as the object of Mr. Arabin's affection and the subject of speculation regarding her feelings for Mr. Slope.
- Archdeacon Grantly
Gloomy about Mr. Slope's potential rise to the deanery; discusses strategy with Mr. Arabin and treats Mr. Harding as a pawn in the ecclesiastical struggle.
- Mr. Harding
Ill at ease and sick at heart, wishing to leave Plumstead; his claim to the hospital is discussed without his direct involvement.
- Dr. Gwynne
The Master of Lazarus, consulted by Mr. Arabin; skeptical about Mr. Slope becoming Dean and reluctant to interfere with the bishop.
- Mr. Staple
Tom Staple, the Tutor of Lazarus, called in to assist at the conference with Dr. Gwynne and Mr. Arabin.
Key passages
“He had determined that he was much too old and much too rusty to commence the manoeuvres of lovemaking; that he had let the time slip through his hands which should have been used for such purposes; and that now he must lie on his bed as he had made it.”
Mr. Arabin concluded that he was too old and out of practice to pursue romance, having missed his chance, and must now accept the consequences of his inaction.
Reflects Mr. Arabin's self-reproach and resignation regarding his feelings for Eleanor.
“It was droll to observe how these men talked of Mr. Harding as though he were a puppet, and planned their intrigues and small ecclesiastical manoeuvres in reference to Mr. Harding's future position without dreaming of taking him into their confidence.”
It was amusing to see how the men discussed Mr. Harding as if he were a mere pawn, devising schemes about his future without ever consulting him.
Highlights the condescending attitude of the clergy toward Mr. Harding, treating him as a passive figure in the power struggle.