Barchester Towers · Chapter
The Lookalofts and the Greenacres explained
The chapter explores the social tensions and class envy between the Greenacres and the Lookalofts during Miss Thorne's grand fête.
What happens
The chapter explores the social tensions and class envy between the Greenacres and the Lookalofts during Miss Thorne's grand fête. Mrs. Greenacre, through gossip with Mrs. Guffern, learns that the Lookalofts have been admitted to the drawing-room with the quality, causing her resentment and indignation. Farmer Greenacre offers a more philosophical perspective, urging contentment. Meanwhile, Mr. Plomacy maintains order among the rural guests, expelling an uninvited plasterer. The chapter concludes with speeches and toasts in the tent and dining-room, highlighting the contrast between the lively, less decorous tent and the more proper but duller dining-room.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Snobbery
The chapter vividly depicts class envy and snobbery among the rural guests, as Mrs. Greenacre resents the Lookalofts' perceived social climbing and their admission to the drawing-room.
Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity
Mrs. Greenacre's indignation at the Lookalofts' 'naked' attire and her desire for their punishment contrast with her own envy, highlighting the hypocrisy in social judgments.
Characters to notice
- Miss Thorne
Hosts the fête and is toasted by Sir Harkaway Gorse; her treatment of the Lookalofts is scrutinized by Mrs. Greenacre.
- Mr. Thorne
Returns thanks for the toast to Miss Thorne and gives a somewhat flustered speech in honor of the De Courcy family.
- Mrs. Greenacre
A rural guest who feels deeply envious and aggrieved that the Lookalofts have been admitted to the drawing-room, believing they have usurped a place above their station.
- Farmer Greenacre
Mrs. Greenacre's husband, who counsels contentment and dismisses the fuss over the Lookalofts' social climbing.
- Mrs. Guffern
The gossip who relays news from Betsey Rusk about the Lookalofts' presence in the drawing-room and their revealing attire.
- Mr. Plomacy
Acts as head constable and master of the revels, maintaining order among the rural guests and expelling the plasterer Bob Stubbs.
Key passages
“But to liken themselves that way to folk that ha' blood in their veins”
Mrs. Greenacre criticizes the Lookalofts for presuming to compare themselves to the gentry, who have noble lineage.
Reflects the theme of social class and the belief in inherent superiority of bloodlines.
“If we greet at that, what'll we do when true sorrow comes across us?”
Farmer Greenacre advises that if they cannot enjoy the feast because of the Lookalofts' presence, they are ill-prepared for real hardships.
Highlights Farmer Greenacre's pragmatic and philosophical outlook, contrasting with his wife's envy.
“We don't want no plasterers; when we do, we'll send for 'em.”
Mr. Plomacy dismisses the plasterer Bob Stubbs, asserting that uninvited tradesmen are not welcome at the fête.
Illustrates the strict social boundaries maintained even among the rural guests.