Barchester Towers · Chapter
Miss Thorne's Fête Champêtre explained
The day of Miss Thorne's grand party at Ullathorne arrives, with preparations overseen by the steward Mr.
What happens
The day of Miss Thorne's grand party at Ullathorne arrives, with preparations overseen by the steward Mr. Plomacy. The chapter details the social dynamics among the guests, including Mr. Slope's triumphant mood over his potential deanery and his intentions toward Eleanor Bold, as well as the organization of the festivities for both the quality and the non-quality. Miss Thorne's attachment to traditional sports like the quintain is contrasted with Mr. Thorne's reluctance, and the challenges of managing uninvited guests are highlighted.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Snobbery
The chapter highlights class divisions through separate breakfast and dinner marquees for the quality and non-quality, and the careful control of who is admitted to the party.
Tradition vs. Reform
Miss Thorne's insistence on the quintain as a traditional sport contrasts with Mr. Thorne's modern sensibilities, symbolizing the tension between preserving old customs and adapting to change.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Slope
Arrives at the party in high spirits, having received a civil note from Sir Nicholas Fitzwhiggin regarding the deanery, and plans to court Eleanor Bold.
- Eleanor Bold
Travels to Ullathorne with apprehension, dreading Mr. Slope's attentions and the public display of being handed out of the carriage by him.
- Miss Thorne
In great perturbation and glory, overseeing the fête; she is determined to include traditional sports like the quintain, relying on Harry Greenacre to lead the youth.
- Mr. Thorne
Reluctantly supports his sister's plans but avoids participating in the quintain, citing his age and the risk of appearing foolish before the countess.
- Mr. Plomacy
The steward takes charge of the festivities, managing the crowds and deciding which uninvited guests to admit, based on his mistress's instructions.
- Harry Greenacre
A favourite of Miss Thorne, he is to lead the quintain riding on his father's nag, setting an example for the other young men.
Key passages
“The day of the Ullathorne party arrived, and all the world were there—or at least so much of the world as had been included in Miss Thorne’s invitation.”
The day of the party at Ullathorne came, and everyone who was invited attended.
Sets the scene for the grand social gathering.
“Mr. Slope also enjoyed the idea of handing Mrs. Bold out of Dr. Stanhope’s carriage before the multitude at Ullathorne gate as much as Eleanor dreaded the same ceremony.”
Mr. Slope looked forward to helping Eleanor Bold out of the carriage in front of the crowd, while Eleanor feared the same moment.
Highlights the contrasting emotions of Mr. Slope and Eleanor regarding public association.
“Mr. Plomacy had been steward of Ullathorne for more than fifty years, and a very easy life he had had of it.”
Mr. Plomacy had managed the Ullathorne estate for over fifty years and had enjoyed a comfortable life.
Introduces the steward's long tenure and relaxed role.