Barchester Towers · Chapter
The Signora Neroni, the Countess de Courcy, and Mrs. Proudie Meet Each Other at Ullathorne explained
At the Ullathorne fête, the Signora Neroni captivates Mr.
What happens
At the Ullathorne fête, the Signora Neroni captivates Mr. Thorne and Mr. Arabin from her sofa, while Mrs. Proudie and Lady De Courcy bond over their mutual disdain for her. Mrs. Proudie recounts the Signora's scandalous history, including her one leg and her corrupting influence on Mr. Slope. Meanwhile, Eleanor Bold, trying to avoid Mr. Slope, accepts Bertie Stanhope's arm, and Charlotte Stanhope schemes to bring Bertie and Eleanor together.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity
Mrs. Proudie and Lady De Courcy indulge in merciless gossip about the Signora while presenting themselves as paragons of propriety.
Social Class and Snobbery
Lady De Courcy and Mrs. Proudie bond over their shared disdain for the Signora, with Lady De Courcy's aristocratic status lending weight to the gossip.
Gender and Domestic Power
The Signora, despite her physical disability, wields considerable social influence over men like Mr. Thorne and Mr. Arabin, challenging conventional gender roles.
Characters to notice
- Signora Neroni
Holds court from her sofa, captivating Mr. Thorne and Mr. Arabin; becomes the subject of gossip between Mrs. Proudie and Lady De Courcy.
- Mrs. Proudie
Finds a congenial spirit in Lady De Courcy; shares scandalous details about the Signora Neroni and laments Mr. Slope's disgrace.
- Lady De Courcy
Delighted to gossip with Mrs. Proudie; expresses curiosity and satisfaction about the Signora's infirmity and moral failings.
- Eleanor Bold
Accepts Bertie Stanhope's arm to avoid Mr. Slope; sits next to Bertie at dinner while Mr. Arabin lingers by the Signora's sofa.
- Bertie Stanhope
Succeeds in sitting next to Eleanor Bold at dinner; encouraged by her graciousness but his heart fails him as he has love in earnest to make.
- Mr. Slope
Glowers with jealousy as Eleanor accepts Bertie's arm; still standing near the Signora, he is observed by Mrs. Proudie as a ruined man.
Key passages
“She is the most insolent creature I ever put my eyes on.”
Mrs. Proudie declares the Signora the most insolent person she has ever seen.
Mrs. Proudie expresses her deep dislike of the Signora to Lady De Courcy.
“Only one leg! ... Was she born so?”
Lady De Courcy is surprised to learn the Signora has only one leg and asks if she was born that way.
Lady De Courcy's curiosity about the Signora's disability is piqued.
“She has absolutely ruined that man.”
Mrs. Proudie claims the Signora has completely ruined Mr. Slope.
Mrs. Proudie blames the Signora for Mr. Slope's disgrace and impending dismissal from the palace.