Dr. Wortle’s School · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Dr. Wortle’s School by Anthony Trollope.
Chapter 1
I: Dr. Wortle
This chapter introduces Dr. Jeffrey Wortle, the Rector of Bowick and headmaster of a successful preparatory school. He is a confident, domineering, yet generous man who has quarrelled with three successive bishops, asserting his independence. His wife adores him, and his daughter Mary is a charming young woman. The chapter also details his school's reputation, his high fees, and his past conflicts with parents, including the Honourable Mrs. Stantiloup.
Chapter 2
The New Usher
The chapter introduces Mr. Peacocke, the new usher at Dr. Wortle's school, and his wife. Despite their growing friendship with the Wortles, the Peacockes refuse all social invitations, citing their unique position. An incident where Mr. Peacocke saves young De Lawle from drowning strengthens the bond. Mrs. Peacocke's refusal of a gift from a Marchioness and her isolation from society fuel rumors, particularly from Mrs. Stantiloup, hinting at a mysterious past.
Chapter 3
The Mystery
Dr. Wortle, prompted by the Bishop and rumors spread by Mrs. Stantiloup, feels compelled to inquire into Mr. Peacocke's past five years. He postpones the difficult conversation, dreading it. The chapter then reveals the mystery to the reader: Mr. Peacocke, a clergyman in America, married a woman he believed to be a widow. However, her first husband, Ferdinand Lefroy, reappeared, claiming the marriage was bigamous, and then vanished. The Peacockes have lived together under this shadow ever since, choosing not to part despite the moral and social implications.
Chapter 4
IV: The Doctor Asks His Question
Dr. Wortle, having promised the Bishop to question Mr. Peacocke about his life in America, wrestles with his conscience over the necessity of the inquiry. He writes to Mr. Peacocke, who arrives that evening. The Doctor explains the Bishop's concerns, but makes clear he is personally satisfied and will not press for answers. Mr. Peacocke acknowledges there is a story to tell, hinting at circumstances where he might not know if he did right or wrong, but asserting he could not have done otherwise. He leaves, having decided to tell the Doctor everything, though he knows it will mean leaving Bowick.
Chapter 5
V: “Then We Must Go”
Dr. Wortle, after his interview with Mr. Peacocke, reflects on the potential danger to his school's reputation if the secret becomes known. He is approached by Mr. Pearson and Mr. Puddicombe about the curacy, with the latter implying the Bishop's knowledge. Meanwhile, Mr. Peacocke and his wife discuss the necessity of confessing everything to the Doctor, concluding that they must leave Bowick if the truth is revealed. The Doctor, though outwardly maintaining his composure, grows increasingly uneasy about the mystery surrounding the Peacockes.
Chapter 6
Lord Carstairs
This chapter focuses on the friendship between Mr. Peacocke and Lord Carstairs, a young nobleman who returns to Bowick as a private pupil after being expelled from Eton. The Doctor and Mrs. Wortle discuss the potential dangers of having the young lord in close proximity to their daughter Mary, but the Doctor dismisses these concerns. Lord Carstairs becomes close to Mr. Peacocke, and the Earl of Bracy, impressed by his son's progress, invites Mr. and Mrs. Peacocke to spend the holidays at Carstairs. However, Mr. Peacocke, burdened by his secret, declines the invitation. The chapter also introduces the arrival of Robert Lefroy, a mysterious stranger who confronts Mr. Peacocke, and sets the stage for the impending revelation of the Peacockes' secret to Dr. Wortle.
Chapter 7
VII: Robert Lefroy
Robert Lefroy, the brother of the man who claims to be Mrs. Peacocke's true husband, arrives at Bowick and confronts Mr. Peacocke. He attempts to blackmail him, but Peacocke refuses to pay. Lefroy then leaves to tell his story to Dr. Wortle, while Peacocke resolves to stick to his planned confession.
Chapter 8
VIII: The Story Is Told
Dr. Wortle confronts Mr. Peacocke after Robert Lefroy's accusations. Peacocke begins to tell his true story, revealing the complexities of his marriage and the events in America. The chapter also shows Peacocke's internal turmoil as he continues his duties at the school while awaiting the Doctor's judgment.
Chapter 9
IX: Mrs. Wortle and Mr. Puddicombe
After Mr. Peacocke confesses his situation to Dr. Wortle, the Doctor is deeply troubled and seeks counsel from his wife and Mr. Puddicombe. Mrs. Wortle, though sympathetic, insists that the Peacockes must leave, fearing scandal and the loss of the school's reputation. Dr. Wortle struggles between his conscience and his duty to his parish and school, ultimately deciding to consult Mr. Puddicombe.
Chapter 10
Mr. Peacocke Goes
Dr. Wortle, though initially angered by his wife and Mr. Puddicombe, is deeply affected by their counsel that Mr. Peacocke must leave. A chance word from Robert Lefroy suggests that his brother Ferdinand might be dead, sparking a plan in the Doctor's mind. Despite Mr. Puddicombe's insistence that the Peacockes must part and leave, Dr. Wortle is determined to find a way to make things right. He arranges for Mr. Peacocke to travel to America with Robert Lefroy to obtain evidence of Ferdinand's death. The Doctor finances the journey, and Mr. Peacocke departs, leaving his wife under Dr. Wortle's protection. The chapter also touches on Mrs. Wortle's anxieties about Lord Carstairs's growing attachment to Mary.
Chapter 11
The Bishop
Mr. Peacocke's secret becomes known throughout the diocese, and the general opinion is that Mrs. Peacocke should not remain at the school. Dr. Wortle defends his decision to let her stay, arguing that he could not turn her out. He feels compelled to tell the Bishop the whole story, despite his reluctance. The Bishop, while courteous, is concerned about the scandal and the potential harm to the school and the parish. He suggests that Mrs. Peacocke's presence is a misfortune, and the Doctor, in his defiance, states that he will be the judge of his own actions. Meanwhile, Lady Margaret Momson visits Mrs. Wortle and hints that the school may be ruined, suggesting that the Doctor should give it up. Mrs. Wortle is upset by this, and the Doctor reacts with anger, criticizing the world's religion as more odious than its lack of it.
Chapter 12
The Stantiloup Correspondence
Mrs. Stantiloup, staying at Buttercup Hall, rallies the ladies against Dr. Wortle's school, pressuring the Momsons to withdraw their son and writing to Lady Grogram to influence the Talbots. The Bishop remains guarded, and Dr. Wortle responds to Mr. Momson's withdrawal with a dignified letter.
Chapter 13
I: Mr. Puddicombe’s Boot
The chapter opens with the Broughton Gazette publishing a scathing article about Dr. Wortle, criticizing him for allowing Mr. Peacocke to preach in his church and for employing him in his school despite the scandalous circumstances. Dr. Wortle is furious and considers responding, but after consulting Mr. Puddicombe, he is advised to remain silent. The chapter ends with Dr. Wortle visiting Mrs. Peacocke, who offers to leave the school to avoid further damage to his reputation, but he insists she stay.
Chapter 14
Everybody's Business
Dr. Wortle becomes the subject of a scurrilous article in the periodical 'Everybody's Business,' which implies impropriety in his relationship with Mrs. Peacocke. The Bishop, influenced by local gossip, writes a warning letter, prompting a tense correspondence. Dr. Wortle, feeling his honor attacked, threatens legal action against the newspaper and demands the Bishop's support, leading to a confrontation at the palace.
Chapter 15
III: “Amo in the Cool of the Evening”
Dr. Wortle consults his lawyers about suing the newspaper that published the libelous joke 'Amo in the cool of the evening,' which implied he was making love to Mrs. Peacocke. He is furious with the Bishop for sending him the paper and for the rebuke he received. As he walks through the woods, he calms down and considers the Bishop's mistake, wondering whether he truly wants to crush him. The lawyer reports that the newspaper is willing to apologize, but Dr. Wortle is torn between accepting the apology and pursuing the action to clear his name. Meanwhile, the school has dwindled to twenty pupils, and Dr. Wortle feels ashamed and heartbroken.
Chapter 16
IV: “It Is Impossible”
While Dr. and Mrs. Wortle are away, Lord Carstairs visits the Rectory and declares his love to Mary Wortle. Mary, though surprised, firmly tells him it is impossible due to his youth and their different stations. Upon their return, Mrs. Wortle informs the Doctor, who initially seems proud but agrees that the match is impossible. Mary, though she appreciates the romantic gesture, does not dwell on it, while her mother feels a slight regret.
Chapter 17
The Journey
Mr. Peacocke travels with Robert Lefroy to America to verify the death of Ferdinand Lefroy. Lefroy reveals that Ferdinand died in San Francisco, but Peacocke insists on seeing the grave. They journey to New York and then to St. Louis, where Lefroy becomes increasingly hostile. Peacocke remains resolute, planning to continue to San Francisco to obtain proof.
Chapter 18
VII: “Nobody Has Condemned You Here”
Mrs. Wortle, having noticed that her husband no longer visits Mrs. Peacocke alone, becomes more attentive herself and grows fond of the woman. One morning, she finds Mrs. Peacocke has received a letter from Mr. Peacocke in New York, detailing his journey and the confirmation that Ferdinand Lefroy is dead. Mrs. Peacocke openly discusses her lack of sorrow at her first husband's death, explaining the misery of her early life and her profound love and gratitude for Mr. Peacocke. She defends her actions, refusing to repent for a love that feels right to her, and describes the ruin of her family during the war that led to her first marriage. Meanwhile, Dr. Wortle shows his wife a letter from a nobleman withdrawing his sons from the school, a clear sign of the damage to the school's reputation. He confides in Mrs. Wortle that he fears the school will fail and that he may have to close it, a prospect that brings him great unhappiness.
Chapter 19
Lord Bracy's Letter
The school and parish settle into quiet routine after the Bishop quarrel subsides. Mr. Peacocke writes from America with promising news about finding proof of Lefroy's death. Dr. Wortle receives a letter from Lord Bracy revealing that Lord Carstairs has declared his love for Mary Wortle. Lord Bracy writes favorably about the match, and Dr. Wortle discusses the matter with his wife before speaking to Mary, who is initially overwhelmed but begins to consider the possibility.
Chapter 20
At Chicago
Mr. Peacocke travels to San Francisco to obtain proof of Ferdinand Lefroy's death, including a photograph of his gravestone and certificates of burial. He then goes to Chicago to meet Robert Lefroy, who attempts to blackmail him by claiming that the buried man was not his brother but a cousin. A tense confrontation ensues, but Mr. Peacocke refuses to be intimidated and ultimately pays Lefroy the agreed sum, though Lefroy tries to shortchange him. Mr. Peacocke leaves for England, never to see Lefroy again.
Chapter 21
Conclusion
The final chapter of Dr. Wortle's School concludes the narrative, resolving the fates of the characters and reflecting on the themes of the story. It ties together the various plotlines, offering a final commentary on the social and moral issues explored throughout the book.
Chapter 22
X: The Doctor’s Answer
Mrs. Peacocke receives a letter from San Francisco with evidence of her first husband's death, and she informs Mrs. Wortle that Mr. Peacocke will return within a week or ten days. Meanwhile, the Wortle family is preoccupied with Lord Bracy's proposal for Mary. Mary is anxious about the decision, and her mother is torn between the prospect of greatness and the fear of a broken engagement. Eventually, Dr. Wortle decides to accept the proposal and writes a letter to Lord Bracy, expressing his willingness to consider the match despite the risks.
Chapter 23
Mr. Peacocke's Return
The chapter opens with the Earl's brief acceptance of Mary's engagement to Lord Carstairs, lifting Dr. Wortle's spirits and prompting him to focus on Mr. Peacocke's affairs. Mrs. Wortle, however, is consumed with anxiety about the engagement's security. Meanwhile, preparations for Mr. Peacocke's return and remarriage to Mrs. Peacocke proceed. Dr. Wortle consults Mr. Puddicombe about the propriety of the ceremony and ultimately burns letters he had written in defense of his actions. Mr. Peacocke returns to Bowick, is warmly received by the boys and staff, and the remarriage is arranged to take place in London, with Mrs. Peacocke allowed a private meeting beforehand.
Chapter 24
XII: Mary's Success
Lord Carstairs unexpectedly returns to Bowick, ostensibly to visit Mr. Peacocke, but really to see Mary. The young lovers meet and embrace, and the Doctor and Mrs. Wortle accept the situation. The chapter then jumps forward several months, showing the Peacockes settled back into their duties, the Doctor and Mrs. Wortle attending a reconciliatory dinner at the palace, and Lord Carstairs and Mary continuing their romance, with the Earl and Countess aware and seemingly tolerant.
