# I: Dr. Wortle explained — Dr. Wortle’s School

> Chapter companion for Dr. Wortle’s School by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Privilege

The chapter highlights the social standing of Dr. Wortle, his school for sons of the nobility, and his interactions with the Honourable Mrs. Stantiloup.

### Integrity and Conscience

Dr. Wortle's insistence on his own standards, his refusal to be dictated to by bishops, and his pride in his independence reflect his personal integrity.

### The Role of the Church

The chapter describes Dr. Wortle's conflicts with successive bishops over his clerical duties and his outspoken anti-pietistic views.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Wortle

The protagonist, a successful and domineering rector and schoolmaster, known for his independence and generosity.

### Mrs. Wortle

The Doctor's devoted wife, who admires him and relies on their daughter Mary for influence.

### Mary Wortle

The Wortles' daughter, nearly eighteen, known for her beauty and her ability to influence her father.

### Mrs. Stantiloup

A parent of a former pupil, mentioned as a source of past conflict with the Doctor.

## Key lines

> He was just, and liked his justice to be recognised. He was generous also, and liked that, too, to be known.

Dr. Wortle valued being seen as fair and generous, and he took pride in his reputation for these qualities.

_This illustrates his desire for recognition and his self-assured nature._

> He was a domineering husband. As his wife worshipped him, and regarded him as a Jupiter on earth from whose nod there could be and should be no appeal, but little harm came from this.

Although Dr. Wortle was controlling in his marriage, his wife's adoration and belief in his authority meant that this caused no real problems.

_This shows the dynamic of their relationship and the wife's devotion._

## Links

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