# The Stantiloup Correspondence explained — Dr. Wortle’s School

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Reputation and Scandal

Mrs. Stantiloup's campaign to ruin Dr. Wortle's school through gossip and correspondence.

### Moral Hypocrisy

The ladies' self-righteous condemnation while engaging in malicious gossip and exaggeration.

### Class and Privilege

The power of the gentry and clergy to shape social standing and enforce conformity.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Stantiloup

Leads the campaign against Dr. Wortle, spreading scandal and pressuring parents to remove their sons.

### Mr. Momson

Squire of Buttercup, reluctantly agrees to take his son away under Mrs. Stantiloup's influence.

### Mrs. Momson

Squire's wife, adheres to Mrs. Stantiloup's party, though she values the Doctor's scholarship.

### Lady Margaret Momson

Rector's wife, joins in condemning the Doctor and the Peacockes.

### Mrs. Rolland

Bishop's wife, quietly assents to the criticisms, though she is less assertive.

### The Bishop

Guarded in his response, avoids public declaration about the school.

## Key lines

> I do trust that there will be an end to all this kind of thing now.

Mrs. Stantiloup hopes the scandal will bring about the end of Dr. Wortle's school.

_She expresses her desire to see the school closed._

> What is Latin and Greek as compared to his soul?

Lady Margaret questions the value of classical education when moral corruption is at stake.

_She prioritizes moral purity over academic learning._

> I know that young Talbot is to leave. I wrote to Mrs. Talbot immediately when all this occurred, and I've heard from her cousin Lady Grogram that the boy is not to go back after the holidays.

Mrs. Stantiloup claims that young Talbot will leave the school, though this is not yet true.

_She spreads unverified rumors to damage the school's reputation._

## Links

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