# I: Mr. Puddicombe’s Boot explained — Dr. Wortle’s School

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Reputation and Scandal

The newspaper article threatens Dr. Wortle's reputation, and he struggles with the urge to defend himself publicly.

### Moral Hypocrisy

The Broughton Gazette criticizes Dr. Wortle for employing Mr. Peacocke, while Dr. Wortle argues that the Peacockes are morally superior to their critics.

### Loyalty and Friendship

Dr. Wortle remains loyal to Mr. Peacocke and his wife, despite public pressure and the advice of others.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Wortle

Furious about the newspaper article, consults Mr. Puddicombe, and later visits Mrs. Peacocke to reassure her.

### Mrs. Wortle

Listens to her husband's anger and suggests the Peacockes should have separated, but remains supportive.

### Mr. Puddicombe

Advises Dr. Wortle not to respond to the newspaper, using the metaphor of his dirty boot to illustrate the futility of engaging with mud.

### Mrs. Peacocke

Reads the newspaper article and offers to leave Bowick to spare Dr. Wortle further trouble, but he refuses.

## Key lines

> “It seems to me,” he said, “almost necessary that I should answer such allegations as these for the sake of truth.”

Dr. Wortle feels compelled to respond to the newspaper's accusations to uphold the truth.

_Dr. Wortle's initial reaction to the article._

> “You are not responsible for the truth of the Broughton Gazette ,” said Mr. Puddicombe.

Mr. Puddicombe reminds Dr. Wortle that he is not accountable for what the newspaper prints.

_Mr. Puddicombe's advice to ignore the article._

> “I don’t think she wants anything,” said Mrs. Wortle, weakly.

Mrs. Wortle hesitantly suggests that Mrs. Peacocke does not need anything.

_Mrs. Wortle's reluctance for her husband to visit Mrs. Peacocke._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dr_wortle_s_school_se/chapters/part-v-i-mr-puddicombe-s-boot
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dr_wortle_s_school_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dr_wortle_s_school_se/chapters