Eminent Victorians · Chapter
VI explained
This chapter details the conflict between Cardinal Manning and John Henry Newman after Manning's appointment to the See of Westminster.
What happens
This chapter details the conflict between Cardinal Manning and John Henry Newman after Manning's appointment to the See of Westminster. Manning, now the ruler of Roman Catholic England, uses his power to block Newman's plan to establish an Oratory at Oxford, fearing Newman's influence. With the help of Monsignor Talbot in Rome, Manning orchestrates a secret instruction from Propaganda that prevents Newman from residing at Oxford, crushing his spirit and leading to a poignant scene where Newman is seen weeping at Littlemore.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Authority
Manning's use of ecclesiastical power to suppress Newman's influence exemplifies the struggle over authority within the Church, contrasting autocratic rule with spiritual independence.
Ambition and Worldly Success
Manning's 'born autocrat' appetite for dominion and his strategic maneuvering to consolidate power highlight the theme of ambition in religious leadership.
The Nature of Biography and History
The chapter's dramatic portrayal of Manning and Newman's conflict, with vivid imagery like 'the meeting of the eagle and the dove,' reflects Strachey's biographical method of shaping historical narrative through character and incident.
Characters to notice
- Cardinal Manning
Newly appointed to the See of Westminster, Manning uses his power to block Newman's Oxford Oratory scheme, acting with autocratic determination.
- John Henry Newman
Newman's plan to establish an Oratory at Oxford is thwarted by Manning's secret machinations, leading to his emotional breakdown at Littlemore.
- Monsignor Talbot
Manning's ally in Rome, Talbot actively works to undermine Newman, calling him 'the most dangerous man in England' and advocating for his spirit to be crushed.
- Father St. John
Newman's friend who travels to Rome to defend Newman's cause but obtains only a hollow offer of a Protonotary Apostolic position.
- Cardinal Reisach
Visits London and Oxford, inspecting land for the Oratory without Newman's knowledge, as part of Manning's plan.
- Lord Edward Howard
Leads the laity in sending an address of support to Newman after an anonymous attack, but this only provokes further hostility from Talbot.
Key passages
“It was the meeting of the eagle and the dove. What followed showed, more clearly perhaps than any other incident in his career, the stuff that Manning was made of.”
The encounter between Manning and Newman was like a predator meeting a gentle bird, and Manning's subsequent actions revealed his true character more than any other event.
Strachey uses this metaphor to emphasize Manning's predatory nature and the decisive moment of their conflict.
“What is the province of the laity? To hunt, to shoot, to entertain. These matters they understand, but to meddle with ecclesiastical matters they have no right at all.”
Monsignor Talbot dismisses the laity's role as limited to leisure activities, asserting they have no authority in church affairs.
This quote illustrates the ultramontane view of lay participation and the tension between clergy and laity in the Catholic Church.
“I do not know whether I am on my head or my heels when I have active relations with you. In spite of my friendly feelings, this is the judgment of my intellect.”
Newman tells Manning that dealing with him leaves him completely disoriented, despite his goodwill.
Newman's letter captures his frustration and confusion in the face of Manning's duplicity.
