# Non-Impulsive explained — Framley Parsonage

> Chapter companion for Framley Parsonage by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mrs. Grantly, disappointed by the failure of the bishop bill and Lord De Terrier's ministry, decides to leave London but leaves Griselda with Lady Lufton. In a private conversation, she cautiously advises her daughter to show more impulsiveness to secure Lord Lufton's affections, while also considering Lord Dumbello as an alternative match. The chapter explores the political and social calculations behind marriage alliances.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Ambition and Class

Mrs. Grantly's careful calculation of Griselda's marriage prospects to Lord Lufton or Lord Dumbello illustrates the pursuit of social advancement through strategic alliances.

### Love and Marriage

The chapter treats marriage as a transactional arrangement, with Mrs. Grantly advising Griselda to feign impulsiveness to secure a titled husband.

### Patronage and Power

Dr. Grantly's disappointment over the failed bishop bill and the giants' retreat underscores the role of political patronage in ecclesiastical appointments.

### Gossip and Public Opinion

Mrs. Grantly worries that people will view Griselda's stay with Lady Lufton as a settled engagement, which could harm her reputation if it falls through.

## Character check-ins

### Griselda Grantly

Griselda is the subject of her mother's strategic advice on marriage; she remains reserved and non-impulsive, preferring London society.

### Mrs. Grantly

Mrs. Grantly, disappointed by the political setback, advises Griselda on how to attract Lord Lufton by appearing more impulsive, while also considering Lord Dumbello as a backup.

### Dr. Grantly

The archdeacon is disgusted by the failure of the bishop bill and the giants' retreat; he is bewildered by his wife's high ambitions for their daughter.

### Lady Lufton

Lady Lufton is Griselda's hostess in London; Mrs. Grantly trusts her but worries about the perception of a settled match.

### Lord Lufton

Lord Lufton is a potential suitor for Griselda; he is described as a good dancer and fond of parties, but not very attentive in London.

### Lord Dumbello

Lord Dumbello is mentioned as an alternative, wealthier suitor for Griselda, an 'embryo marquis' with a vast fortune.

### Mr. Harding

Mr. Harding is recalled by Dr. Grantly as the humble father of Mrs. Grantly, contrasting with her current social ambitions.

## Key lines

> Lord Lufton will not be a very rich man, but his property is respectable, and as far as I can learn his character is on the whole good. If they like each other, I should be contented with such a marriage.

Lord Lufton is not extremely wealthy, but he has a decent estate and a good reputation; if Griselda and he are mutually fond, I would accept the match.

_Mrs. Grantly assesses Lord Lufton as a suitable but not spectacular match for her daughter._

> A man does not wish to marry a statue, let the statue be ever so statuesque.

No man wants to wed a cold, unresponsive woman, no matter how beautiful she is.

_Mrs. Grantly reflects that Griselda's lack of impulsiveness may deter suitors like Lord Lufton._

> She could not teach her daughter to be impulsive, any more than she could teach her to be six feet high; but might it not be possible to teach her to seem so?

She cannot make Griselda naturally spontaneous, but she might coach her to appear that way.

_Mrs. Grantly considers the delicate task of instructing her daughter to feign emotional warmth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/framley_parsonage_se/chapters/xxv-non-impulsive
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/framley_parsonage_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/framley_parsonage_se/chapters