# Showing What Hugh Stanbury Thought About the Duty of Man explained — He Knew He Was Right

> Chapter companion for He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Sir Marmaduke Rowley writes to Hugh Stanbury refusing his consent to marry Nora, citing insufficient and insecure income. Stanbury responds defiantly, arguing for the permanence and respectability of his profession as a journalist. Sir Marmaduke visits Stanbury at the D.R. office, where a heated debate ensues over the value of journalism versus traditional professions. Stanbury remains resolute, dismissing the father's authority and asserting his intention to marry Nora regardless.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Professional Identity

Stanbury defends journalism as a legitimate and powerful profession against Sir Marmaduke's traditional aristocratic view, highlighting class tensions.

### Pride and Stubbornness

Both Stanbury and Sir Marmaduke refuse to yield: Stanbury insists on his right to marry Nora, while Sir Marmaduke clings to his authority and social prejudices.

## Character check-ins

### Hugh Stanbury

Receives Sir Marmaduke's refusal letter, responds defiantly, and argues passionately for the dignity of his profession during an interview at the D.R. office.

### Sir Marmaduke Rowley

Writes to refuse consent to Stanbury's proposal, then visits the D.R. office to confront Stanbury, defending traditional notions of professional respectability.

### Nora Rowley

The subject of the marriage dispute; Stanbury is determined to marry her despite her father's opposition.

### Lady Rowley

Advises Sir Marmaduke that Stanbury deserves a formal answer to his proposal, influencing the tone of the refusal letter.

## Key lines

> I need hardly point out to you that no father would be justified in giving his daughter to a gentleman upon so small an income, and upon an income so very insecure.

Sir Marmaduke writes that no responsible father would allow his daughter to marry a man with such a small and unstable income.

_Sir Marmaduke's formal refusal letter to Stanbury._

> If his Nora should choose to come to him as she was, he having had all previous necessary arrangements duly made—such as calling of banns or procuring of licence if possible—he thought that a father's opposition would almost add something to the pleasure of the occasion.

Stanbury imagines that if Nora elopes with him, her father's opposition would only make the marriage more satisfying.

_Stanbury's rebellious attitude toward parental authority._

> Who is most thought of in London, Sir Marmaduke—the Lord Chancellor or the Editor of the Jupiter?

Stanbury asks Sir Marmaduke whether the Lord Chancellor or a newspaper editor is more respected in London.

_Stanbury's provocative comparison to defend the status of journalism._

## Links

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