Orley Farm · Chapter
LXI: The State of Public Opinion explained
As the trial approaches, public opinion is divided: younger barristers believe Lady Mason is innocent, while older barristers and attorneys suspect her guilt but expect an acquittal due to skilled lawyers like Mr.
What happens
As the trial approaches, public opinion is divided: younger barristers believe Lady Mason is innocent, while older barristers and attorneys suspect her guilt but expect an acquittal due to skilled lawyers like Mr. Furnival, Solomon Aram, and Mr. Chaffanbrass. The romance of Sir Peregrine's attachment adds to her popularity. In Hamworth, Dockwrath's confidence sways local sentiment. The witnesses—Dockwrath, Torrington, Bridget Bolster, and John Kenneby—feel the weight of attention, with Kenneby particularly anxious. A supper party at Moulder's discusses the trial and Kenneby's resolve to tell the truth.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
The chapter explores the tension between public perception of truth and the legal process, as witnesses like Kenneby vow to tell the truth while others doubt the system's interest in it.
Reputation and Scandal
Lady Mason's reputation is shaped by the romance of Sir Peregrine's attachment, while Dockwrath's confidence affects local opinion, highlighting how scandal influences public sentiment.
Characters to notice
- Lady Mason
The defendant in the upcoming trial; public opinion is divided on her guilt, but she enjoys popularity due to the romance of Sir Peregrine's attachment.
- Mr. Furnival
One of the lawyers defending Lady Mason; attorneys have great faith in his ability to secure an acquittal.
- Mr. Chaffanbrass
A key defense lawyer; attorneys believe if he cannot secure an acquittal, things must be much altered in English criminal court.
- Samuel Dockwrath
A witness for the prosecution; he is confident in his case and propagates his view in Hamworth, swaying local opinion.
- Mr. Kenneby
A witness for the prosecution; he is deeply anxious about the trial and cross-examination, but resolves to tell the truth.
Key passages
“The day of the trial was now quickly coming on, and the London world, especially the world of lawyers, was beginning to talk much on the subject.”
The trial date was approaching, and London's legal community was increasingly discussing the case.
Sets the scene for the chapter's focus on public opinion.
“To the outer world, that portion of the world which had nothing to do with the administration of the law, the idea of Lady Mason having been guilty seemed preposterous.”
To the general public, not involved in legal matters, the notion of Lady Mason's guilt appeared absurd.
Highlights the divide between legal professionals and the public.
“I shall endeavour to speak the truth, said John Kenneby, solemnly. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, said Moulder.”
John Kenneby solemnly declared he would try to tell the truth, and Moulder echoed the legal oath.
Illustrates Kenneby's anxiety and Moulder's skepticism about the trial.