# XVII: A Public Meeting explained — Phoebe, Junior

> Chapter companion for Phoebe, Junior by Margaret Oliphant.

## What happens

Phoebe is persuaded by her grandmother to attend a public meeting of the Disestablishment Society, where she observes the social dynamics and oratory of the event. She engages in witty banter with a fellow attendee and listens to Mr. Northcote's passionate speech criticizing the Church and the College's misuse of funds.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Mobility

Phoebe's grandmother urges her to dress in bright colors to outshine others, highlighting the importance of appearance and social standing in the community.

### Religious Hypocrisy

Mr. Northcote's speech criticizes the Church for maintaining sinecures and misusing funds, while the Dissenting speakers themselves are shown as enjoying the social and rhetorical aspects of the meeting.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Phoebe's careful choice of attire and her role as a 'fine lady' contrast with the earnestness of the meeting, and the speakers' rhetoric may not match their actual practices.

## Character check-ins

### Phoebe Tozer

Reluctantly attends the meeting, dressed in a brown dress despite her grandmother's urging for something brighter; she plays the role of a fine lady and engages in clever repartee.

### Mrs. Tom Tozer

Encourages Phoebe to dress up and attend the meeting, showing pride in her granddaughter and a desire for her to outshine others.

### Mr. Northcote

Delivers a fiery speech at the meeting, criticizing the Church and the College's misuse of funds, and captures the audience's attention.

### Old Mr. Tozer

Disappears to put on his best coat to attend the meeting, eager to show off Phoebe.

### Clarence Copperhead

Mentioned as a young gentleman who has appeared in the cricket-field and is offered a chaplaincy sinecure, criticized by Mr. Northcote.

## Key lines

> I never see you out o' that brown thing, Phoebe; ain't you got a silk dress, child, or something that looks a bit younger-looking?

Mrs. Tozer criticizes Phoebe for always wearing a brown dress and asks if she has a silk dress that looks more youthful.

_Reflects the grandmother's concern for Phoebe's appearance and social presentation._

> It is we only who can dare to say that we are free!

The speaker boasts that only Nonconformists can claim true freedom, unlike the clergy of the established Church.

_Highlights the theme of religious independence and the rhetoric of the Dissenting movement._

> Have you a leading member? and does he never drag you at his chariot wheels? Have you deacons that keep you up to the mark?

Phoebe sarcastically asks the orator if he is also subject to the control of influential members and deacons in his own congregation.

_Shows Phoebe's wit and her awareness of the constraints faced by ministers even in Dissenting churches._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters/xvii-a-public-meeting
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phoebe_junior_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phoebe_junior_se/chapters