# Conclusion explained — Rachel Ray

> Chapter companion for Rachel Ray by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

The final chapter resolves the story with Luke Rowan taking over the brewery after Mr. Tappitt's abdication. Rachel Ray overcomes her fear of her mother-in-law, Mrs. Rowan, who warmly accepts her. Rachel receives visits from Mrs. Butler Cornbury and others, and she and Luke marry on New Year's Day at Cawston church, followed by a trip to Penzance. Mrs. Ray remains at the cottage with Mrs. Prime, who may still be courted by Mr. Prong, and Luke's brewing success is acknowledged.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The chapter culminates in Rachel and Luke's marriage, with family acceptance and a wedding on New Year's Day.

### Commerce and Moral Integrity

Luke's takeover of the brewery and Tappitt's abdication highlight the moral and practical challenges of business succession.

### Family and Filial Duty

Rachel's relationship with her mother-in-law evolves, and Mrs. Ray's continued presence at the cottage underscores family bonds.

## Character check-ins

### Rachel Ray

Rachel overcomes her fear of Mrs. Rowan, receives visits from Mrs. Butler Cornbury, and marries Luke on New Year's Day.

### Luke Rowan

Luke takes over the brewery after Tappitt's abdication, meets with Tappitt amicably, and marries Rachel.

### Mrs. Ray

Mrs. Ray remains at the cottage with Mrs. Prime but spends much time at the brewery.

### Mrs. Prime

Mrs. Prime stays at the cottage and may still be courted by Mr. Prong.

### Mr. Tappitt

Mr. Tappitt abdicates the brewery, meets with Luke Rowan, and is depicted as a diminished figure.

### Mrs. Tappitt

Mrs. Tappitt asserts herself after Tappitt's abdication, demanding her rights based on the thousand a year.

## Key lines

> No man should abdicate—unless, indeed, he does so for his soul’s advantage. As to happiness in this life it is hardly compatible with that diminished respect which ever attends the relinquishing of labour.

A man should not give up his work unless it benefits his soul, because losing the respect that comes with labor makes happiness in life nearly impossible.

_This reflects on Mr. Tappitt's abdication and the loss of dignity that follows._

> Rachel when she returned could not bear to be told that it had been cold. There was no winter, she said, at Penzance—and so she continued to say ever afterwards.

Rachel insisted that it was never cold during her honeymoon in Penzance, and she maintained this claim for the rest of her life.

_This illustrates Rachel's happiness and romantic idealization of her marriage trip._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/rachel_ray_se/chapters/xxx-conclusion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/rachel_ray_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/rachel_ray_se/chapters