# The Brunnenthal Peacock explained — Short Fiction > Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Anthony Trollope. ## What happens The chapter introduces Frau Frohmann, a conservative and domineering Tyrolean widow who owns and operates the Brunnenthal Peacock hotel. She is a self-styled despot who values tradition, resists change, and rules her household and guests with an iron hand, though she is also generous to the poor. The hotel is described in detail, with emphasis on its grand dinners and the Frau's absolute authority. Her two counsellors—Father Conolin, representing her conscience and traditionalism, and a younger advisor representing worldly prudence—are introduced, highlighting the tension between preserving old ways and adapting to modern influences. ## Themes in this chapter ### Economic Hardship and Charity Frau Frohmann's secret generosity to the poor sick widow and orphan, hiding her charitable dealings from others. ### Morality and Hypocrisy The Frau's Toryism and resistance to change contrasted with her inevitable adoption of innovations like the later dinner hour and bathhouse. ### Travel and Cultural Encounter The Brunnenthal Peacock as a destination for foreign tourists, including English guests, and the tension between local traditions and outside influences. ## Character check-ins ### Frau Frohmann The central figure, a Tory-like widow who runs the Brunnenthal Peacock with despotic benevolence, resisting change but generous to the poor. ### Malchen Frau Frohmann's daughter, also called Amalia, who serves as an indoor helper but has no real authority. ### Fritz Planken Mentioned as the son of Frau Frohmann, Peter, who is diligent but only an out-of-doors right hand without authority. ## Key lines > If ever there was a Tory upon earth, the Frau Frohmann was a Tory; for I hold that landed possessions, gentle blood, a gray-haired butler behind one’s chair, and adherence to the Church of England, are not necessarily the distinguishing marks of Toryism. Frau Frohmann is described as a true Tory, not because of wealth or status, but because of her love of power and paternalistic rule. _Establishes the Frau's conservative, authoritarian character._ > She believed in the principles of despotism and paternal government—but always on the understanding that she was to be the despot. She supports authoritarian rule, but only when she is the one in charge. _Highlights her self-centered view of authority._ > The poor sick widow and the little orphan could generally deal with her at their own rates; on which occasions she would endeavour to hide her dealings from her own people, and would give injunctions to the favoured ones that the details of the transaction should not be made public. She secretly gives favorable terms to the needy, asking them to keep it quiet. _Shows her hidden generosity despite her tough exterior._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/i-the-brunnenthal-peacock - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_4_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters