# II: The New Postmaster-General explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

John Thomas is appointed postmaster-general after inventing a new farthing postage-stamp. He moves from Finsbury Square but remains loyal to Mary Tomkins. He proposes to her, but she refuses him, insisting that she is unworthy of his new high station.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Status

John Thomas's elevation to postmaster-general and his new title 'Lord Thomas' highlight the theme of social mobility and class distinction, as Mary Tomkins refuses him due to his high rank.

### Love and Marriage

John Thomas's proposal to Mary Tomkins and her refusal underscore the tension between love and social status in marriage.

## Character check-ins

### John Smith

John Thomas, now Lord Thomas, is gazetted postmaster-general and proposes to Mary Tomkins.

### Mary Crofts

Mary Tomkins is the object of John Thomas's affections; she refuses his proposal.

## Key lines

> He invented a new farthing postage-stamp, and it was felt that his claims could not be passed over.

His creation of a new farthing stamp made his promotion unavoidable.

_Explains the reason for John Thomas's appointment as postmaster-general._

> But though he was now Lord Thomas, he did not forget Mary Tomkins; for whether he were 'my lord' or simply 'Johnny Thomas,' he carried a loyal heart in his bosom.

Despite his new title, John Thomas remained faithful to Mary Tomkins, showing his constancy.

_Highlights John Thomas's loyalty despite his change in status._

> Never, never, never, never!

She refused him emphatically and repeatedly.

_Mary Tomkins's final rejection of John Thomas's proposal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/volume-iii-ii-the-new-postmaster-general
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_4_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters