# The Masters Family explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

At the Masters' home, a family dispute arises over whether attorney Mr. Masters should take on Goarly's case against Lord Rufford for crop damages. Mrs. Masters argues for the financial opportunity, while Mr. Masters is reluctant due to his loyalty to the gentry. Their children, including Mary, Dolly, and Kate, observe the tension. Lawrence Twentyman visits, and his fondness for Mary is evident, though she has not accepted his proposal.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Aristocracy

Mr. Masters' loyalty to the gentry clashes with his wife's pragmatic view, highlighting class divisions and the attorney's precarious social position.

### Justice and Class Bias

The Goarly case raises questions about whether a poor man can get fair treatment against a lord, with Mrs. Masters arguing for equal legal access.

### Love vs. Practicality

Lawrence Twentyman's proposal to Mary is viewed practically by the family (his income and status), while Mary's feelings remain ambiguous.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Masters

The attorney, conflicted between his loyalty to the gentry and his wife's push to take Goarly's case for profit.

### Mary Masters

Eldest daughter, thoughtful and sympathetic to her father's position, though aware of her mother's practical wisdom.

### Lawrence Twentyman

A well-to-do farmer and friend of the family, who has proposed to Mary and is liked by all except perhaps Mary herself.

### Kate Masters

Fifteen-year-old daughter, fond of Mr. Twentyman and eager to open the door for him.

### Dolly

Sixteen-year-old daughter, present at the family discussion.

## Key lines

> I think there’s a deal of selfishness in sport and a deal of tyranny.

Mrs. Masters criticizes hunting as selfish and tyrannical, especially when it harms farmers' crops.

_Reflects her resentment toward the gentry and her support for Goarly's lawsuit._

> Any man is my client, or any woman, who can come and pay me for business that is fit for me to do.

Mr. Masters asserts that he will take any paying client, regardless of social standing, as long as the work is proper.

_Shows his attempt to reconcile professional duty with his personal leanings._

## Links

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