# The Old Kennels explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

John Morton decides not to invite Reginald Morton to dinner after his grandmother's objections, instead inviting clergymen Mr. Cooper and Mr. Mainwaring. The chapter then follows a fox hunt meet at the Old Kennels, where Senator Gotobed observes the proceedings with skepticism. The hunt is disrupted when poison is discovered, forcing the hounds to be secured in a barn.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rural Life and Community

The hunt meet at the Old Kennels illustrates the social rituals and communal activities of rural English gentry, including interactions between landowners, farmers, and huntsmen.

### American vs. British Values

Senator Gotobed's critical observations of the hunt highlight the contrast between American pragmatism and British tradition, as he questions the efficiency and purpose of the sport.

## Character check-ins

### John Morton

Debates inviting Reginald Morton but defers to his grandmother; hosts the hunt meet and introduces Senator Gotobed to Lord Rufford.

### Mrs. Morton

Objects to meeting Reginald Morton, citing past grievances; insists on inviting clergymen and having a fire in the church.

### Senator Gotobed

Observes the hunt with critical curiosity, questioning its efficiency and purpose; is present when poison is discovered.

### Lord Rufford

Greets Morton at the meet, offers a horse to the Senator, and persuades the Master to draw Bragton spinnies.

### Tony Tuppett

Huntsman who leads the hounds; comments on the lack of foxes at Bragton and secures the hounds in a barn after poison is found.

### Lawrence Twentyman

His farm, Chowton Farm, is passed by the hunt; his beer is available to riders.

## Key lines

> I couldn’t have met him, John; I couldn’t indeed. I remember so well all that occurred when your poor infatuated old great-grandfather would have that woman into the house!

Mrs. Morton refuses to meet Reginald Morton, recalling a past scandal involving her great-grandfather and a woman.

_Highlights Mrs. Morton's deep-seated grudge and the family's social tensions._

> I don’t think they’d get a living in the States. Then they’re right to stay where they are.

Senator Gotobed criticizes the farmers' lack of conversational skill, and Morton retorts that they are better off in England.

_Illustrates the cultural clash between American and British perspectives on rural life._

> And these hundred gentlemen will go home quite satisfied with themselves? No;—they’ll go home quite dissatisfied.

Senator Gotobed questions whether hunters would be content after a day without finding a fox, and Morton explains they would be disappointed.

_Shows the Senator's skepticism about the efficiency and value of fox hunting._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/ix-the-old-kennels
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters