# LXXII: “Bid Him Be a Man” explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mr. Masters, overjoyed by Mary's news of Reginald Morton's proposal, borrows Runciman's pony to ride to Chowton Farm and deliver Mary's message to Lawrence Twentyman. He finds Larry in despair, but urges him to be a man, hunt, and show the world he is not broken. Larry wrestles with his grief, resolves to follow her advice, and encounters Goarly, who tries to sell him land. Larry refuses to deal with the scoundrel but is tempted by the offer. He tells his mother of Mary's engagement and prepares to hunt the next day.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Practicality

Larry's heartbreak over Mary's rejection contrasts with the practical advice to move on and maintain his social standing through hunting and work.

### Rural Life and Community

The chapter highlights the interconnectedness of Dillsborough society through gossip, land deals, and hunting traditions.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity

Larry's internal struggle between his genuine grief and the social expectation to hide it, as well as his contempt for Goarly despite being tempted by his land, illustrates moral complexity.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Masters

Rides to Chowton Farm to deliver Mary's message to Larry; reflects on his regained position at Bragton and his daughter's engagement.

### Lawrence Twentyman

Heartbroken over Mary's engagement, he struggles with despair but resolves to follow her advice to be a man and hunt; encounters Goarly and refuses to deal with him.

### Mary Masters

Sends a message of love and encouragement to Larry through her father, bidding him to be a man.

### Reginald Morton

Has made a formal offer to Mary; seen walking with her at Bragton.

### Goarly

Skulks in Dillsborough Wood and attempts to sell his land to Larry, but is rebuffed.

### Mr. Runciman

Lends his pony to Mr. Masters and expresses concern about Larry's drinking.

## Key lines

> Bid him be a man!

Tell him to act with courage and dignity.

_Mary's message to Larry through her father, urging him to overcome his heartbreak._

> The desire for land among such as Larry Twentyman is almost a disease in England.

The craving to own land is an almost pathological obsession for English farmers like Larry.

_Narrator's observation on the cultural importance of land ownership._

> I always hated him from the first moment I saw him. What do you expect from a fellow who never gets atop of a horse?

I despised Reginald Morton from the start; what can you expect from a man who never rides?

_Larry's bitter remark to his mother about Reginald Morton, revealing his jealousy and disdain._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/lxxii-bid-him-be-a-man
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters