# Jemima explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

The chapter describes a morning hunt at Rufford Hall, with a public breakfast for hunting farmers and a private one for ladies and gentlemen. Arabella Trefoil arrives last to make an impression, and Lord Rufford offers her a choice of horses, including the difficult mare Jemima. During the hunt, Arabella rides well alongside Lord Rufford, while Major Caneback struggles with Jemima. John Morton observes Arabella's interactions with Lord Rufford, feeling inadequate. The hunt ends with a fox found and killed within the park, followed by a move to Shugborough Springs.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Aristocracy

The chapter highlights the social hierarchy at the hunt, with Lord Rufford as the host, the hunting farmers in the public room, and the private breakfast for the elite.

### Love vs. Practicality

Arabella's calculated behavior—arriving last, riding with Lord Rufford—shows her pragmatic pursuit of a wealthy match over genuine affection.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity

The outrage over Goarly killing a fox contrasts with the casual violence of the hunt, and the Senator's rational questions expose the moral contradictions of the hunting community.

## Character check-ins

### Arabella Trefoil

Arrives last to the private breakfast to maximize effect, rides with Lord Rufford during the hunt, and shows determination to impress him.

### Lord Rufford

Hosts the hunt, offers Arabella a choice of horses, and rides with her, showing attentiveness and charm.

### John Morton

Attends the hunt in a morning coat and long trousers, feels out of place, and struggles to engage Arabella.

### Major Caneback

Rides the difficult mare Jemima, has multiple falls but persists, showing stubbornness and poor judgment.

### Senator Gotobed

Listens to discussions about Goarly at the public breakfast, questions the severity of punishment for killing a fox, and wanders the park during the hunt.

### John Runce

A hunting farmer who is outraged by the Senator's suggestion that a man should not be hanged for killing a fox; he moves away in indignation.

## Key lines

> He'll swing on a gallows afore he's dead

He will be hanged before he dies

_A farmer expresses extreme anger toward Goarly for killing a fox, reflecting the intense local sentiment._

> I like a girl to ride to hounds. I don't think she ever looks so well.

I admire a woman who hunts; it makes her appear most attractive.

_Lord Rufford expresses his preference for women who participate in hunting, influencing Arabella's determination to ride well._

> When I'm going to be married, he'll be the first present I shall make her.

When I marry, this horse will be my first gift to my wife.

_Lord Rufford hints at future marriage, using the horse as a romantic gesture, which Arabella interprets as a potential proposal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/xxii-jemima
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters