The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
The Cross-Grainedness of Men explained
The chapter explores the stubbornness and pride of both Archdeacon Grantly and his son Major Grantly as they clash over the major's engagement to Grace Crawley.
What happens
The chapter explores the stubbornness and pride of both Archdeacon Grantly and his son Major Grantly as they clash over the major's engagement to Grace Crawley. The archdeacon, having met Grace and been impressed by her promise not to marry his son while her father is under suspicion, agrees to withdraw his opposition if Mr. Crawley is acquitted. However, he refuses to communicate this directly to his son, leading to a tense standoff. Mrs. Grantly mediates, writing to the major to smooth things over, but the major remains resolute, unwilling to yield to his father's threats. The chapter ends with the major visiting Plumstead, where the two men take a walk, still avoiding the central conflict.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Duty
The conflict between Archdeacon Grantly and his son Henry highlights the tension between filial duty and personal autonomy, as both struggle with pride and the desire to maintain family bonds.
Pride and Humility
Both the archdeacon and the major exhibit stubborn pride, refusing to yield to each other, while Grace Crawley's humble promise demonstrates a contrasting humility.
Gossip and Public Opinion
The suspicion surrounding Mr. Crawley's guilt influences the marriage negotiations, showing how public opinion and reputation affect personal relationships.
Characters to notice
- Archdeacon Grantly
Visits Grace Crawley at Framley and is charmed by her, promising to withdraw opposition if her father is acquitted. Later, he struggles with his pride and avoids direct communication with his son.
- Major Grantly
Remains firm in his resolve to marry Grace Crawley despite his father's threats to withdraw his allowance. He refuses to cancel the sale of his furniture and plans to move to France.
- Mrs. Grantly
Acts as a mediator between her husband and son, writing to the major to reassure him and lamenting the 'cross-grainedness of men.' She is skeptical of her husband's impulsive promises.
- Grace Crawley
Impressed the archdeacon with her promise not to marry Major Grantly while her father is under suspicion. Her integrity and ladylike behavior win over the archdeacon.
- Mr. Harding
Mentioned as the major's grandfather, who is not very strong and is visited by Mrs. Grantly.
Key passages
““Grace Crawley would disgrace no family,” said the lover.”
Major Grantly insists that Grace Crawley is a worthy match and would not bring shame to any family.
The major defends Grace's character against implied criticism from his mother.
““You should not be hard on him, Henry. Don’t you see that it is his one great desire to keep you near to him?””
Mrs. Grantly urges her son to understand that his father's actions stem from a wish to have him close.
She appeals to Henry's sense of family duty and empathy.
““Upon his own head be it,” said”
The archdeacon implies that any consequences of the major's stubbornness are his own responsibility.
This reflects the archdeacon's frustration and his decision to let his son face the results of his choices.