# Mr. Crawley's Letter to the Dean explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

> Chapter companion for The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mr. Crawley, after his walk to Silverbridge, remains determined to resign his living despite advice from Dr. Tempest and his wife. He has written a letter to the dean explaining his reasons, which include the opinions of parishioners and the bishop's commission. Mrs. Crawley hopes the dean will help after his return. The bishop's chaplain replies that Mr. Thumble will relieve Mr. Crawley on Sunday, a prospect Mr. Crawley finds bitter but endures.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Humility

Mr. Crawley's determination to resign the living is driven by a sense of pride and conscience, while he struggles with humility in accepting advice and enduring Mr. Thumble's visit.

### Poverty and Suffering

The Crawleys face financial hardship and social suffering due to the accusation, with the living being their only source of bread.

### Clergy and Morality

The chapter explores the moral dilemmas of a clergyman facing accusations, the bishop's commission, and the duty to parishioners.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Crawley

Determined to resign his living, writes a letter to the dean, and struggles with the advice of Dr. Tempest and his own conscience.

### Mrs. Crawley

Hopes the dean will help after his return, and believes her husband will be acquitted.

### Dr. Tempest

Writes a letter advising Mr. Crawley not to resign until after the trial.

### Dean Arabin

The recipient of Mr. Crawley's letter; Mrs. Crawley hopes for his help upon his return.

### Mr. Thumble

Scheduled to relieve Mr. Crawley at Hogglestock, a prospect Mr. Crawley finds distasteful.

### Giles Hoggett

Referenced as a teacher of wisdom, with the phrase 'It's dogged as does it.'

## Key lines

> It's dogged as does it.

Persistent determination is what gets things done.

_Mr. Crawley reflects on Giles Hoggett's advice about perseverance._

> I will endure even that.

I will tolerate even that.

_Mr. Crawley's resigned acceptance of Mr. Thumble's visit._

## Links

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