The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
The Obstinacy of Mr. Crawley explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Robarts visits Mr. Crawley to persuade him to reconsider his resignation, but Crawley insists on his duty to resign despite the impact on his family. Dr. Tempest, after Mrs. Proudie's death, sees an opportunity to help Crawley and sends Robarts to intervene. Crawley remains steadfast, believing he must act according to his conscience.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Humility
Mr. Crawley's obstinate adherence to his sense of duty, even at the cost of his family's welfare, reflects a complex interplay of pride in his moral rectitude and humility before his perceived unworthiness.
Poverty and Suffering
Crawley's contemplation of leaving his wife and children in want highlights the theme of poverty and the suffering it causes, as he prioritizes spiritual duty over material needs.
Clergy and Morality
The chapter delves into the moral obligations of a clergyman, with Crawley arguing that he must resign if he believes he is unfit, while others see the practical need to retain his living.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Crawley
Shows obstinacy in his decision to resign, arguing that duty to his parish outweighs personal and family considerations.
- Mr. Robarts
Visits Crawley at Dr. Tempest's request to persuade him to retain his living, but is moved by Crawley's resolve.
- Dr. Tempest
Sends for Robarts after Mrs. Proudie's death, hoping to use the changed circumstances to help Crawley.
- Mrs. Proudie
Her death is discussed as a sudden and awful event, and it shifts the political landscape regarding Crawley's case.
- Major Grantly
Mentioned in passing as having visited the Crawleys and having made a conquest of the archdeacon.
- Archdeacon Grantly
Referenced as being won over by Grace Crawley, indicating approval of Major Grantly's interest.
- Mr. Thumble
Mentioned as the pernicious figure sent to Hogglestock; Dr. Tempest suggests Robarts may need to deal with him.
Key passages
“It seemeth to me that there should be no chance on such a subject; that in the adjustment of so momentous a matter there should be a consideration of right and wrong, and no consideration of aught beside.”
Crawley insists that his decision about the living must be based solely on moral principle, not on practical consequences.
Highlights Crawley's rigid moral stance and his rejection of pragmatic considerations.
“Wife and children, dear as they are to you and to me—as dear to me as to you—fade from the sight when the time comes for judgment on such a matter as that!”
Crawley argues that in matters of moral duty, even the love for one's family must be set aside.
Illustrates the extreme nature of Crawley's sense of duty, which overrides personal attachments.