The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
Mr. Crawley Is Conquered explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Crawley accepts the living of St. Ewolds after much hesitation, and he and his wife visit Plumstead, where he struggles with social expectations and his own pride.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Humility
Mr. Crawley's struggle between his pride in his principles and his humility in accepting help is central, as he reluctantly dons new clothes and visits Plumstead.
Social Class and Reputation
The chapter explores Crawley's discomfort in a higher social circle and the archdeacon's preference for those with 'interest' over those without.
Family and Duty
Grace's happiness is tied to her father's acceptance of St. Ewolds, and the Crawley family's duty to adapt to their new circumstances is a key theme.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Crawley
Accepts St. Ewolds after a letter expressing his doubts and scruples; visits Plumstead and feels out of place among the gentry.
- Archdeacon Grantly
Displeased with Crawley's letter but ultimately hosts him at Plumstead; engages in banter about foxes and the bishop.
- Grace Crawley
Overjoyed at the change in her family's fortunes, feeling that the gifts and attention she receives confirm her happiness.
- Dean Arabin
Supports Crawley's transition, helps with his new coat, and accompanies him to Plumstead.
- Mrs. Grantly
Kind to Grace and hosts the Crawleys at Plumstead, showing warmth and generosity.
- Major Grantly
Present at dinner, mentions the fox earth at Hoggle Bushes.
Key passages
“A man who pretends to conscientious scruples of that kind is not fit to have a parish”
The archdeacon believes that a clergyman who raises such conscientious objections is unsuitable for a parish.
Archdeacon Grantly's frustration with Crawley's hesitation.
“I always button up my pocket when I hear of scruples”
The archdeacon becomes tight-fisted whenever someone mentions moral qualms.
Archdeacon's cynical view of scruples in financial matters.
“you shall take a cock which is lord of the farmyard—the cock of all that walk—and when you have daubed his feathers with mud, he shall be thrashed by every dunghill coward”
If you degrade a once-respected man, even the lowest will attack him.
Mr. Crawley's metaphor for his own fall from dignity.