The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
What the World Thought About It explained
The chapter explores the widespread public reaction to Mr.
What happens
The chapter explores the widespread public reaction to Mr. Crawley's alleged theft, focusing on the divided opinions among the Barsetshire gentry and clergy. Archdeacon Grantly fears the scandal will ruin his family's reputation if his son marries Grace Crawley, while Lady Lufton and her daughter-in-law staunchly defend Mr. Crawley's innocence. Lord Lufton and Mr. Robarts express more cautious doubts, and at the palace, Mrs. Proudie aggressively pushes for Mr. Crawley's conviction and removal from his living.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Reputation
The archdeacon's fear of disgrace and the Proudies' desire to remove Crawley highlight how social standing and reputation are paramount in Barsetshire society.
Gossip and Public Opinion
The chapter shows how the county is divided by rumor and speculation, with Lady Lufton's personal loyalty clashing with Mrs. Proudie's aggressive condemnation.
Clergy and Morality
The scandal forces a debate on whether a clergyman can be a thief, and the bishop's household uses the accusation to justify removing Crawley from his living.
Characters to notice
- Archdeacon Grantly
Fears that his son's intended marriage to Grace Crawley will bring disgrace; believes Mr. Crawley is guilty and worries about the impact on his own prosperity and reputation.
- Mrs. Grantly
Questions the assumption of guilt, suggesting it may not matter whether Mr. Crawley is found guilty or not.
- Major Grantly
Acknowledges his implied engagement to Grace Crawley but struggles with the fear of marrying into a family of a convicted thief.
- Lady Lufton
Firmly believes in Mr. Crawley's innocence based on her personal knowledge of him; dismisses the evidence against him.
- Mrs. Proudie
Vigorously asserts Mr. Crawley's guilt and pressures the bishop to remove him from his living regardless of the trial outcome.
- Lord Lufton
Expresses doubt about Mr. Crawley's innocence, believing the case will likely go to a jury and that the magistrates cannot avoid committing him.
Key passages
“But perhaps to no one except to the Crawleys themselves had the matter caused so much terrible anxiety as to the archdeacon's son.”
The situation caused the most distress for the Crawley family and for Major Grantly.
Highlights Major Grantly's personal turmoil over his relationship with Grace.
“She was an old woman who thought all evil of those she did not know, and all good of those whom she did know; and as she did know Mr. Crawley, she was quite sure he had not stolen Mr. Soames's twenty pounds.”
Lady Lufton judged people based on personal acquaintance, so her knowledge of Mr. Crawley made her certain of his innocence.
Illustrates Lady Lufton's character and her unwavering support for Crawley.
“I would not believe that the man was a clergyman till John told me. He is a disgrace to the diocese, and he must be got rid of.”
Mrs. Proudie considered Crawley's appearance so unclerical that she doubted his profession, and she insisted he be removed from his post.
Shows Mrs. Proudie's contempt and her determination to purge the diocese of Crawley.