# What the World Thought About It explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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