The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
Dinner at Framley Court explained
At a dinner at Framley Court, the party discusses Mr.
What happens
At a dinner at Framley Court, the party discusses Mr. Crawley's committal for theft, with Lord Lufton, Archdeacon Grantly, and others expressing belief in his innocence and plotting how to secure a proper legal defense for him. The conversation also touches on the ongoing clerical war against Bishop Proudie and his wife, with Lady Lufton's vehement opposition to Mrs. Proudie. Mark Robarts is deputed to persuade Mr. Crawley to accept legal assistance.
Themes in this chapter
Gossip and Public Opinion
The dinner party discusses how Barchester tradesmen's hatred of Mrs. Proudie might influence a jury's verdict, showing the power of public opinion.
Clergy and Morality
The clerical characters debate Mr. Crawley's moral culpability and the proper role of the church in his defense, highlighting tensions within the clergy.
Justice and Injustice
The group's concern that Mr. Crawley might be wrongly convicted due to his poverty and mental state, and their efforts to secure a fair trial, reflect themes of justice.
Characters to notice
- Lord Lufton
Drives home from the magistrates' meeting, expresses belief in Mr. Crawley's innocence and suggests he is mentally unstable; discusses the matter with Mark Robarts and later tolerates the clerical gathering at Framley Court.
- Mr. Robarts
Deputed to persuade Mr. Crawley to accept legal defense; discusses the case with Lord Lufton and is present at the dinner.
- Archdeacon Grantly
Dines at Framley Court, uses strong language against Mrs. Proudie, and argues that a Barchester jury will acquit Mr. Crawley due to public sentiment.
- Lady Lufton
Hosts the dinner, vehemently opposes Mrs. Proudie, and wishes for the bishop's removal; she is deeply involved in the clerical war.
- Dr. Thorne
Dines at Framley Court, jokes about the archdeacon's epithet for Mrs. Proudie, and is part of the discussion on Mr. Crawley's defense.
- Mr. Crawley
The subject of the dinner conversation; the party believes him innocent and plans to provide him with legal assistance despite his expected obstinacy.
Key passages
“I shall never, never rest in my grave while that woman sits in your father's palace.”
Lady Lufton declares she will never be at peace as long as Mrs. Proudie occupies the bishop's palace.
Expresses Lady Lufton's intense opposition to Mrs. Proudie.
“There's not a tradesman in the city who does not hate that woman as though she were—”
The archdeacon claims every tradesman in Barchester hates Mrs. Proudie.
Shows the widespread animosity toward Mrs. Proudie among the local merchants.
“I'd eat the biggest pair of boots in Barchester before I found him guilty.”
Lord Lufton says he would rather do something absurd than convict Mr. Crawley.
Emphasizes Lord Lufton's strong belief in Crawley's innocence.