The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
The Bishop Sends His Inhibition explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Proudie learns of Mr. Crawley's committal by the magistrates and pressures Bishop Proudie to inhibit him from performing his clerical duties at Hogglestock. Despite the bishop's qualms about the legality and propriety of such action, he is overborne by his wife's relentless insistence, and agrees to send Mr. Thumble with a letter of inhibition.
Themes in this chapter
Clergy and Morality
The chapter explores the tension between episcopal authority and the moral standing of a clergyman accused but not convicted.
Gossip and Public Opinion
News of Mr. Crawley's committal travels quickly to the palace, and Mrs. Proudie's partisan interpretation shapes the bishop's response.
Pride and Humility
Mrs. Proudie's pride and self-righteousness contrast with the bishop's meekness and internal struggle.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Proudie
Dominant and partisan, she insists on inhibiting Mr. Crawley and sending Mr. Thumble to Hogglestock.
- Bishop Proudie
Hesitant and fearful of his wife, he reluctantly agrees to write the letter of inhibition despite knowing it may exceed his authority.
- Mr. Crawley
The subject of the bishop's inhibition; he has been committed by the magistrates but is not yet convicted.
- Mr. Thumble
Selected by Mrs. Proudie to deliver the bishop's letter and take over the duties at Hogglestock.
- Archdeacon Grantly
Mentioned as a partisan opponent; Mrs. Proudie regards him as an emanation from Satan.
Key passages
“He says that he believes all evil of his opponents; but she really believed the evil.”
While some partisans merely claim to think the worst of their enemies, Mrs. Proudie genuinely believes the worst.
Highlights Mrs. Proudie's extreme partisanship and self-deception.
“The bishop, who was seated, fretted himself in his chair, moving about with little movements. He knew that there was a misery coming upon him—and, as far as he could see, it might become a great misery—a huge blistering sore upon him.”
The bishop fidgeted anxiously, anticipating that the coming conflict with his wife would cause him great suffering.
Illustrates the bishop's dread of Mrs. Proudie's domination.