The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
XLIV: “I Suppose I Must Let You Have It.” explained
Adolphus Crosbie, burdened by debts from his marriage to Lady Alexandrina and the De Courcy family, approaches his colleague Mr.
What happens
Adolphus Crosbie, burdened by debts from his marriage to Lady Alexandrina and the De Courcy family, approaches his colleague Mr. Butterwell to borrow £500. After a tense negotiation, Butterwell reluctantly agrees, and Crosbie feels immense relief, contemplating a possible reconciliation with Lily Dale.
Themes in this chapter
Poverty and Suffering
Crosbie's financial desperation and emotional distress highlight the theme of poverty and suffering, as he contemplates ruin and even suicide.
Pride and Humility
Crosbie humbles himself to borrow money, contrasting with his earlier pride, and later feels relief and hope.
Love and Marriage
Crosbie's failed marriage to Lady Alexandrina and his lingering hope for Lily Dale underscore the theme of love and marriage.
Characters to notice
- Adolphus Crosbie
Desperate to avoid dishonor, Crosbie borrows £500 from Butterwell, revealing his financial ruin and emotional turmoil.
- Mr. Butterwell
Reluctantly lends Crosbie £500, despite personal dislike and concern about his wife's disapproval.
- Lily Dale
Crosbie hopes to win her back, thinking of her after securing the loan.
- Mrs. Dale
Her 'freezing letter' to Crosbie is mentioned as an obstacle to his hopes for Lily.
- Sir Raffle Buffle
His voice at the corner of the street reminds Crosbie of office affairs, prompting him to seek help from Butterwell.
Key passages
“I suppose I must let you have it.”
Butterwell reluctantly agrees to lend Crosbie the money.
This line captures the reluctant consent that resolves Crosbie's immediate crisis.
“They were genuine tears which filled Crosbie’s eyes, as he seized hold of the senior’s hands.”
Crosbie wept sincerely and grasped Butterwell's hands in gratitude.
Shows Crosbie's emotional relief and vulnerability after securing the loan.