The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
Near the Close explained
The chapter explores the bitter family quarrel between Archdeacon Grantly and his son Major Grantly over the latter's determination to marry Grace Crawley, despite her father's disgrace.
What happens
The chapter explores the bitter family quarrel between Archdeacon Grantly and his son Major Grantly over the latter's determination to marry Grace Crawley, despite her father's disgrace. Mrs. Grantly and Mr. Harding attempt to mediate, with Mr. Harding defending the marriage on grounds of love and character, while the archdeacon threatens disinheritance and exile. The narrative reflects on the pain and absurdity of family quarrels, as the archdeacon nurses his wrath while still loving his son.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Duty
The chapter centers on the bitter quarrel between Archdeacon Grantly and his son over marriage, exploring conflicting notions of duty to family, social standing, and personal happiness.
Social Class and Reputation
The archdeacon's objections to Grace Crawley are rooted in her father's disgrace and perceived low social standing, while Mr. Harding argues that love and character transcend class.
Love and Marriage
Major Grantly's determination to marry Grace for love clashes with his father's view of marriage as a matter of social advantage and family honor.
Characters to notice
- Archdeacon Grantly
Furious with his son's intention to marry Grace Crawley, he threatens disinheritance and refuses to receive the bride, nursing his wrath despite his deep love for his son.
- Mrs. Grantly
Distressed by the family quarrel, she tries to mediate between her husband and son, visiting her father Mr. Harding for consolation, and opposes the archdeacon's extreme stance.
- Major Grantly
Determined to marry Grace Crawley, he gives up Cosby Lodge and plans to go abroad to Pau, insisting on knowing his father's intentions regarding inheritance.
- Mr. Harding
Living alone at the deanery, he takes his grandson's part, arguing that love and character matter more than rank or money, and gently defends Grace Crawley's upbringing.
- Grace Crawley
The young woman at the center of the quarrel; Major Grantly is determined to marry her, and Mrs. Grantly speculates she might refuse if her father is convicted.
Key passages
“I wonder whether anyone will read these pages who has never known anything of the bitterness of a family quarrel? If so, I shall have a reader very fortunate, or else very cold-blooded.”
The narrator reflects on the universal pain of family quarrels, suggesting that those who have never experienced them are either lucky or emotionally detached.
Opening reflection on the nature of family conflict.
“He is full of his quarrel—nursing it. He is telling himself how much he has loved that wicked one, how many have been his sacrifices for that wicked one, and that now that wicked one is repaying him simply with wickedness! And yet the wicked one is at that very moment dearer to him than ever.”
The archdeacon obsessively dwells on his anger toward his son, even as he still loves him deeply, illustrating the paradox of nursing a grudge against a beloved family member.
Insight into the archdeacon's internal conflict.
“If the young people love each other, I think it would be the best thing in the world.”
Mr. Harding expresses his belief that love between the couple is the most important consideration, regardless of social or financial objections.
Mr. Harding's gentle defense of the marriage.