# Dr. Tempest at the Palace explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

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

## What happens

Dr. Tempest visits the palace to discuss the bishop's plan for an ecclesiastical commission into Mr. Crawley's guilt. Mrs. Proudie attempts to engage him on the matter, but he firmly refuses to discuss it with her, asserting that it would be improper. After a tense exchange, Dr. Tempest avoids further confrontation and prepares to leave. The chapter also explores the general public's sympathy for Mr. Crawley, despite belief in his guilt, and concludes with the bishop's deep despondence and strained relationship with his wife.

## Themes in this chapter

### Clergy and Morality

Dr. Tempest refuses to discuss Mr. Crawley's case with Mrs. Proudie, citing impropriety, highlighting the boundaries of clerical conduct and authority.

### Gossip and Public Opinion

Public sympathy for Mr. Crawley grows despite belief in his guilt, with stories of his charity and madness shaping opinion against the bishop's persecution.

### Pride and Humility

Mrs. Proudie's pride is wounded by Dr. Tempest's rebuff, while the bishop's humility is evident in his silent despondence.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Tempest

Rural dean of Silverbridge, summoned to the palace for a commission on Mr. Crawley; firmly refuses to discuss the matter with Mrs. Proudie.

### Mrs. Proudie

Attempts to pressure Dr. Tempest into agreeing with her about Mr. Crawley's guilt, but is rebuffed; later shows unusual softness toward the bishop.

### Bishop Proudie

Deeply despondent after his quarrel with Mrs. Proudie; sits silently during dinner and later confesses his heart is broken.

### Mr. Crawley

Subject of the ecclesiastical commission; widely believed guilty but excused due to poverty, madness, and charitable acts.

### Mr. Robarts

Mentioned as a clerical neighbour discussing the case with Dr. Tempest.

## Key lines

> Mrs. Proudie, I think that we had better not discuss the matter.

Dr. Tempest declines to talk about Mr. Crawley's case with Mrs. Proudie.

_Dr. Tempest asserts the impropriety of discussing ecclesiastical business with the bishop's wife._

> If he be guilty, can any experienced clergyman think that he can be fit to preach from the pulpit of a parish church?

Mrs. Proudie argues that a guilty clergyman is unfit to serve.

_Mrs. Proudie presses her view that Mr. Crawley's guilt disqualifies him from ministry._

> When a man's heart is broken, he cannot forget it.

The bishop tells his wife that his emotional pain is too deep to simply move past.

_The bishop expresses his profound despondence after their quarrel._

## Links

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