The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
The Softness of Sir Raffle Buffle explained
John Eames secures leave from Sir Raffle Buffle to travel to Italy and Jerusalem in search of the Arabins, a mission tied to Mr.
What happens
John Eames secures leave from Sir Raffle Buffle to travel to Italy and Jerusalem in search of the Arabins, a mission tied to Mr. Crawley's legal troubles. After initial refusal and tension, Sir Raffle relents upon hearing the full story, allowing Johnny to depart. The chapter highlights Johnny's determination and Sir Raffle's grudging softness.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Humility
Johnny's pride drives him to insist on going despite the risk of dismissal; Sir Raffle's pride is tempered by a grudging softness.
Justice and Injustice
Johnny's mission is to seek justice for Mr. Crawley, and the chapter explores the tension between official duty and moral obligation.
Characters to notice
- Johnny Eames
Determined to travel to Italy and Jerusalem despite Sir Raffle's initial refusal; successfully secures leave by explaining the Crawley case.
- Sir Raffle Buffle
Initially refuses Johnny's leave, but softens after hearing the story of Mr. Crawley and grants permission.
- Thomas Toogood
Advises Johnny to give up the journey but supports his mission; corresponds with Sir Raffle about Johnny's address.
- Mr. Cradell
Offers advice to Johnny about obtaining a medical certificate; expresses admiration when Johnny succeeds.
- Mr. Crawley
His legal troubles are the reason for Johnny's journey; mentioned in Johnny's explanation to Sir Raffle.
Key passages
“I should feel rather awestruck travelling with one. I should fancy that a dean is very much like anybody else. But the man's hat would cow me.”
Johnny jokes that he would be intimidated by a dean's formal hat, though Toogood suggests deans are ordinary people who can dress casually.
Light-hearted exchange about traveling with Dean Arabin.
“I must go, Sir Raffle, at any rate; it is a matter affecting my family, and must not be neglected.”
Johnny insists he must leave regardless of permission, citing a family emergency.
Johnny's firm stance despite Sir Raffle's initial refusal.
“Under the circumstances, Eames, I suppose you must go; but I think you should have told me all about it before.”
Sir Raffle relents and grants leave, but chides Johnny for not explaining earlier.
Sir Raffle's softness after hearing the Crawley story.