The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
Mr. Crawley Is Summoned to Barchester explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Crawley receives a summons from the bishop to appear at the palace in Barchester. Despite his poverty and physical weakness, he resolves to walk the fifteen miles. His wife arranges a lift partway from a farmer, which Mr. Crawley accepts only because it seems fortuitous. Meanwhile, Mr. Thumble reports his failure to preach at Hogglestock to the bishop and Mrs. Proudie, who berates him. Mr. Crawley walks to Barchester, refuses a ride from Mr. Robarts, and arrives at the palace precisely at the appointed hour, reflecting on the injustice of his position.
Themes in this chapter
Clergy and Morality
The conflict between Mr. Crawley and the bishop's authority underscores tensions within the church hierarchy and questions of moral integrity.
Pride and Humility
Mr. Crawley's defiant pride in his scholarship and his refusal to accept charity contrast with his humble circumstances.
Poverty and Suffering
Mr. Crawley's poverty is evident in his lack of a horse and his need to walk, while his wife's careful arrangements highlight their material struggles.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Crawley
Receives the bishop's summons, resolves to walk to Barchester, and prepares for a confrontation with the bishop.
- Mrs. Proudie
Criticizes Mr. Thumble's failure and asserts her authority over the bishop's handling of the situation.
- Mr. Thumble
Reports his unsuccessful attempt to preach at Hogglestock to the bishop and Mrs. Proudie, facing her wrath.
- Bishop Proudie
Summons Mr. Crawley to Barchester and is present during Mrs. Proudie's confrontation with Mr. Thumble.
- Mr. Robarts
Offers Mr. Crawley a ride to the palace, which is refused.
- Jane Crawley
Reads Greek with her father, Mr. Crawley, as he prepares for his journey.
Key passages
“I will obey your lordship's summons, and, unless impediments should arise, I will wait upon your lordship at the hour you name tomorrow. I will not trespass on your hospitality. For myself, I rarely break bread in any house but my own; and as to the horse, I have none.”
Mr. Crawley agrees to meet the bishop but refuses any hospitality, stating he does not own a horse.
Mr. Crawley's reply to the bishop's summons, emphasizing his independence and poverty.
“I shall go if it be possible for me to get there. I think that I am bound to comply with the bishop's wishes in so much as that.”
Mr. Crawley decides to go to Barchester if he can manage the journey, feeling obligated to obey the bishop.
Mr. Crawley's determination to comply with the bishop's summons despite the difficulty.
“If he, or she, can find nothing unclean about me but my shoes, let them say their worst. I shall be very indifferent.”
Mr. Crawley dismisses concerns about his muddy shoes, asserting that he does not care about such trivial criticisms.
Mr. Crawley's defiant response to Mr. Robarts' warning about the bishop noticing his dirty shoes.