# The Bishop of Barchester Is Crushed explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

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

## What happens

Mr. Crawley visits the bishop's palace, where he confronts both the bishop and Mrs. Proudie regarding the theft accusation. He refuses to submit to the bishop's authority, asserting his innocence and challenging the bishop's right to suspend him from his clerical duties.

## Themes in this chapter

### Clergy and Morality

The bishop and Mrs. Proudie seek to suspend Mr. Crawley due to the theft accusation, highlighting the moral expectations placed on clergymen.

### Justice and Injustice

Mr. Crawley challenges the bishop's authority and the presumption of guilt, asserting his innocence and the right to a fair trial.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Crawley

Defiantly confronts the bishop and Mrs. Proudie, refusing to submit to their authority and asserting his innocence.

### Mrs. Proudie

Stands in the background, interjects with harsh comments, and insists on Mr. Crawley's guilt and the bishop's duty to act.

### Bishop Proudie

Attempts to reason with Mr. Crawley about the unseemly position and the need to cease ministrations, but is repeatedly interrupted by his wife.

## Key lines

> I am glad at any rate that I have been enabled to obey your lordship’s order in coming hither on this morning.

Mr. Crawley sarcastically expresses his willingness to follow the bishop's summons.

_Shows Crawley's defiant compliance._

> Opposition to usurped authority is an imperative duty.

Mr. Crawley declares that resisting illegitimate authority is a moral obligation.

_Highlights the central conflict of the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xviii-the-bishop-of-barchester-is-crushed
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters