The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
What Mr. Walker Thought About It explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Robarts seeks advice from Mr. Walker, the Silverbridge attorney, about how to help Mr. Crawley, who has been accused of theft and committed for trial. They discuss the need for a lawyer and the possibility of involving Dean Arabin. The chapter also depicts the widespread gossip about Mr. Crawley's case, including his confrontation with the bishop and his long walk to Barchester.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
The chapter explores the challenges of ensuring a fair trial for Mr. Crawley, with discussions about hiring a lawyer and the influence of public opinion on the case.
Gossip and Public Opinion
The narrative is filled with gossip about Mr. Crawley's actions, including his walk to Barchester and confrontation with the bishop, showing how public opinion shapes the story.
Clergy and Morality
Mr. Crawley's status as a clergyman adds a layer of moral scrutiny to his case, and the chapter discusses the involvement of other clergy like Mr. Robarts and Dean Arabin.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Robarts
The parson of Framley who takes on the commission to advise Mr. Crawley to hire a lawyer and consults Mr. Walker.
- Mr. Crawley
The accused clergyman, whose case is the central topic; he is described as difficult to advise and has recently walked to Barchester to confront the bishop.
- John Walker
The Silverbridge attorney who advises Mr. Robarts on how to proceed with Mr. Crawley's defense and recommends lawyer Mr. Mason.
- Major Grantly
Mentioned as the master of a groom seen at the inn; his servant is talking about Mr. Crawley.
- Mrs. Proudie
Discussed in gossip; Miss Prettyman claims she declared she would have Mr. Crawley sent to Botany Bay, though Mrs. Walker doubts she said such a thing.
- Dean Arabin
Identified as an old friend of Mr. Crawley who might be able to help; Mr. Robarts plans to write to him.
Key passages
“It had been suggested to Mr. Robarts, the parson of Framley, that he should endeavour to induce his old acquaintance, Mr. Crawley, to employ a lawyer to defend him at his trial, and Mr. Robarts had not forgotten the commission which he had undertaken.”
Mr. Robarts was asked to persuade Mr. Crawley to get a lawyer for his trial, and he remembered this task.
Sets up the main action of the chapter: Mr. Robarts' mission to help Mr. Crawley.
“Mr. Robarts knew that Mr. Winthrop was a fool, and that he could get no useful advice from him.”
Mr. Robarts realized Mr. Winthrop was not helpful and would not give good advice.
Highlights the contrast between Mr. Winthrop and Mr. Walker.
“The pity is that anybody should ever have said anything about it. Lord bless me, if I’d been Soames I’d have let him have the twenty pounds.”
Mr. Walker thinks it's a shame the matter was ever brought up; he would have let Mr. Crawley keep the money if he were Soames.
Reflects Mr. Walker's pragmatic and sympathetic view of the case.