# Mr. Toogood explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

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

## What happens

Mr. Crawley resolves to seek legal advice from his wife's cousin, Mr. Toogood, a London attorney, despite his earlier refusal of such help. He travels to London and meets with Toogood, but insists he cannot pay for legal services. Toogood urges him to employ a lawyer for his defense, but Crawley remains obstinate, citing his poverty and honor. The chapter ends with Toogood pressing Crawley on the origin of the stolen cheque, which Crawley cannot recall.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Humility

Mr. Crawley's struggle between his pride as a clergyman and his need to humble himself before a lawyer, as well as his refusal to accept charity, highlights this theme.

### Poverty and Suffering

Crawley's extreme poverty and the emotional toll of his impending trial are central, as he cannot afford legal help and feels crushed by his circumstances.

### Justice and Injustice

The chapter explores the tension between legal procedure and personal integrity, as Crawley insists on defending himself without paid counsel, risking an unfair trial.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Crawley

Decides to seek legal aid from Mr. Toogood in London, but insists he cannot pay for it, showing his pride and poverty.

### Thomas Toogood

Mrs. Crawley's cousin and a London attorney; he listens to Crawley's story and urges him to employ a lawyer, but is frustrated by Crawley's refusal.

### Mr. Robarts

Previously advised Mr. Crawley to seek legal help, but his advice was rejected; mentioned as having conveyed the archdeacon's authority.

### Archdeacon Grantly

His advice to seek legal aid was rejected by Mr. Crawley; mentioned in the context of Mr. Robarts's visit.

## Key lines

> It will kill me. I shall get salvation thus. Death will relieve me, and I shall never be called upon to stand before those cruel eager eyes.

Mr. Crawley tells his wife that the trial will destroy him, and he sees death as a release from facing the judgment of the crowd.

_Reveals Crawley's despair and sense of persecution._

> I cannot afford to call in legal assistance for which I cannot pay—and I will not do it.

Crawley insists he cannot hire a lawyer because he has no money to pay, and refuses to accept help he cannot repay.

_Highlights Crawley's pride and poverty._

> If I could open my breast to them I should be satisfied. But then a prisoner can say nothing; and what he does say is ever accounted false.

Crawley wishes he could tell the jury everything he knows, but laments that a prisoner's testimony is always distrusted.

_Shows Crawley's frustration with the legal system and his desire for transparency._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xxxii-mr-toogood
- 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