# The Plumstead Foxes explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

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

## What happens

The archdeacon receives a letter from his son Major Grantly, who declares his intention to marry Grace Crawley despite her refusal. The archdeacon is furious and threatens to disinherit him. Mrs. Grantly tries to calm him, but he remains resolute. Later, the archdeacon's keeper Flurry reports that foxes are being trapped on the Ullathorne property, but the archdeacon refuses to intervene, his mind consumed by his son's disobedience.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Duty

The archdeacon's conflict with his son over marriage choice highlights tensions between paternal authority, filial obedience, and personal desire.

### Social Class and Reputation

The archdeacon's objection to Grace Crawley is rooted in her poverty and lack of social standing, reflecting class prejudices.

### Pride and Humility

The archdeacon's pride is wounded by his son's defiance, while Grace Crawley's refusal of the major shows humility and self-awareness.

## Character check-ins

### Archdeacon Grantly

Furious at his son's intention to marry Grace Crawley, he threatens disinheritance and refuses to intervene in fox-trapping matters.

### Mrs. Grantly

Attempts to calm her husband and manages to avoid delivering his harsh message to their son by delaying the discussion.

### Major Grantly

His letter announces his intention to marry Grace Crawley, despite her refusal, causing the family conflict.

### Grace Crawley

Refuses Major Grantly's proposal due to her father's disgrace, earning Mrs. Grantly's respect.

### Mr. Harding

Staying at Plumstead Rectory but breakfasts in his room, remaining uninvolved in the family dispute.

### Flurry

The archdeacon's keeper, reports fox-trapping on Ullathorne property and is dismayed by the archdeacon's refusal to act.

## Key lines

> He has, has he? Then, by heavens—

The archdeacon reacts with anger upon learning of his son's intention to marry Grace Crawley.

_Shows the archdeacon's immediate fury and sense of betrayal._

> I will have no meddling in the matter, Flurry. Whether there are foxes or whether there are not, is matter of no great moment.

The archdeacon refuses to address the fox-trapping issue, indicating his preoccupation with his son's marriage.

_Highlights how personal turmoil overrides his usual priorities._

> Charles is the eldest, and he shall be the eldest. It will be better to keep it together.

The archdeacon decides to make his eldest son Charles the primary heir, disinheriting Henry.

_Reflects the Victorian practice of primogeniture and the archdeacon's punitive response._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-plumstead-foxes
- 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