# Hook Court explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

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

## What happens

The chapter describes the shabby City office of Dobbs Broughton and Augustus Musselboro in Hook Court, a dark alley off Lombard Street. Their business affairs are strained, particularly with Mrs. Van Siever, a creditor and investor. Musselboro mediates between Broughton and Mrs. Van Siever, who demands payment. Broughton avoids her, leaving Musselboro to handle her tantrums and negotiate a partial payment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Reputation

The contrast between the shabby City office and the fine West End house highlights the social pretensions and financial realities of the characters.

### Poverty and Suffering

The financial strain and disputes over money reflect the precariousness of the business and the threat of poverty.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Dobbs Broughton

Co-owner of the business, avoids Mrs. Van Siever, dismissive of her demands, leaves Musselboro to handle her.

### Augustus Musselboro

Partner in the business, mediates between Broughton and Mrs. Van Siever, pacifies her and arranges a partial payment.

### Mrs. Van Siever

Investor and creditor, arrives at Hook Court demanding payment, argues with Broughton and Musselboro over her money.

## Key lines

> Turning out of a lane which turns out of Lombard Street, there is a desolate, forlorn-looking, dark alley, which is called Hook Court.

Hook Court is a gloomy, neglected alley branching off a lane that itself branches off Lombard Street.

_Describes the setting of the office._

> If you talk of work, Dobbs, it is I that have done the most of it.

Musselboro claims he has done more work than Broughton in their partnership.

_Shows tension between the partners._

> I told Musselboro I should be here.

Mrs. Van Siever says she had informed Musselboro of her intended visit.

_Indicates her expectation to meet Broughton._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xxxvii-hook-court
- 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