The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane · Chapter
XVII: When Wilt Thou Arise Out of Thy Sleep? Yet a Little Sleep explained
This chapter introduces the Reverend John Broad, minister of Tanner's Lane Chapel in Cowfold, and contrasts him with his fervent predecessor, the Reverend James Harden.
What happens
This chapter introduces the Reverend John Broad, minister of Tanner's Lane Chapel in Cowfold, and contrasts him with his fervent predecessor, the Reverend James Harden. Broad is depicted as a moderate, worldly, and somewhat self-indulgent pastor who manages his congregation with shrewdness. The narrative then focuses on a Monday afternoon tea between Mr. and Mrs. Broad, where they discuss their son Thomas's future. Mrs. Broad is anxious about Thomas's growing interest in young women, particularly Fanny Allen, and she manipulates the situation to have Thomas sent away to college. They decide to avoid offending the Allens by asking Fanny's brother George to pray at a meeting, thereby deflecting attention from Fanny's exclusion.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Hypocrisy
The chapter contrasts the genuine fervor of the late Reverend Harden with the calculated, self-serving piety of Mr. Broad, who uses religious practices (like suggesting George Allen pray) to manage social and family concerns.
Social Class and Inequality
Mrs. Broad's disdain for Cowfold and her desire for Thomas to attain a higher social standing through the ministry reflect class distinctions within the Dissenting community.
Tradition vs. Change
The shift from Harden's uncompromising faith to Broad's moderate, managerial approach illustrates the changing nature of religious practice and authority in early 19th-century England.
Characters to notice
- Reverend John Broad
The minister of Tanner's Lane Chapel, a heavy, moderate, and shrewd man who manages his congregation with worldly wisdom.
- Mrs. Broad
The minister's wife, a proud woman from a distinguished Dissenting family, who is concerned about her son Thomas's behavior and manipulates social situations to protect the family's reputation.
- Thomas Broad
The eighteen-year-old son of the Broads, a sheltered and awkward young man showing an alarming interest in young women, particularly Fanny Allen.
- Priscilla Broad
The Broad's seventeen-year-old daughter, mentioned as being absent during the incident with Thomas and Fanny.
- Tryphosa
The Broad's fifteen-year-old daughter, mentioned as being upstairs during the incident.
- Fanny Allen
A young woman who visited the Broad home and was seen with Thomas, causing Mrs. Broad's concern.
- George Allen
Fanny's brother, a newly admitted church member who has not yet prayed at the prayer-meeting; the Broads plan to ask him to engage to divert attention.
- Reverend James Harden
The former minister of Tanner's Lane, a fiery and uncompromising preacher contrasted with the moderate Mr. Broad.
Key passages
“He was moderate in all of what he called his 'views;' neither ultra-Calvinist nor Arminian not rigid upon Baptism, and certainly much unlike his lean and fervid predecessor, the Reverend James Harden, M.A.”
Mr. Broad was moderate in his religious opinions, avoiding extreme Calvinism or Arminianism and not strict about baptism, in contrast to his intense predecessor.
Highlights the contrast between Broad's moderate, worldly approach and Harden's fervent, uncompromising faith.
“We are all hypocrites, more or less, in every word and every action, and, what is more, in every thought. It is a question simply of degree.”
Everyone is somewhat hypocritical in what they say, do, and even think; it is only a matter of how much.
The narrator's philosophical reflection on the universal nature of hypocrisy, applied to Mr. Broad's character.
“I am quite sure Thomas ought to be a minister; and I am quite sure, too, he ought to leave Cowfold and go to college.”
I am certain that Thomas should become a minister and that he must leave Cowfold to attend college.
Mrs. Broad's determination to send Thomas away to prevent his involvement with Fanny Allen.
“On the whole, it is preferable that he should not go till September twelvemonths.”
All things considered, it is better that he not go until September of next year.
Mr. Broad's cautious decision to delay Thomas's departure, balancing expense and readiness.
