The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane · Chapter
XXI: The Wisdom of the Serpent explained
George Allen's courtship of Priscilla Broad is discussed between the Broad and Allen families.
What happens
George Allen's courtship of Priscilla Broad is discussed between the Broad and Allen families. Mrs. Broad initially opposes the match due to social and ministerial ambitions, but Mr. Broad persuades her with practical arguments about finances and influence. A meeting between Mrs. Broad and Mrs. Allen reveals mutual disappointments and class tensions, but both families ultimately consent.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
The tension between the Broad family's ministerial aspirations and the Allens' trade background highlights class distinctions and the negotiation of social standing through marriage.
Love and Marriage
Marriage is treated as a practical arrangement influenced by family pride, financial considerations, and social position, rather than solely romantic affection.
Religion and Hypocrisy
Mr. Broad's religious rationalizations for permitting the match (e.g., converting uncharitable emotions into brotherly love) mask underlying financial and social motives.
Characters to notice
- George Allen
Languishes in love with Priscilla Broad; his suit is the central subject of the chapter.
- Priscilla Broad
A comely girl of eighteen, the object of George's affections; she shows interest by shopping at the Allens' store.
- Mrs. Broad
Initially opposed to the match due to pride and social aspirations; eventually persuaded by her husband's arguments.
- Thomas Broad
Mr. Broad weighs practical considerations and persuades his wife to allow the match.
- Mrs. Allen
Proud of her family's prosperity; initially disappointed but consents to the marriage.
- Mr. Isaac Allen
Mentioned as a prominent church member and deacon; his subscription is a factor in the decision.
Key passages
“Mrs. Broad had, of course, discovered what was in the wind, and her pride suffered a severe shock. She had destined Priscilla, as the daughter of a Flavel, for a London minister, and that she should marry a tradesman was intolerable.”
Mrs. Broad was horrified to learn of George's interest in Priscilla, having planned for her daughter to marry a London minister, not a local shopkeeper.
Reveals Mrs. Broad's social ambitions and the class-based conflict at the heart of the chapter.
“Perhaps Providence, my dear, intends this opportunity as a means whereby the emotions of my poor sinful nature—emotions which may have been uncharitable—may be converted into brotherly love.”
Mr. Broad suggests that God may be using this match to turn his personal dislike of the Allens into Christian forgiveness.
Highlights the theme of religious hypocrisy, as Mr. Broad cloaks practical motives in pious language.
“That is just what my mother used to say. I was a Burton, you remember. They were large tanners in Northamptonshire, and she did not like my going to a shop. But you know, Mrs. Broad, you had better be in a shop and have plenty of everything, and not have to pinch and screw, than have a brass knocker on your door, and not be able to pay for the clothes you wear.”
Mrs. Allen counters Mrs. Broad's snobbery by valuing financial security over social pretension, implying the Broads are in debt.
Illustrates the clash between old gentility and new commercial wealth, and Mrs. Allen's pragmatic worldview.
