The Vicar of Bullhampton · Chapter
Lord St. George Is Very Cunning explained
Lord St.
What happens
Lord St. George mediates between his father, the Marquis of Trowbridge, and Mr. Fenwick over the chapel built on Fenwick's glebe. He visits Bullhampton, discusses the chapel with Fenwick and Mr. Puddleham, and negotiates a truce between Fenwick and the Marquis, though Fenwick feels outmaneuvered.
Themes in this chapter
Religious Conflict and Toleration
The chapel dispute epitomizes the struggle between Anglican and Dissenting interests, resolved through pragmatic compromise.
Hypocrisy and Moral Courage
Fenwick's anger and pride clash with Lord St. George's cunning diplomacy, raising questions about true moral courage.
Class and Social Power
Lord St. George uses his aristocratic influence to mediate, while Fenwick feels the weight of social hierarchy.
Characters to notice
- Lord St. George
Acts as peacemaker, cunningly resolves the chapel dispute and reconciles Fenwick with his father.
- Mr. Fenwick
Reluctantly accepts Lord St. George's olive branch, though feels he has been 'done' by the young lord's diplomacy.
- Mr. Puddleham
Defends the chapel as sacred, but is ultimately forced to accept its relocation.
- Lord Trowbridge
Yields to his son's pressure, though deeply troubled by the compromise.
- Janet Fenwick
Hosts Lord St. George at lunch and engages in light conversation about the chapel.
Key passages
“Lord St. George began to throw his oil upon the waters in reference to that unfortunate chapel at Bullhampton”
Lord St. George started to calm the conflict over the chapel.
Metaphor for peacemaking.
“Though a man when he turns into bed may be sure that he has unlimited thousands at his command... still, if he be conscious of failure there where he has striven to succeed... he will stretch, and roll, and pine—a wretched being.”
Even a wealthy man can be miserable if he fails in a small personal goal.
Reflection on the Marquis's unhappiness despite his riches.
“I never knew any man who would [admit himself to be wrong]”
Lord St. George observes that people rarely admit fault.
Cynical remark during the reconciliation.