# Lord St. George Is Very Cunning explained — The Vicar of Bullhampton

> Chapter companion for The Vicar of Bullhampton by Anthony Trollope.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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