The Vicar of Bullhampton · Chapter
LXI: Mary Lowther’s Treachery explained
Mary Lowther confesses to Mrs.
What happens
Mary Lowther confesses to Mrs. Fenwick that she cannot marry Mr. Gilmore, having received a letter from Captain Marrable. She seeks help to break the engagement, but Mrs. Fenwick and the Vicar are reluctant to assist, fearing the effect on Gilmore.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Mary's internal conflict between her love for Walter Marrable and her promise to marry Mr. Gilmore drives the chapter's central dilemma.
Hypocrisy and Moral Courage
Mary accuses herself of falsehood and struggles with the courage to break her engagement, while Mrs. Fenwick and the Vicar grapple with their own complicity.
Family Duty and Forgiveness
The Fenwicks' sense of duty to their friend Mr. Gilmore conflicts with their affection for Mary, highlighting themes of loyalty and forgiveness.
Characters to notice
- Mary Lowther
Confesses her determination not to marry Mr. Gilmore and seeks help from Mrs. Fenwick.
- Janet Fenwick
Listens to Mary's confession and struggles with how to support her without betraying Mr. Gilmore.
- Mr. Fenwick
Returns from the chapel and is later told of Mary's decision; he refuses to be the one to tell Gilmore.
- Harry Gilmore
The man Mary has agreed to marry but now intends to leave; his potential reaction is a major concern.
- Captain Walter Marrable
The man Mary loves; his letter prompts her to break her engagement.
- Mr. Puddleham
Mentioned as having preached eloquently in the chapel, maintaining his indignation.
Key passages
“I cannot and I will not marry Mr. Gilmore.”
Mary declares her firm decision to break her engagement to Mr. Gilmore.
This is the pivotal moment of the chapter, setting off the conflict.
“I told him that if ever this thing happened I should leave him. It has happened, and I must leave him.”
Mary reminds Mrs. Fenwick that she had warned Mr. Gilmore she would leave if Captain Marrable returned.
Mary justifies her decision by referencing her prior honesty with Gilmore.
“I am not quite sure, Frank, whether we have behaved wisely.”
Mrs. Fenwick questions whether she and the Vicar acted wisely in encouraging Mary's engagement.
This reflects the Fenwicks' growing doubt about their role in the situation.