The Vicar of Bullhampton · Chapter
The Miller Tells His Troubles explained
Carry Brattle has been living at the mill for nearly two months, but her father, old Brattle, has not forgiven her or spoken to her with affection.
What happens
Carry Brattle has been living at the mill for nearly two months, but her father, old Brattle, has not forgiven her or spoken to her with affection. Fanny has been supporting her, and Carry has begun to assert herself, threatening to leave. The Vicar visits the mill and meets the miller, who expresses his shame and sorrow, admitting he feels broken. The miller reveals he intends to take Carry to Salisbury himself for the assizes, though he remains stubborn and unyielding in his pain.
Themes in this chapter
Family Duty and Forgiveness
The miller struggles with forgiving his daughter Carry, while Fanny and Mrs. Brattle show familial loyalty.
Hypocrisy and Moral Courage
Fanny walks boldly with Carry through the village, defying shame, while the miller hides from neighbors.
Community and Gossip
The miller feels degraded and avoids public view due to the community's judgment of his family.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Fenwick
Visits the mill to discuss Carry's trip to Salisbury; speaks with the miller and decides not to enter the house.
- Carry Brattle
Has been at the mill for two months; goes to church with Fanny; grows restive under her father's cold treatment.
- Fanny Brattle
Supports Carry, walks with her to church, and plans to accompany her to Salisbury.
- George Brattle
Sends Carry a £20 note but declines to be seen with her in Salisbury.
- Mrs. Brattle
Shows special tenderness toward Carry, but is unable to restrain her talking.
Key passages
“If father won't speak to me, I'd better go”
Carry threatens to leave because her father refuses to acknowledge her.
Shows Carry's growing impatience with her father's silence.
“I'm thinking of her always, Muster Fenwick;—day and night. When the mill's agoing, it's all the same.”
The miller confesses he cannot stop thinking about Carry, even while working.
Reveals the miller's deep, unrelenting grief.
“I've been a man all my life, Muster Fenwick; and now I ain't a man no more.”
The miller feels his shame has stripped him of his manhood.
Highlights the miller's sense of personal degradation.