The Vicar of Bullhampton · Chapter
The Squire Is Very Obstinate explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Fenwick attempts to persuade the heartbroken Harry Gilmore to return to Bullhampton after his rejection by Mary Lowther, but Gilmore remains obstinate and plans to go abroad. Fenwick later travels to London to find him, stopping in Salisbury where he glimpses Carry Brattle and her father at the courthouse during a trial.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Gilmore's broken heart and refusal to return home after Mary Lowther's rejection highlight the theme's central conflict.
Hypocrisy and Moral Courage
Fenwick reflects on the harsh treatment Carry Brattle will face as a 'fallen woman' in court, contrasting societal judgment with true moral courage.
Characters to notice
- Harry Gilmore
The Squire is deeply despondent after Mary Lowther's rejection, refuses to return to Bullhampton, and plans to travel abroad.
- Mr. Fenwick
The Vicar tries to counsel Gilmore, arranges his Sunday duties, and travels to London via Salisbury to find him.
- Carry Brattle
Seen in the Salisbury courthouse as a witness, pale and wretched, sitting with her father.
- George Brattle
The miller sits beside Carry in the witness room, leaning on his stick and looking down.
- Sam Brattle
Mentioned as not yet appearing at the trial; Carry fears he will be in trouble.
Key passages
“D⸺ the public pity”
Gilmore curses public sympathy, showing his frustration with being pitied.
Reflects Gilmore's obstinate pride and refusal to accept consolation.
“I feel that I can't fly because my wing is broken”
Gilmore says he cannot move forward because his spirit is crushed.
Metaphor for his emotional paralysis after losing Mary.
“And all this, said Fenwick to himself, because the man cannot get the idea of a certain woman out of his head!”
Fenwick marvels that Gilmore's entire life is derailed by his obsession with Mary.
Highlights Fenwick's perspective on the destructive power of unrequited love.
“the broad landmarks between the respectable and the disreputable may guide the tone of a lawyer somewhat, but the finer lines... cannot be discerned amidst the turmoil of a trial”
A lawyer may distinguish between good and bad people in a general way, but subtle truths are lost in the chaos of a courtroom.
Critique of the legal system's inability to see nuance, especially for women like Carry.