# The Last Day explained — The Vicar of Bullhampton

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

## What happens

Mary Lowther prepares to leave Bullhampton for Loring, feeling melancholy and conflicted about her feelings for Harry Gilmore. She rejects his proposal but grants him a year's delay. Mr. Fenwick and his wife are somewhat angry with her hesitation. Gilmore, in a gesture of goodwill, agrees to repair the Brattle mill and house, costing him two or three hundred pounds. He bids Mary farewell with a handshake, leaving her to reconsider. Fenwick drives her to Westbury station, assuring her a home at the Vicarage whenever she chooses.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Mary's internal conflict over her feelings for Harry Gilmore and her decision to postpone marriage reflects the theme's exploration of love, duty, and societal expectations.

### Class and Social Power

Gilmore's decision to spend money on repairing the Brattle's property demonstrates the power dynamics and responsibilities of the landed gentry over the working class.

### Family Duty and Forgiveness

The Brattle family's struggles, including Sam's absence and the mill's disrepair, highlight themes of familial duty and the need for forgiveness and support.

## Character check-ins

### Mary Lowther

Leaves Bullhampton for Loring, feeling melancholy and conflicted about rejecting Harry Gilmore's proposal.

### Harry Gilmore

Bids Mary farewell, having agreed to repair the Brattle mill and house, and grants her a year to reconsider his proposal.

### Mr. Fenwick

Drives Mary to Westbury station, assures her a home at the Vicarage, and is angry with her hesitation.

### Janet Fenwick

Supports her husband in being angry with Mary, but loves her friend and hopes she will accept Gilmore.

### Sam Brattle

Mentioned as not having been home last night; believed to have been involved with two men in a cart passing through Paul's Hinton.

### Fanny Brattle

Learns from Mr. Fenwick that Sam has not been home; provides information about the cart.

## Key lines

> I have just one thing to say, Mary; you are to remember that, whatever happens, there is always a home for you at Bullhampton when you choose to come to it.

Fenwick assures Mary that she will always have a place at the Vicarage, no matter what happens.

_Fenwick's promise of a permanent home underscores his deep affection and support for Mary._

> I do believe that I shall never like any man better.

Mary admits to herself that she may never feel as strongly for anyone else as she does for Gilmore.

_Mary's self-reflection reveals her uncertainty and regret about her decision._

> I've just been and knocked under, and told him that the old place shall be put to rights.

Gilmore has agreed to repair the Brattle's mill and house, despite his earlier refusal.

_Gilmore's gesture is motivated by his love for Mary, as she had praised the spot._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se/chapters/viii-the-last-day
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se/chapters