# Crunch'em Can't Be Had explained — The Vicar of Bullhampton

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

## What happens

Mr. Fenwick continues to investigate Sam Brattle's involvement with Jack the Grinder, a known criminal. He visits the Lavington constable and learns that the Grinder has been seen in the area. Meanwhile, Mrs. Brattle visits the Vicarage to report that Sam has returned home and is helping with mill repairs. Fenwick plans to visit Sam the next day, expressing concern about Sam's recent activities and hoping he will reform.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Prejudice

Fenwick's suspicion of Sam based on his association with Jack the Grinder reflects the tension between justice and prejudice in a small community.

### Family Duty and Forgiveness

Mrs. Brattle's hope for Sam's return and the father's renewed affection for his son echo the theme of familial duty and the possibility of forgiveness.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Fenwick

Investigates Sam Brattle's criminal associations, visits the Lavington constable, and plans to confront Sam about his behavior.

### Mrs. Brattle

Visits the Vicarage to inform Fenwick that Sam has returned home and is helping with mill repairs.

### Sam Brattle

Has returned home and is assisting his father with mill repairs, but his recent activities remain suspicious.

### Jack the Grinder

Identified as the man Fenwick struck; known criminal who has been seen in Lavington with another man.

### Farmer Trumbull

Fenwick visits him to inquire about obtaining a guard dog, but Crunch'em is unavailable.

### George Brattle

The miller is overseeing mill repairs with Sam's help, and has reconciled with his son.

## Key lines

> A man is known by his companions.

A person's character is judged by the company they keep.

_Fenwick uses this proverb to justify his suspicion of Sam Brattle._

> I wish he'd come back without a penny, and with hunger like a wolf in his stomach, and with his clothes all rags, so that he might have had a taste of the suffering of a vagabond's life.

Fenwick wishes Sam had returned destitute and starving, like the Prodigal Son, so he would truly understand the consequences of his actions.

_Fenwick expresses a desire for Sam to experience hardship to learn a lesson._

## Links

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