The Vicar of Bullhampton · Chapter
Sam Brattle Returns Home explained
Sam Brattle is discharged from the magistrates' court in Heytesbury, but bail is required despite the lack of evidence.
What happens
Sam Brattle is discharged from the magistrates' court in Heytesbury, but bail is required despite the lack of evidence. Mr. Fenwick secures bail after other potential sureties refuse, and Sam is released. He returns home to the mill, though his father remains cold and skeptical. The Fenwicks visit the Brattle family, offering support and asserting Sam's innocence. Later, they encounter the Marquis of Trowbridge in the woods, exchanging only formal greetings. At the Vicarage, the Fenwicks and Mr. Gilmore discuss the ongoing tensions with the Marquis and the need to treat Sam as innocent in the parish. Mr. Gilmore, still pining for Mary Lowther, is advised by Mrs. Fenwick to give her space.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Prejudice
Sam is discharged for lack of evidence yet bail is demanded, and the community's prejudice against him persists, influencing legal and social treatment.
Community and Gossip
The parish's collective opinion, shaped by the Marquis and gentry, pressures individuals like Mr. Jay to refuse bail, demonstrating the power of social conformity.
Hypocrisy and Moral Courage
Fenwick defies advice and stands as surety for Sam, showing moral courage against the hypocritical stance of those who condemn Sam without evidence.
Characters to notice
- Sam Brattle
Discharged from court but initially hesitant to leave; refuses money from Fenwick but agrees to go home to the mill.
- Mr. Fenwick
Acts as bondsman for Sam's bail despite advice against it; visits the Brattle family to assert Sam's innocence and later encounters the Marquis.
- Harry Gilmore
Present at court and at the Vicarage; remains skeptical of Sam's innocence and discusses his unrequited love for Mary Lowther.
- George Brattle
The miller; cold and reluctant to discuss Sam's innocence, but agrees to pay the lawyer's bill.
- Janet Fenwick
Visits the Brattle women, expresses belief in Sam's innocence, and later advises Gilmore to leave Mary Lowther alone.
- Lord Trowbridge
Encountered by the Fenwicks in the woods; exchanges formal greetings but remains hostile.
Key passages
““I don’t believe that that fellow had any more to do with it than you or I,” said Fenwick.”
Fenwick asserts his firm belief that Sam is completely innocent of the crime.
Fenwick's conviction contrasts with the community's suspicion.
““I sometimes think that I’ll go off and have a look at her.” “I’m sure both she and her aunt would be glad to see you.” “But would it be wise?””
Gilmore considers visiting Mary Lowther but questions whether it is a prudent decision.
Gilmore's internal conflict about pursuing Mary despite her reluctance.
““He is innocent before the law till he has been proved to be guilty,” said the Squire. “Then of course there can be nothing wrong in telling his father that he is innocent,” said the lady.”
The Squire states the legal principle of innocence until proven guilty, and Mrs. Fenwick argues it justifies telling the miller Sam is innocent.
Debate on the moral and practical implications of legal presumption.