The Vicar of Bullhampton · Chapter
Startup Farm explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Fenwick visits Startup Farm to persuade George Brattle and his wife to take in their fallen sister Carry, but both refuse, citing her disgrace and the threat to their own family's respectability. Fenwick returns to Salisbury, arranges for Carry's board with Mrs. Stiggs, and urges her to attend cathedral services.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and the Fallen Woman
Fenwick's mission to rescue Carry contrasts sharply with the Brattles' refusal to forgive or shelter her, highlighting the tension between Christian mercy and societal condemnation.
Hypocrisy and Moral Courage
Mrs. Brattle's self-righteous rejection of Carry, despite her own family's imperfections, exemplifies the hypocrisy Fenwick rails against.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Fenwick
Visits Startup Farm to plead for Carry's acceptance; rebuffed by both George and Mrs. Brattle; arranges for Carry's lodging with Mrs. Stiggs.
- George Brattle
Farmer at Startup; initially resistant to helping Carry, offers money but refuses her a home; ultimately leaves decision to his wife.
- Mrs. Brattle
George's wife; fiercely opposes taking in Carry, citing her own children's reputation and the family's decency; dismisses Fenwick's pleas.
- Carry Brattle
The fallen sister; not present at Startup but is the subject of the discussion; Fenwick secures her board with Mrs. Stiggs.
Key passages
“I don't know as I does, Muster Fenwick.”
George Brattle admits he does not feel love for his sister Carry anymore.
Reveals the emotional distance and resentment within the family.
“Take her in here? shrieked the woman.”
Mrs. Brattle is horrified at the suggestion of housing Carry at Startup Farm.
Shows the depth of her opposition and fear of social contamination.
“Them days and ours isn't the same, Mr. Fenwick, and you can't make 'em the same.”
Mrs. Brattle dismisses the biblical example of Mary Magdalene as irrelevant to her own time.
Illustrates the clash between religious ideals and practical social norms.