The Vicar of Bullhampton · Chapter
Sam Brattle Is Wanted explained
The chapter details the growing tension in Bullhampton as news spreads that Jack the Grinder and Lawrence Acorn are in Salisbury gaol and Sam Brattle is wanted.
What happens
The chapter details the growing tension in Bullhampton as news spreads that Jack the Grinder and Lawrence Acorn are in Salisbury gaol and Sam Brattle is wanted. Fenwick and Gilmore visit the mill to seek information about Sam's whereabouts but are met with silence. Fenwick insists on Sam's innocence, drawing a rebuke from Gilmore about being too hasty in his assurances. Meanwhile, Gilmore's spirits have revived with the news of Mary Lowther's impending visit, and he becomes embroiled in a public quarrel with the Marquis of Trowbridge, who has been spreading slander about Fenwick's visits to Carry Brattle. Fenwick, upon hearing of the slander, acknowledges his wife's earlier warning about the Marquis.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Gossip
The Puddlehamites and townspeople closely monitor Fenwick's visits to Carry, spreading rumors and slander about his motives.
Justice and Prejudice
Fenwick's belief in Sam's innocence clashes with police suspicions and public prejudice, highlighting the tension between personal conviction and legal evidence.
Hypocrisy and Moral Courage
The Marquis's slanderous accusations against Fenwick contrast with Fenwick's genuine efforts to help Carry and Sam, while Gilmore shows moral courage by defending his friend publicly.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Fenwick
Visits the mill with Gilmore to inquire about Sam; insists on Sam's innocence; learns of the Marquis's slander and acknowledges his wife's warning.
- Harry Gilmore
Accompanies Fenwick to the mill; rebukes Fenwick for being too hasty in his assurances; quarrels with the Marquis of Trowbridge over slander; his spirits are revived by news of Mary Lowther's visit.
- Carry Brattle
Fenwick visits her in Salisbury to seek information about Sam; she is evasive but insists Sam had nothing to do with the murder.
- Sam Brattle
Wanted by police in connection with Trumbull's murder; his whereabouts are unknown; Fenwick believes him innocent.
- George Brattle
The miller; remains silent when told the police want Sam again; walks away into the mill.
- Lord Trowbridge
Spreads slander about Fenwick's visits to Carry; quarrels with Gilmore and plans to write to the bishop.
Key passages
“He certainly could bring up Sam Brattle if he pleased;—or, if he pleased, as might, some said, not improbably be the case, he could keep him away.”
Some in the parish believed Fenwick had the power to either produce Sam or hide him, as he saw fit.
Reflects the community's suspicion of Fenwick's motives and influence.
“I do not for one moment believe that Sam had any more to do with the murder than you or I.”
Fenwick declares his firm conviction that Sam is completely innocent of the murder.
Shows Fenwick's unwavering support for Sam despite public opinion.
“I think you go too far in giving such assurance as that.”
Gilmore warns Fenwick that his strong statement of Sam's innocence could cause more harm if proven wrong.
Highlights the conflict between Fenwick's optimism and Gilmore's caution.
“Then, after all, my wife was right and I was wrong.”
Fenwick admits that his wife's earlier suspicion about the Marquis spreading lies has been confirmed.
Fenwick acknowledges his misjudgment of the Marquis's character.
