# The Bull at Loring explained — The Vicar of Bullhampton

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

## What happens

Harry Gilmore, despite his friend Fenwick's advice, travels to Loring with the vague hope of saving Mary Lowther from what he believes is a disastrous match with Captain Marrable. He checks into the Bull inn, where he dines with a commercial traveler named Mr. Cockey and learns from the waiter that Captain Marrable has just returned to the parsonage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Gilmore's desperate journey to Loring reflects his unrequited love and his romanticized notion of rescuing Mary from a perceived unsuitable match.

### Class and Social Power

The contrast between the commercial Bull inn and the aristocratic Dragon inn highlights class distinctions in Loring, and Gilmore's anxiety about Captain Marrable's social standing.

## Character check-ins

### Harry Gilmore

Travels to Loring with the intention of intervening in Mary Lowther's engagement to Captain Marrable, though he has no clear plan.

### Mr. Fenwick

Advised Gilmore against traveling to Loring, but Gilmore leaves him a brief pencil note before departing.

### Mary Lowther

The object of Gilmore's journey; he hopes to save her from a match he believes is unworthy.

### Captain Walter Marrable

Reported by the waiter to have just returned from London and to be staying at the Lowtown parsonage; described as a handsome gentleman.

### Miss Marrable

Gilmore intends to call on her to learn the facts about Mary's situation, believing she favors his claim.

### Mr. Cockey

A commercial traveler dining at the Bull who shares a meal with Gilmore and provides local information.

## Key lines

> He had formed no idea in his own mind of any definite purpose in going. He did not know what he should do or what say when he got to Loring.

Gilmore set out for Loring without any clear plan or idea of what he would do or say upon arrival.

_Highlights Gilmore's impulsive and uncertain state of mind._

> Men in love, let their case be ever so bad, must dine or die.

Even the most lovesick man still needs to eat to survive.

_A wry observation on the practical necessities of life overriding romantic despair._

> The waiter, looking at the matter in a somewhat similar light, and aware that a combined meal would be for the advantage of all parties, very soon assisted Mr. Cockey in making his arrangements for the evening.

The waiter, seeing the benefit of a shared dinner, helped arrange for Mr. Cockey and Gilmore to dine together.

_Illustrates the social customs and practical cooperation at a commercial inn._

## Links

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