# Carry Brattle explained — The Vicar of Bullhampton

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

## What happens

Mr. Fenwick travels alone to Pycroft Common to find Carry Brattle, who is living in a cottage with old Mrs. Burrows. He confronts her about her unmarried state and her connection to the murder suspect, Jack the Grinder. Carry expresses deep despair and self-loathing, but Fenwick offers compassion and a promise of help, urging her to pray and to contact him if she leaves. On his return, he meets Sam Brattle but cannot persuade him to ride home.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and the Fallen Woman

Fenwick's visit to Carry embodies the theme of offering redemption to a 'fallen woman' despite societal condemnation.

### Justice and Prejudice

Carry's fear of the police and her brother Sam's unjust suspicion highlight prejudice against the poor and the accused.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Fenwick

Travels alone to Pycroft Common to find Carry Brattle; shows compassion and offers help.

### Carry Brattle

Found living in a cottage with old Mrs. Burrows; admits she is unmarried and expresses deep despair.

### Sam Brattle

Encountered by Fenwick on the road near Lavington; declines a ride but says he is going to the mill.

### Jack the Grinder

Accused of murder; identified as the son of Mrs. Burrows and connected to Carry.

### Mrs. Brattle

Mentioned as the mother of Carry and Sam; Fenwick hopes her heart may change toward Carry.

## Key lines

> Oh, Mr. Fenwick, I ain't fit for the likes of you to touch.

Carry feels unworthy of Fenwick's kindness due to her fallen state.

_Reflects her deep shame and self-loathing._

> I have just got one thing to do, and that's all. What thing is that, Carry? To die and have done with it.

Carry expresses suicidal despair, seeing no hope for her future.

_Highlights the theme of redemption and fallen women._

> Sam hadn't no more to do with it than you had, Mr. Fenwick.

Carry vehemently defends her brother Sam against accusations of murder.

_Shows her loyalty and the theme of justice and prejudice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se/chapters/xxv-carry-brattle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se/chapters