The Vicar of Bullhampton · Chapter
The Turnover Correspondence explained
The Marquis of Trowbridge, incensed by Mr.
What happens
The Marquis of Trowbridge, incensed by Mr. Fenwick's insolence and allusion to his daughters during the meeting at farmer Trumbull's, writes a complaint to the bishop. Lord St. George advises against it, but the Marquis sends the letter. The bishop forwards it to Fenwick, who responds good-naturedly, while Mrs. Fenwick is more pugnacious.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Courage
Fenwick's good-natured response contrasts with the Marquis's pompous indignation, highlighting moral courage versus hypocritical outrage.
Class and Social Power
The Marquis's sense of rank and his expectation of deference from the clergy are central to the conflict.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Fenwick
Receives the bishop's letter enclosing the Marquis's complaint, laughs it off, and writes a kind reply.
- Lord Trowbridge
Writes a letter of complaint to the bishop about Fenwick's conduct and allusion to his daughters.
- Lord St. George
Advises his father not to make a fuss, but the Marquis sends the letter after he leaves.
- Janet Fenwick
More pugnacious than her husband, she cannot forgive the Marquis's slander.
- Mr. Puddleham
Mentioned as present at the meeting with the Marquis.
- Harry Gilmore
Mentioned as present at the meeting with the Marquis.
Key passages
“The Marquis, as he was driven home in his carriage, came to sundry conclusions about Mr. Fenwick. That the man was an infidel he had now no matter of doubt whatever; and if an infidel, then also a hypocrite, and a liar, and a traitor, and a thief.”
On the ride home, the Marquis decided that Fenwick was an infidel, and therefore also a hypocrite, liar, traitor, and thief.
Shows the Marquis's escalating indignation and moral condemnation.
“I shouldn't make any fuss about it,' said the son. 'What! pass it over?' 'Yes; I think so.' 'Do you understand the kind of allusion that was made to your sisters?' 'It won't hurt them, my lord; and people make allusion to everything nowadays.'”
Lord St. George advises his father to ignore the insult, saying it won't harm his sisters and such allusions are common.
Highlights the generational and temperamental difference between father and son.
“My dear girl,' said Fenwick, 'what can you expect from an ass but his ears?' 'I don't expect downright slander from such a man as the Marquis of Trowbridge, and if I were you I should tell the bishop so.'”
Fenwick dismisses the Marquis's behavior as foolish, but his wife insists it is slander and wants him to complain to the bishop.
Illustrates the couple's differing reactions to the Marquis's letter.