# VII: The Jupiter explained — The Warden

> Chapter companion for The Warden by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

The chapter details the devastating impact of a scathing article in The Jupiter newspaper on Mr. Harding, who is publicly accused of unjustly enriching himself at the expense of the almsmen. While the archdeacon advises against any public response, the article emboldens John Bold's cause and excites the bedesmen, who are stirred by exaggerated promises of wealth. Meanwhile, Eleanor Harding, despite her pride, struggles with her feelings for Bold after rebuffing him, and the legal and public controversy over the hospital continues to escalate.

## Themes in this chapter

### Public Opinion and the Press

The Jupiter article exemplifies the overwhelming influence of the press, which attacks Mr. Harding personally and forces the Barchester clergy into a defensive silence.

### Personal Integrity and Sacrifice

Mr. Harding's anguish over the accusation of greed highlights his inner struggle to maintain his integrity, while Eleanor's pride leads her to sacrifice her relationship with Bold.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Harding

The warden is deeply distressed and humiliated by the Jupiter article, which accuses him of greed and moral indifference.

### John Bold

Bold feels elated that his cause is championed by The Jupiter, but is crestfallen after Eleanor's rebuff, torn between his reform campaign and his love for her.

### Eleanor Harding

Eleanor rides off from Bold in pride, but internally regrets her harshness and struggles with her feelings, wishing she could persuade him to abandon his campaign.

### Dr. Grantly

The archdeacon advises against writing to The Jupiter, warning that any response would be met with ridicule and further damage.

### Abel Handy

Handy spreads exaggerated interpretations of the Jupiter article among the bedesmen, claiming it declares each of them entitled to a hundred a year.

### Mr. Bunce

Bunce stands apart with a lowering brow, grieving as he perceives that evil days are coming for the hospital.

## Key lines

> Does he ever ask himself, when he stretches wide his clerical palm to receive the pay of some dozen of the working clergy, for what service he is so remunerated?

The article questions whether Mr. Harding ever considers the justification for receiving a large income while doing little work.

_This is a key accusation from The Jupiter that deeply wounds Mr. Harding._

> Write to The Jupiter, suggested the bishop. Yes, said the archdeacon, more worldly wise than his father, yes, and be smothered with ridicule; tossed over and over again with scorn; shaken this way and that, as a rat in the mouth of a practised terrier.

The archdeacon warns that responding to The Jupiter would only invite public mockery and further humiliation.

_This advice reflects the perceived invincibility of the press in shaping public discourse._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_warden_se/chapters/vii-the-jupiter
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_warden_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_warden_se/chapters