# Clerical Charities explained — The Way We Live Now > Chapter companion for The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope. ## What happens In Suffolk, Melmotte's success and wealth are discussed with skepticism. Roger Carbury dines with the Bishop of Elmham, where they debate Melmotte's charitable donations and his moral standing. Later, Father Barham informs Roger that Melmotte has converted to Roman Catholicism and donated to a Catholic church, leading to a heated exchange about the nature of greatness and faith. ## Themes in this chapter ### Deception and Hypocrisy Melmotte's charitable donations to both Protestant and Catholic causes are portrayed as calculated moves to gain political and social favor, highlighting the hypocrisy of his public persona. ### Speculation and Ruin Roger Carbury predicts Melmotte's financial collapse, reflecting the theme of speculative ventures leading to ruin. ### Corruption of Literature and Media The Surplice newspaper is used to propagate Melmotte's religious conversion, illustrating how media can be manipulated for personal gain. ## Character check-ins ### Roger Carbury Engages in debates about Melmotte's character and donations, feeling disheartened by the state of society and his family's troubles. ### Augustus Melmotte Discussed extensively in Suffolk and at the Bishop's dinner; his charitable donations and conversion to Catholicism are central topics. ### Father Barham Visits Roger at Carbury Manor, reading from The Surplice about Melmotte's conversion and donation to a Catholic church. ### Lady Carbury Mentioned as having written to Roger requesting a loan, which he grants, though he suspects the money will aid Sir Felix's schemes. ### Sir Felix Carbury Referenced in connection with the failed elopement and as a recipient of funds from his mother, which Roger disapproves of. ### Paul Montague Mentioned in Roger's thoughts as being entangled with Mrs. Hurtle, causing tension with Hetta. ## Key lines > A failure! Of course he's a failure, whether rich or poor;—a miserable imposition, a hollow vulgar fraud from beginning to end—too insignificant for you and me to talk of, were it not that his position is a sign of the degeneracy of the age. Roger dismisses Melmotte as a fraud, regardless of his wealth, and sees his success as a symptom of societal decline. _Roger expresses his contempt for Melmotte's character and the moral decay he represents._ > Such a gift shows him to be a useful member of society—and I am always for encouraging useful men. The Bishop argues that Melmotte's donation to the Curates' Aid Society makes him a beneficial contributor to society, regardless of his motives. _The Bishop defends Melmotte's charitable act as a positive contribution, contrasting with Roger's skepticism._ > I think that men on the whole do live better lives than they did a hundred years ago. There is a wider spirit of justice abroad, more of mercy from one to another, a more lively charity, and if less of religious enthusiasm, less also of superstition. The Bishop believes society is improving over time, with greater justice, mercy, and charity, despite a decline in religious fervor. _The Bishop offers an optimistic view of societal progress, countering Roger's pessimism._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lv-clerical-charities - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters