Barchester Towers · Chapter
Another Love Scene explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Arabin, troubled by the rumor that Eleanor Bold will marry Mr. Slope, realizes he is in love with her. He returns early to Plumstead and confronts Eleanor, who is angry at his earlier suspicions. They walk in the garden, where Arabin struggles to express his true feelings, and Eleanor remains hurt and defiant.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the archdeacon, despite his usual self-assurance, is visibly…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Marriage and Courtship
The chapter explores the misunderstandings and emotional turmoil surrounding courtship, as Mr. Arabin's unacknowledged love for Eleanor clashes with the rumored engagement to Mr. Slope.
- Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity
Characters judge Eleanor's potential marriage to Mr. Slope based on social and personal biases, revealing their own moral inconsistencies and lack of confidence in her judgment.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Arabin
Realizes he is in love with Eleanor Bold, though he had not previously admitted it to himself. He is tormented by jealousy and self-doubt, and attempts to reconcile with her after she accuses him of despising her.
- Eleanor Bold
Feels angry and ill-used by everyone, especially Mr. Arabin, whom she believed esteemed her. She is hurt by his earlier suspicions and struggles to maintain her composure during their encounter.
- Mr. Harding
Tries to comfort Eleanor and has resolved to support her regardless of her choice to marry Mr. Slope, though he cannot bring himself to mention Slope's name.
- Archdeacon Grantly
Mentioned as having lectured Eleanor about Mr. Slope, contributing to her irritation.
Key passages
“He said to himself over and over again that it was impossible that Eleanor Bold should become Mrs. Slope, and yet he believed that she would do so.”
He repeatedly told himself that Eleanor could never marry Mr. Slope, but deep down he was convinced she would.
Illustrates Mr. Arabin's internal conflict and lack of faith in Eleanor's discernment.
“I have esteemed, do esteem you, as I never yet esteemed any woman. Think well of you! I never thought to think so well, so much of any human creature.”
I have valued you more than any woman I have ever known; I never imagined I could think so highly of anyone.
Mr. Arabin's halting declaration of his deep regard for Eleanor, though he cannot yet say he loves her.
“How little flattering is woman's love, Given commonly to whosoe'er is nearest And propped with most advantage.”
It is unflattering how women often give their love to whoever is closest or most advantageous.
Mr. Arabin's bitter reflection, quoting Van Artevelde, as he contemplates Eleanor's rumored attachment to Mr. Slope.
