The American Senator · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

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Chapter 1
I: Dillsborough
The chapter introduces the declining market town of Dillsborough, its geography, and its key inhabitants. It describes the town's lack of industry or attractions, its division between the counties of Rufford and Ufford, and its gradual population decrease. The chapter highlights the Bush Inn, the attorney's house, and Hoppet Hall, the most remarkable house in town, now occupied by Mr. Reginald Morton. It also introduces the two principal landowners: Lord Rufford, a wealthy sportsman who is not much seen locally, and Mr. John Morton, the absentee squire of Bragton serving as Secretary of Legation in Washington. The memory of the late old Reginald Morton, who lived at Bragton and was beloved, still lingers. Finally, the chapter presents Lawrence Twentyman, a gentleman-farmer who is popular and successful in his farming and sporting pursuits.
Chapter 2
The Morton Family
This chapter provides a detailed history of the Morton family, focusing on old Reginald Morton, his sons John and Reginald, and the subsequent generations. It describes the family's financial struggles, the estrangement caused by younger Reginald's marriage to an innkeeper's daughter, and the eventual inheritance of Bragton by John Morton, the young Secretary of Legation. The chapter also introduces Lady Ushant, who raised Mary Masters at the desolate Bragton Park.
Chapter 3
The Masters Family
At the Masters' home, a family dispute arises over whether attorney Mr. Masters should take on Goarly's case against Lord Rufford for crop damages. Mrs. Masters argues for the financial opportunity, while Mr. Masters is reluctant due to his loyalty to the gentry. Their children, including Mary, Dolly, and Kate, observe the tension. Lawrence Twentyman visits, and his fondness for Mary is evident, though she has not accepted his proposal.
Chapter 4
The Dillsborough Club
The chapter describes the Saturday evening club at the Bush inn in Dillsborough, where local men gather to drink and discuss affairs. The conversation centers on Goarly's lawsuit against Lord Rufford over game damage, with the club members expressing strong disapproval of Goarly and pressuring Mr. Masters not to take his case. After some tension, Mr. Masters indicates he will not represent Goarly, leading to general rejoicing and a round of drinks.
Chapter 5
Reginald Morton
This chapter introduces Reginald Morton, the grandson of the old squire, who has returned to Dillsborough to live at Hoppet Hall after winning a lawsuit over the property. He is a solitary, bookish man of nearly forty, with a handsome Morton appearance but a disdain for local society and sports. He has a particular friendship with Mary Masters, whom he knew as a child, and feels disgust at the attentions of Lawrence Twentyman toward her. The chapter depicts his daily habits, his strained relations with the town, and a chance encounter with the Masters sisters and Twentyman by the river at Bragton.

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I: Dillsborough

The Morton Family

The Masters Family

The Dillsborough Club

Reginald Morton