The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope.

Read with companions Book page

Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.

Chapter 1
How Did He Get It?
The chapter introduces the Reverend Josiah Crawley, a poor, moody, and hardworking perpetual curate of Hogglestock, who is accused of stealing a cheque for twenty pounds. It details his difficult life, his devoted wife, and his three children: Grace, Bob, and Jane. The accusation has stirred the county, and the chapter also presents the Walker family's discussion of the scandal, with Mr. Walker expressing his fear that Crawley may be guilty.
Chapter 2
By Heavens He Had Better Not!
The chapter introduces Major Grantly's romantic interest in Grace Crawley, which causes consternation among the Grantly family. Archdeacon Grantly vehemently opposes the match, threatening to disinherit his son, while Mrs. Grantly is more pragmatic. The chapter also contrasts the Crawleys' poverty with the wealthy Thornes of Chaldicotes, and reveals the archdeacon's pride and disappointment.
Chapter 3
III: The Archdeacon's Threat
The archdeacon confronts his son Major Grantly about his rumored attachment to Grace Crawley, threatening to stop his income if he marries her. The major defiantly asserts his independence, leading to a tense family dinner and a gloomy evening at the rectory.
Chapter 4
The Clergyman's House at Hogglestock
Mrs. Crawley returns from Silverbridge with the grievous news that her husband must appear before the magistrates to answer the charge of theft. She struggles to persuade him to attend voluntarily rather than be fetched by a policeman. The chapter explores the family's poverty, Mr. Crawley's mental state, and Mrs. Crawley's desperate attempts to reconcile his innocence with the evidence against him.
Chapter 5
What the World Thought About It
The chapter explores the widespread public reaction to Mr. Crawley's alleged theft, focusing on the divided opinions among the Barsetshire gentry and clergy. Archdeacon Grantly fears the scandal will ruin his family's reputation if his son marries Grace Crawley, while Lady Lufton and her daughter-in-law staunchly defend Mr. Crawley's innocence. Lord Lufton and Mr. Robarts express more cautious doubts, and at the palace, Mrs. Proudie aggressively pushes for Mr. Crawley's conviction and removal from his living.

Free preview

80 more chapter companions sit beside the text in BetterReads — open a free preview to unlock the rest.

80 more companions → free preview

How Did He Get It?

By Heavens He Had Better Not!

III: The Archdeacon's Threat

The Clergyman's House at Hogglestock

What the World Thought About It