The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
Mr. Crawley's Letter to the Dean explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Crawley, after his walk to Silverbridge, remains determined to resign his living despite advice from Dr. Tempest and his wife. He has written a letter to the dean explaining his reasons, which include the opinions of parishioners and the bishop's commission. Mrs. Crawley hopes the dean will help after his return. The bishop's chaplain replies that Mr. Thumble will relieve Mr. Crawley on Sunday, a prospect Mr. Crawley finds bitter but endures.
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
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this chapter, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when John Eames, after years of unrequited love f…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Pride and Humility
Mr. Crawley's determination to resign the living is driven by a sense of pride and conscience, while he struggles with humility in accepting advice and enduring Mr. Thumble's visit.
- Poverty and Suffering
The Crawleys face financial hardship and social suffering due to the accusation, with the living being their only source of bread.
- Clergy and Morality
The chapter explores the moral dilemmas of a clergyman facing accusations, the bishop's commission, and the duty to parishioners.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Crawley
Determined to resign his living, writes a letter to the dean, and struggles with the advice of Dr. Tempest and his own conscience.
- Mrs. Crawley
Hopes the dean will help after his return, and believes her husband will be acquitted.
- Dr. Tempest
Writes a letter advising Mr. Crawley not to resign until after the trial.
- Dean Arabin
The recipient of Mr. Crawley's letter; Mrs. Crawley hopes for his help upon his return.
- Mr. Thumble
Scheduled to relieve Mr. Crawley at Hogglestock, a prospect Mr. Crawley finds distasteful.
- Giles Hoggett
Referenced as a teacher of wisdom, with the phrase 'It's dogged as does it.'
Key passages
“It's dogged as does it.”
Persistent determination is what gets things done.
Mr. Crawley reflects on Giles Hoggett's advice about perseverance.
“I will endure even that.”
I will tolerate even that.
Mr. Crawley's resigned acceptance of Mr. Thumble's visit.
