The Vicar of Bullhampton · Chapter
The Trial explained
Carry Brattle and her father travel to Salisbury for the trial.
What happens
Carry Brattle and her father travel to Salisbury for the trial. Carry gives her testimony with great difficulty, but is spared the worst when she cannot answer the question about her indiscretion. Sam Brattle testifies but refuses to speak about his sister. The trial is adjourned, and the family returns to Bullhampton. Later, news arrives that Jack the Grinder has been convicted and sentenced to death, while Lawrence Acorn is acquitted.
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
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of the confl…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Justice and Prejudice
The trial exposes the harsh public scrutiny and moral judgment faced by Carry, a 'fallen woman,' as the barrister uses her past to discredit her testimony.
- Family Duty and Forgiveness
The miller's silent support and Carry's longing for a kind word highlight the strained yet enduring family bonds.
- Hypocrisy and Moral Courage
Sam Brattle shows moral courage by refusing to answer questions about his sister, defying the court's pressure and the double standard applied to her.
Characters to notice
- Carry Brattle
Gives testimony at the trial, struggles with the cross-examination about her indiscretion, and is eventually allowed to step down.
- George Brattle
Accompanies Carry to Salisbury, remains silent and grim throughout, but offers her a rare word of comfort before she testifies.
- Sam Brattle
Arrives late at the court, gives evidence but refuses to answer questions about his sister's character, becoming impudent with the barrister.
- Fanny Brattle
Is up late at the mill to welcome Carry and her father home, and comforts Carry after the ordeal.
- Mr. Fenwick
Mentioned as having been present in court earlier, and as having met Sam in the vicarage garden in Sam's testimony.
Key passages
“I'll bide nigh thee, Carry”
I'll stay close to you, Carry.
The miller's only word of comfort to Carry before she testifies.
“Your silence tells all that I wish the jury to know. You may go down.”
Your silence is enough for the jury. You can step down.
The burly barrister dismisses Carry after she fails to answer the question about her indiscretion.
“Then you may go to—other sources”
Then you can find out from other people.
Sam's impudent reply when threatened with other ways to get information about his sister.
