The Vicar of Bullhampton · Chapter
Crunch'em Can't Be Had explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Fenwick continues to investigate Sam Brattle's involvement with Jack the Grinder, a known criminal. He visits the Lavington constable and learns that the Grinder has been seen in the area. Meanwhile, Mrs. Brattle visits the Vicarage to report that Sam has returned home and is helping with mill repairs. Fenwick plans to visit Sam the next day, expressing concern about Sam's recent activities and hoping he will reform.
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 Exposition.
- 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
Fenwick's suspicion of Sam based on his association with Jack the Grinder reflects the tension between justice and prejudice in a small community.
- Family Duty and Forgiveness
Mrs. Brattle's hope for Sam's return and the father's renewed affection for his son echo the theme of familial duty and the possibility of forgiveness.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Fenwick
Investigates Sam Brattle's criminal associations, visits the Lavington constable, and plans to confront Sam about his behavior.
- Mrs. Brattle
Visits the Vicarage to inform Fenwick that Sam has returned home and is helping with mill repairs.
- Sam Brattle
Has returned home and is assisting his father with mill repairs, but his recent activities remain suspicious.
- Jack the Grinder
Identified as the man Fenwick struck; known criminal who has been seen in Lavington with another man.
- Farmer Trumbull
Fenwick visits him to inquire about obtaining a guard dog, but Crunch'em is unavailable.
- George Brattle
The miller is overseeing mill repairs with Sam's help, and has reconciled with his son.
Key passages
“A man is known by his companions.”
A person's character is judged by the company they keep.
Fenwick uses this proverb to justify his suspicion of Sam Brattle.
“I wish he'd come back without a penny, and with hunger like a wolf in his stomach, and with his clothes all rags, so that he might have had a taste of the suffering of a vagabond's life.”
Fenwick wishes Sam had returned destitute and starving, like the Prodigal Son, so he would truly understand the consequences of his actions.
Fenwick expresses a desire for Sam to experience hardship to learn a lesson.
