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Barchester Towers

Written by Anthony Trollope

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Domestic fictionClergyBarchester (England : Imaginary place)Barsetshire (England : Imaginary place)

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About this book

"Barchester Towers" by Anthony Trollope is a novel written in the mid-19th century, specifically during the Victorian era. The story is set in the cathedral city of Barchester, and it revolves around the power struggles and ecclesiastical politics following the death of the old bishop. Central characters include Dr. Grantly, the ambitious archdeacon, Mr. Harding, the former warden of Hiram’s Hospital, and the newly appointed Bishop Proudie, alongside his authoritative wife and the scheming chaplain Mr. Slope. The narrative offers a humorous and satirical exploration of the moral and social dynamics within the Church of England. At the start of "Barchester Towers," the central tension arises from the recent death of Bishop Grantly, creating a power vacuum and competition for the vacant bishopric among various characters. Archdeacon Grantly hopes to succeed his father, eager to consolidate his influence during a time of political transition. Meanwhile, the novel introduces Mr. Harding, who grapples with the implications of both his own resignation from Hiram’s Hospital and the new realities under the incoming bishopric. As characters navigate their ambitions and the shifting balance of power, Trollope sets the stage for an intricate interplay of loyalties and rivalries that will define the unfolding drama in Barchester.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Barchester Towers, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 18 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • satirical
  • social commentary

Barchester Towers is a satirical novel by Anthony Trollope, published in 1857, that meticulously details the ecclesiastical and social politics within the fictional cathedral city of Barchester. Following the death of the old bishop, a power vacuum emerges, leading to intense rivalry between the traditional, high-church Archdeacon Grantly and the newly appointed, evangelical Bishop Proudie and his formidable wife, Mrs. Proudie, alongside their manipulative chaplain, Mr. Slope. Amidst these clerical machinations, the widowed Eleanor Bold navigates a complex web of suitors and societal expectations, ultimately finding love and stability. The novel masterfully blends social commentary, character study, and gentle humor to expose the ambitions, hypocrisies, and enduring human nature within a seemingly pious setting.

“It is a comfortable feeling to know that you are doing your duty; and it is a still more comfortable feeling to know that you are not doing it too much.”

Key themes

Ecclesiastical Politics and Power
This is the central theme, exploring how ambition, self-interest, and worldly desires manifest within the supposedly spiritual realm of the Church of England. The struggle between the traditional High Church (Grantly) and the evangelical reformists (Proudie/Slope) highlights the human element of institutional power struggles, where positions are sought for influence and prestige rather than purely spiritual devotion.
Social Class and Hierarchy
Trollope meticulously details the rigid social structures of Victorian England, particularly within the provincial setting of Barchester. The novel examines how class dictates status, marriage prospects, and social acceptance, with characters constantly aware of their position and that of others within the intricate social ladder. The arrival of the Stanhope family, with their bohemian Italian ways, serves to highlight the conservative nature of Barchester's established social order.
Morality and Hypocrisy
Trollope delves into the contrast between outward piety and genuine moral character. Many characters, particularly Mr. Slope and Mrs. Proudie, use their religious convictions as a shield or a weapon to further their own worldly ambitions, exposing the hypocrisy inherent in their actions. The novel questions what true morality entails, often contrasting superficial adherence to religious dogma with genuine kindness, honesty, and integrity.

Worth discussing

How does Trollope use the ecclesiastical setting of Barchester to comment on broader societal issues of ambition, power, and class?

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