The Last Chronicle of Barset: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Last Chronicle of Barset" is a novel that intricately weaves the lives of various characters in the fictional Barsetshire, focusing on themes of morality, social status, and personal integrity. Central to the narrative is Reverend Josiah Crawley, a struggling curate whose life takes a dramatic turn when he faces legal troubles due to a stolen check. His situation affects not only him but also his family, particularly his daughter Grace, who is in love with Major Henry Grantly. Major Grantly's commitment to Grace leads him to defy his father's wishes, showcasing the tension between personal desires and family expectations.
The novel also explores the dynamics of power and authority through characters like Bishop Proudie and his controlling wife, Mrs. Proudie, who embody the institutional pressures within the Church. Other pivotal figures include Dean Francis Arabin, who plays a key role in supporting the Crawleys, and John Eames, who demonstrates loyalty to his family amidst his own romantic dilemmas. The intertwining relationships and social hierarchies create a rich tapestry that reflects on the challenges of maintaining integrity in the face of societal pressures. As the characters navigate their personal and communal lives, their stories reveal deeper insights into love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships.
The Last Chronicle of Barset: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Anthony Trollope
First published: 1867
Genre: Novel
Locale: Barsetshire, England
Plot: Domestic realism
Time: Mid-nineteenth century
The Reverend Josiah Crawley, perpetual curate of Hogglestock, a poor parish. He is frequently unable to pay his bills from his meager living, and Dean Arabin often gives him money he is shy about taking. On one occasion, he pays a butcher's bill with a stolen check and is brought before a magistrate's court. The court decides on a full trial, for Crawley's explanation is vague and contradictory. In addition, Mrs. Proudie attempts to have him removed from his living. Finally, John Eames reaches Mrs. Arabin, traveling in Europe, who completely exonerates Crawley and explains the stolen check. Crawley later receives the more profitable living of St. Ewold's.
Grace Crawley, his daughter, in love with Major Henry Grantly. When Mr. Crawley is accused, Henry Grantly feels he must stick by Grace and, despite the fierce objection of his father, he proposes to her. Grace nobly refuses, but, after her father is cleared, she marries Henry.
Mrs. Mary Crawley, the self-sacrificing wife of Mr. Crawley, who copes extremely well with his intransigence and eccentricity.
Bishop Thomas Proudie, bishop of Barchester, a weak man who is harassed by his wife until he agrees to bring Mr. Crawley before a clerical commission.
Mrs. Proudie, wife of the bishop, who believes it her mission to uphold the honor of the Church. She persecutes Crawley and shames her husband by insisting on attending all his conferences. She dies of a heart attack.
Major Henry Grantly, a retired officer and widower with a small daughter. When his father opposes his plans to marry Grace Crawley, he is ready to sell his lodge and move to France.
Archdeacon Theophilus Grantly, archdeacon and wealthy ecclesiastical power in Barchester. He opposes his son's marriage to Grace Crawley.
Susan Grantly, his wife, who tries to keep peace between husband and son.
Francis Arabin, dean of Barchester Cathedral, who has always befriended the Crawleys.
Eleanor Arabin, his wife, whose generosity in stuffing an additional twenty pounds into the envelope for Mr. Crawley inadvertently precipitates the events of the novel. When she hears of the trouble, she immediately returns to give evidence.
Lilian Dale (Lily), a friend of Grace Crawley previously jilted by Adolphus Crosbie. Although Crosbie's wife, Lady Alexandrina, has died, Lily still refuses to allow Crosbie to court her again.
John Eames, now private secretary to Sir Raffle Buffle and the cousin of Grace Crawley. At his own expense, he goes to Italy to find Mrs. Arabin. Although in love with Lily, he barely extricates himself from the clutches of Madalina Demolines.
Bernard Dale, the heir of the squire of Allington, Lily's cousin, who becomes engaged to Emily Dunstable.
Emily Dunstable, cousin of Mrs. Martha Dunstable Thorne, a wealthy heiress.
Mrs. Martha Dunstable Thorne, a jolly social woman who tries to give Henry Grantly the courage to remain loyal to Grace.
Dr. Thomas Thorne, her husband, who sides with the Crawleys.
Christopher Dale, the squire of Allington, who is extremely fond of Grace Crawley.
Mrs. Mary Dale, Lily's mother, who invites Grace to stay at Allington after the magistrate's hearing.
Lady Julia de Guest, the constant benefactor of John Eames.
Lady Lufton, an aristocrat who constantly opposes Mrs. Proudie and defends the Crawleys.
Mr. Soames, Lord Lufton's business agent, who thought he had dropped the check at Hogglestock parsonage.
Adolphus Crosbie, now a widower, in debt to Gagebee, who would like to marry Lily Dale.
Lady Dumbello, the marchioness of Hartletop, also known as Griselda Grantly, daughter of the archdeacon, who sides with her father in objecting to Henry's marriage to Grace.
The Reverend Septimus Harding the aged father of Eleanor Arabin, with whom he lives, and Susan Grantly. A warm old man, he requests, on his deathbed, that Crawley be given the living at St. Ewold's.
Edith Grantly, daughter of Major Henry Grantly.
Mr. Thomas Toogood, the lawyer who defends Mr. Crawley.
The Reverend Caleb Trumble, the clergyman Mrs. Proudie sends to take over Mr. Crawley's parish.
The Reverend Dr. Mortimer Tempest, a rural dean and vicar of Silverbridge. He leads the clerical commission investigating the case and thinks that Crawley should be judged by the court before the Church decides about his living.
Miss Madalina Demolines, a young London lady who plots to marry John Eames and writes an anonymous note to Lily Dale.
Lady Demolines, willingly a partner in her daughter's schemes.
Sir Raffle Buffle, the pompous chairman of the Income Tax Office.
Mr. Fletcher, the butcher who received the stolen check.
Mr. Quiverful, a member of the clerical commission and warden of Hiram's Hospital. Mrs. Proudie appoints him to the commission.
The Reverend Caleb Oriel, rector of Greshamsbury and a member of the clerical commission.
The Reverend Mark Robarts, vicar of Framley, a member of the clerical commission.
Mr. Kissing, a silly secretary in the Income Tax Office.
Mr. Peter Bangles, a wine merchant who finally marries Madalina Demolines.