Barchester Towers

Barchester Towers Summary

Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope is a satirical novel exploring the power struggles within the Church of England in the fictional town of Barchester. Following the death of the bishop, a battle ensues among clergy and their families, highlighting themes of ambition, tradition, and reform.

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Barchester Towers Excerpt

Short Summary: In Barchester Towers, the death of the Bishop of Barchester sparks a fierce competition for his successor. The novel delves into the ensuing conflicts among church officials, notably between the new Bishop Proudie, his domineering wife, and the ambitious chaplain, Mr. Slope, against the established clergy led by Archdeacon Grantly. Amidst the ecclesiastical intrigue, personal relationships and romantic entanglements further complicate the quest for power and influence.

"In the latter days of July in the year 185—, a most important question was for ten days hourly asked in the cathedral city of Barchester, and answered every hour in various ways—Who was to be the new bishop? The death of old Dr. Grantly, who had for many years filled that chair with meek authority, took place exactly as the ministry of Lord — was going to give place to that of Lord —. The illness of the good old man was long and lingering, and it became at last a matter of intense interest to those concerned whether the new appointment should be made by a conservative or liberal government. It was pretty well understood that the outgoing premier had made his selection and that if the question rested with him, the mitre would descend on the head of Archdeacon Grantly, the old bishop's son. The archdeacon had long managed the affairs of the diocese, and for some months previous to the demise of his father rumour had confidently assigned to him the reversion of his father's honours. Bishop Grantly died as he had lived, peaceably, slowly, without pain and without excitement. The breath ebbed from him almost imperceptibly, and for a month before his death it was a question whether he were alive or dead. A trying time was this for the archdeacon, for whom was designed the reversion of his father's see by those who then had the giving away of episcopal thrones."