Barchester Towers

Synopsis

'Mr Slope flattered himself that he could out-manoeuvre the lady...he did not doubt of ultimate triumph.' Barchester Towers (1857) was the book that made Trollope's reputation and it remains his most popular and enjoyable novel. The arrival of a new bishop in Barchester, accompanied by his formidable wife and ambitious chaplain, Obadiah Slope, sets the town in turmoil as Archdeacon Grantly declares 'War, war, internecine war!' on Bishop Proudie and his supporters. Who will come out on top in the battle between the archdeacon, the bishop, Mr Slope, and Mrs Proudie? The livelihood of Mr Harding, the saintly hero of The Warden, is once more under threat but clerical warfare finds itself tangled up in the wayward (and sometimes perverse) desires of the many courtships, seductions, and romances of the book. Who will marry Eleanor Bold? Can any man resist the charms of the exotically beautiful 'La Signora Madeline Vesey Neroni'? Will the oily Mr Slope finally get his comeuppance? Trollope's matchless handling of plot and character displays a skill whose distinctive literary qualities are celebrated in this new edition. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Bishop's Bedroom

* Bishop Grantly and his wife discuss the upcoming election for the wardenship of Hiram's Hospital.
* Mr. Slope, an ambitious chaplain, arrives and offers his support to the Bishop.
* Mrs. Proudie, the Bishop's formidable wife, approves of Mr. Slope's scheming ways.

Example:

"Mrs. Proudie had dropped a word to her spouse the Bishop, as to the desirableness of having the vacant wardenship of Hiram's Hospital filled by some person on whose behalf they could calculate on having the interest of this new chaplain."

Chapter 2: The Dean's Dinner-Party

* The Dean of Barchester, Dr. Vesey Stanhope, hosts a dinner party for the election candidates.
* Mr. Obadiah Slope's arrogance and self-assurance irritate many guests.
* Mr. Quiverful, a struggling clergyman with 14 children, is among the candidates.

Example:

"'Mr. Slope!' said the Dean, introducing him to a very mild-looking and inoffensive gentleman, and then passed on, leaving the two to make acquaintance with each other. Mr. Slope was all smiles and softness, and the gentleman, whose name was Quiverful, was all civility and simpering."

Chapter 3: A Morning Visit

* Mr. Slope visits Mrs. Quiverful to secure her husband's vote.
* Mrs. Quiverful is flattered by Mr. Slope's attention but is cautious.
* Mrs. Proudie warns Mr. Slope against engaging with Mrs. Quiverful, fearing the influence of the Barchester set.

Example:

"'I will come to you,' said Mr. Slope, 'on Thursday, at one punctually. Mrs. Slope will, I am sure, be delighted to make your acquaintance. She is so kind-hearted, and so anxious to see all the ladies connected with the Cathedral.' For a moment Mrs. Quiverful looked as though she thought it impossible that Mrs. Slope should be anything but kind."

Chapter 4: The Election

* The election for the wardenship takes place, with Mr. Slope as the front-runner.
* Mr. Harding, the current warden, is also a candidate but has little support.
* Mr. Slope wins the election by a narrow margin.

Example:

"Mr. Slope, after a moment's pause, determined to ascertain whether there had been any mistake, and walked up to the table. 'Mr. Harding,' said he, 'by the favor of these gentlemen, you are declared duly elected.'"

Chapter 5: The New Warden

* Mr. Slope begins his reign as warden with high expectations.
* He clashes with Mr. Harding, who is reluctant to give up his former position.
* Mrs. Proudie supports Mr. Slope's efforts to modernize the hospital.

Example:

"Mr. Slope had taken possession of his preferment, and, as is the wont of men who at any time of their lives have risen suddenly and much above their natural sphere, began to feel himself bigger than he had hitherto done."