Framley Parsonage

Synopsis

'The fact is, Mark, that you and I cannot conceive the depth of fraud in such a man as that.' The Reverend Mark Robarts makes a mistake. Drawn into a social set at odds with his clerical responsibilities, he guarantees the debts of an unscrupulous Member of Parliament. He stands to lose his reputation, and his family, future, and home are all in peril. His patroness, the proud and demanding Lady Lufton, is offended and the romantic hopes of Mark's sister Lucy, courted by Lady Lufton's son, are in jeopardy. Pride and ambition are set against love and integrity in a novel that has remained one of Trollope's most popular stories. Set against ecclesiastical events in the Barchester diocese and informed by British political instability after the Crimean War, Trollope's fourth Barchester novel was his first major success. A compelling history of uncertain futures, Framley Parsonage is a vivid exploration of emotional and geographical displacement that grew out of Trollope's own experiences as he returned to England from Ireland in 1859. 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: Barchester Towers

* Summary: The novel opens with a description of Reverend Josiah Crawley, the impoverished parson of the small parish of Hogglestock, and his wife, Mary. Living in a dilapidated parsonage, they struggle to make ends meet while raising nine children.
* Example: Mrs. Crawley's "threadbare shawl and worn-out shoes" highlight their poverty.

Chapter 2: Framley Court

* Summary: The attention shifts to Framley Court, the grand estate of the Lufton family. Lord Lufton, the rightful heir, is engaged to Lucy Robarts, the daughter of the ambitious Reverend Mark Robarts.
* Example: Lord Lufton's "easy, swinging step" and "gay, pleasant voice" contrast with Crawley's struggles.

Chapter 3: Dr. Thorne

* Summary: Thomas Thorne, the local doctor, visits the Crawleys and offers to help them by recommending Josiah for a position as tutor to the Markham family in Barchester. Josiah is reluctant to leave Hogglestock, but Mary convinces him to accept.
* Example: Thorne's "rough, homely manner" and "wickedly sly expressions" suggest his unconventional nature.

Chapter 4: The Bishop of Barchester

* Summary: Josiah arrives in Barchester and meets the Bishop, Dr. Grantly, a pompous and authoritarian figure. The Bishop assigns him to teach the Markham girls, including Griselda, a haughty and spoiled aristocrat.
* Example: Dr. Grantly's "heavy double chin" and "thin lips" convey his arrogance.

Chapter 5: Lady Lufton

* Summary: Lucy Robarts visits the Crawleys and gives them money. Meanwhile, her mother, Mrs. Robarts, schemes to have Lucy marry Lord Lufton's cousin, Mark Robarts.
* Example: Mrs. Robarts's "fat, motherly face" and "voluminous figure" reflect her pragmatic and manipulative nature.

Chapter 6: Mr. Sowerby

* Summary: Josiah meets Mr. Sowerby, an unscrupulous politician who agrees to help him obtain a better living. Josiah, however, is unaware of Sowerby's true intentions.
* Example: Sowerby's "bright blue coat" and "white waistcoat" indicate his superficial charm and lack of substance.

Chapter 7: The Archdeacon of Barchester

* Summary: The Crawleys attend a party at the palace of the Archdeacon of Barchester. Josiah becomes uncomfortable with the society and clashes with the Archdeacon's wife, Mrs. Grantly.
* Example: Mrs. Grantly's "scornful smile" and "piercing eyes" reveal her disdain for Josiah.

Chapter 8: The Vicar of Framley

* Summary: Mark Robarts, now a vicar, finds himself caught between his love for Lucy and his ambitious mother's plans for him. He seeks advice from Dr. Thorne.
* Example: Mark's "kindly, honest eyes" reflect his genuine nature.

Chapter 9: The Small House at Allington

* Summary: Josiah returns to Hogglestock, where he faces financial hardship and moral challenges. He decides to sell his books to raise money.
* Example: Josiah's "bleared eyes" and "worn-out frame" symbolize his physical and emotional suffering.