Framley Parsonage is a novel written by Anthony Trollope. Released in 1861, it is the fourth book in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series and tells of the life of Mark Robarts.
Characters[]
- Mark Robarts
- Fanny Robarts Mosell - wife of Mark
- Lady Lufton
- Mr. Nathaniel Sowerby - an extremely untrustworthy member of the Chalcoidites
- Lucy Robarts - Mark's younger sister
- Ludovic, Lord Lufton
- Mr. Harold Smith - A member of the Chalcoidites Set. A fervent colonializer and the "Lord Petty Bag".
- Mrs. Harold Smith - the sister of Nathaniel Sowerby and the wife of Harold Smith
- Miss Dunstable - a wealthy widow whom Sowerby plans to marry
- The Duke of Omnium
- Lord De Terrier
- John "Jack" Robarts - Mark's younger brother
- Griselda Grantly
- Mr. Crawley
- Mrs. Proudie
- Mr. Forrester - the manager of a bank in Barchester
- Dr. Proudie - a local bishop
- Frank Gresham - a friend of Miss Dunstable's
- Mrs. Abigail (?) Gresham - Dr. Thorne's niece
- Dr. Thomas Thorne - a relative of the Greshams
- Tom Towers - a major figure within the Jupiter
Publisher's summary[]
'He was sickened also with all these lies. His very soul was dismayed by the dirt through which he was forced to wade. He had become unconsciously connected with the lowest dregs of mankind, and would have to see his name mingled with theirs in the daily newspapers'
A brilliant depiction of social climbing and scandal, Framley Parsonage tells the story of Mark Robarts, a young clergyman with ambitions beyond his small country parish of Framley. In a naive attempt to mix in influential circles, he makes a financial deal with the disreputable local Member of Parliament, but is instead brought to the brink of shame and ruin.
One of Trollope's most enduringly popular novels, Framley Parsonage is an evocative portrayal of country life in nineteenth-century England, told with great compassion, humour and an acute insight into human nature.
Plot[]
Chapter I: "Omnes Omnia Bona Dicere"[]
After leaving Exeter College, young Mark Robarts became a vicar in the village of Framley. He is married to a young woman named by Fanny by Lady Lufton (the rich mother of a childhood friend) and the two newly-weds settled in together. One Tuesday, the two talk about Lady Lufton and an upcoming appointment with the Meredith family that Mark cannot make as he is visiting the "Chaldicotes set".
Chapter II: The Framley Set, and the Chaldicotes Set[]
This chapter briefly introduces the odious politician Mr. Nathaniel Sowerby and his "Chaldicotes set" - a group of politicians who surround him. To the dissapointment of Lady Lufton, her son is a member of the set and has brought Mark into the set. During Fanny's visit to Lady Lufton, Lufton talks about Mark's involvement in the set with disdain - leading to Fanny stepping up for her husband.
Chapter III: Chaldicotes[]
During his visit to the Chace of Chaldicotes (the ancestral home and lands of Mr. Sowerby whose natural forests are being destroyed), Mark discusses a voyage to the island of Papua to "christianize" the natives with Mr. Harold Smith and learns that he has been invited to the home of the Duke of Omnium - Gatherum Castle - alongside local bishop Dr. Proudie.
Chapter IV: A Case of Conscience[]
The next day, Mark awakens at the Chace - thinking over the decision to visit Gatherum Castle and the money involved in the stay - and takes part in a hunting trip watched over by the various women at the Chace. Though everyone at the hunting trip did their best to make Mark feel welcomed, Mark is extremely worried that night over the thoughts of his wife and Lady Lufton. As such, he writes a letter to them before going to bed.
Chapter V: Amantium Irae Amoris Integratio[]
The letter enters into Fanny's hands two days later. Though she is greatly worried by the letter (as the Duke of Omnium has a reputation for being a nigh-Satanic figure), Fanny shows it to Lady Lufton. Lady Luftonis disgusted by the letter and greatly dissapointed in Mark - leading to an argument between Fanny and Lady Lufton. That night, after Fanny writes a letter back, Lady Lufton visits the young wife and apologizes to her before asking her to change the letter completely.
Chapter VI: Mr. Harold Smith's Lecture[]
Due to Harold Smith's constant talk of Papua, the Chalcoidites set begin making snide jokes about the whole thing. They all visit a lecture given by Mr. Smith at Barsetshire (with the various wives present gossiping throughout the carriage ride to Barsetshire). Most of their member find the lecture extremely dull and Mrs. Proudie interrupts it - crushing Mr. Smith's spirit for the rest of the night.
Chapter VII: Sunday Morning[]
The next day, Mark has to do a charity sermon on behalf of Mr. Harold Smith's mission. Before then, he - along with several other members of the set - visit the Dragon of Wantly (presumably a hotel or restaurant). While at the Dragon, Mark realizes that he has to leave for his sermon and - after taking two horses for a phaeton and arrives at the church just in time to give his sermon. Later that day, Mr. Sowerby and his cronies metaphorically tear Mrs. Proudie down.
Chapter VIII: Gatherum Castle[]
On Tuesday morning, Mark receives the letter written by his wife - which worries him slightly. Some time later, the Chalcoidites set travels to Gatherum Castle. While there, the political movers and shakers within the set plot the downfall of the current prime minister. Mark learns about Lord Lufton's debts to Mr. Sowerby. Late into the trip, Mr. Sowerby asks Mark to give him money to help him marry a woman. Though Mark cannot produce the money immediately, Mr. Sowerby is able to get Mark to sign a bill stating that he will produce money over three months. After signing the bill, Mark is irked by it and "walks off to his own bedroom a wretched man".
Chapter IX: The Vicar's Return[]
While on the the return trip to Framley, all Mark can think about is the bill. Once at home, he talks with his wife about the goings-on at Gatherum Castle but decides against telling his wife about the bill until he talks with Lord Lufton on a hunting trip. During the hunting trip, Lord Lufton tells Mark that Mr. Sowerby is untrustworthy in matters of money.
Chapter X: Lucy Robarts[]
Before Mark can learn more about the bill, he learns that his father has fallen ill. While Mark is on his way to Exeter, his father dies of his illness. During the reading of the will, Mark learns that his father has left no money that he can use to pay off the bill to him. He also learns that his younger sister Lucy plans to move to Framley. The two siblings return to Framley and Lucy begins to assimilate into Framley's society.
Chapter XI: Griselda Grantly[]
One day, while Lord Lufton is out hunting, he notices Lucy and invites her to a dinner. Unbeknownst to Lord Lufton his mother has decided to tie him to another woman - Griselda Grantly, the daughter of an Archdeacon. At the dinner, Lady Lufton makes Griselda and Lord Lufton together but sparks do not fly between the two.
Chapter XII: The Little Bill[]
As the Christmas holidays pass, Mark meets with his younger brother John (or Jack, who works for the "Lord Petty Bag"). John promises to give his brother money but is too young to even get money from his father's inheritance. When Mark talks with Mr. Sowerby, Sowerby brushes him off and tells him that everything about the bill will be fine. A few months later - once the original bill has ended - Sowerby sends Mark a new bill, which Mark signs (assuming that the old bill has been made null and void).
Chapter XIII: Delicate Hints[]
After finding out that Ludovic has stayed at Gatherum Castle and that he has shown interest in Lucy Robards, Lady Lufton becomes dissapointed in her son. She briefly talks about these feelings with Fanny - whom finds Ludovic and Lucy talking about horse-riding after Fanny's talk with Lady Lufton. After Lord Lufton leaves, Fanny reveals Lady Lufton's thoughts about the relationship between Ludovic and Lucy - somewhat depressing Lucy, as she feels that the doors of Lady Lufton's house closing on her.
Chapter XIV: Mr. Crawley of Hogglestock and Chapter XV: Lady Lufton's Ambassador[]
While out with Mark, Mr. Sowerby presents him with a horse as a way to pay off part of the bill - which Mark accepts. Around the same time, Lady Lufton becomes extremely worried and disgusted by Mark's presence at hunting-parties and a clergyman named Mr. Crawley moves nearby to Framley. Mark and Mr. Crawley become friendly - leading to Lady Lufton using Mr. Crawley as an "ambassador" to voice her fears. While Mr. Crawley is having dinner with Mark, he reveals Lady Lufton's worries which leads to a brief argument that ends with Mr. Crawley running out of the house.
Chapter XVI: Mrs. Podgens' Baby and Chapter XVII: Mrs. Proudie's Conversazione[]
As the hunting season ends, Lady Lufton plans to visit London with Griselda Grantly. Right before Lady Lufton can leave for London, her son reveals his love for Lucy Robards to the young woman. So as to not anger Lady Lufton, Lucy rejects Ludovic's advances even though she loves the young man. Around the same time, Mrs. Proudie (whom Lady Lufton tolerates) hosts a "conversazione" with various members of Barsetshire's high society.
Chapter XVIII: The New Minister's Patronage[]
Right before Lady Lufton can leave for London, Mr. Sowerby reveals that there is a situation vacant in Barsetshire for Mark should the "Lord Petty Bag" (whom happens to be Harold Smith) helps out Mark. Before taking the position, Mark discusses it with his wife and sister - who are hesitant to move from Framley. The next day, Mark visits the Lord Petty Bag (and his brother John) in London. Mark is joined in the meeting by Mr. Sowerby and the three discuss the vacant position.
Chapter XIX: Money Dealings and Chapter XX: Harold Smith in the Cabinet[]
One day, as he is visiting Mark, Lord Lufton mentions that Mr. Sowerby and his lackey Tozer have ripped him off. Though Mark initially tries to defend his "friend" (leading to a brief argument between the two men), he becomes aware that Sowerby might plan to rip him off and becomes extremely alarmed. The next day, Lufton and Mark meet with Mr. Sowerby. While Lufton initially argues with Sowerby, the elder politician is able to convince the two younger men that everything is fine. Meanwhile, as Harold Smith settles into the Cabinet, he is mocked by a Whig newspaper called the Jupiter. Despite this, his wife hosts an elaborate party. Lord Lufton is able to convince his mother to attend with him and Griselda. Though Ludovic and Griselda dance together any connection between the two is extinguished after Griselda reminds him of Lucy. Not knowing of this, Lady Lufton tries to convince Griselda into staying in a relationship with her son after the two stop dancing.
Chapter XXI: Why Puck, the Pony, Was Beaten and Chapter XXII: Hogglestock Parsonage[]
After agreeing to a new deal arranged by Mr. Sowerby (that he should briefly take a horse from Sowerby before selling it back), Mark returns back home with the horse. Though his family (who still do not know about his debts) are somewhat concerned about the horse, they ignore it.
Though by this point the two have firmly split, Lucy still has feelings for Lord Lufton. While travelling to Hogglestock to visit the Crawleys due to one of their infants falling ill, Lucy argues with Fanny over the proposed union between Griselda and Ludovic. Once at the Crawleys' residence, Lucy talks with the Crawley children (learning that the daughter Grace has learned "Greek Delectus, the irregular verbs, and an ode of Horace") and attempts to give them a gift of gingerbread. Though Mr. Crawley accepts the gift, Lucy senses that he is shamed by taking gifts and worries that she will greatly offend him by giving out other gifts. Fortunately, Mr. Crawley is called away by his maid and Lucy is able to give out the other gifts. While travelling back to Framley, the two women encounter Mr. Crawley - who thanks them for accompanying his wife for a long time.
Chapter XXIII: The Triumph of the Giants[]
As April ends, the government of Harold Smith crumbles largely due to the influence of the Jupiter and the giants of Lord De Terrier rise to power. In the days after being deposed, Harold Smith wonders what will happen to "the Queen's government". This is closely followed by De Terrier meeting with the Queen and producing a list of his new government members. Though the former "gods" of Smith's government are worried, the incoming giants are able to soothe them. Their first act is to further a bill which would greatly benefit the archdeacons. Griselda Grantly's family is greatly intrigued by this, though are somewhat dissapointed to learn that the remnants of the former government plan to oppose their own bill.
Chapter XXIV: Magna Est Veritas[]
While Harold Smith's gods collapse, Mr. Sowerby begins to think of marrying a wealthy widow. This is not (largely) because he loves the woman but because he views it as a way to fix his money troubles. He asks his sister (Mrs. Harold Smith, whom is friendly with the widow) to help him marry her. She says that he should be honest about his goals and when Nathaniel is hesitant to do this, Mrs. Smith decides to visit the widow herself to do this. When she does this, the widow shows absolutely no desire to go through with the marriage - seeing it as an unfair deal.
Chapter XXV: Non-Impulsive and Chapter XXVI: Impulsive[]
Though Archdeacon Grantly is disgusted with the outcome of the Deacon Bill affair, he is indisposed with another matter. He learns that Lady Lufton plans to marry his daughter to her son. Though the Archdeacon and his wife plan to go through with this union, Griselda reveals that she feels absolutely no attraction towards Ludovic.
Meanwhile, after returning from the Crawleys' home, Lucy talks with her feelings for Ludovic with Fanny. She reveals that they are still extremely deep and that the only option she can see is to flee Framely entirely. Shortly after this talk, Fanny's husband returns home after eating dinner away from home.
Chapter XXVII: South Audley Street[]
Shortly after his marriage falls through, Mr. Sowerby learns that the Duke of Omnium plans to take the Chace of Chaldicotes out from under him as payment for the various debts that Nathaniel has accrued from him. Nathan meets with a lawyer at South Audley Street (in a room which the author describes as being paramount to a torture chamber) and learns that his life (or at least, his political career) is effectively over. As such, Nathan's few merciful thoughts about the upcoming debt that Mark Robarts owes him dissolve away.
Chapter XXVIII: Dr. Thorne and Chapter XXIX: Miss Dunstable at Home[]
Shortly after Sowerby learns that he is ruined, Miss Dunstable plans an elaborate party. While this party includes many of the major political movers-and-shakers (both within the "giants" and the "gods"), it also includes one Dr. Thorne (the uncle of the Greshams). While setting up the party, Dr. Thorne's niece realizes that Miss Dunstable is in love with Dr. Thorne and tells her uncle about this.
During the party, the Duke of Omnium (whom Miss Dunstable has been expecting) and Lady Lufton have a brief interaction (almost a brief standoff between two rivals) before the dancing begins. While at the dance, Ludovic reveals that there are no flames between himself and Griselda. As such, Lady Lufton agrees to call off the planned union between the two while Griselda meets a man named Lord Dumbello. Despite his political situation, Sowerby arrives at the party but arrives extremely late alongside a major mover-and-shaker within the Jupiter named Tom Towers - whom Miss Dunstable has also been expecting. Despite both of the people she was expecting arriving, Miss Dunstable thinks that she managed the party badly and speaks about this with Dr. Thorne.
Chapter XXX: The Grantly Triumph and Chapter XXXI: Salmon Fishing in Norway[]
Lord Dumbello and Griselda Grantly fall in love and soon decide to marry each other. While Lord Lufton felt no feelings towards Griselda, he has the odd sensation of pseudo-jealousy and decides to leave for Norway with some friends. Before leaving for Norway, Lord Lufton briefly stops off in Framley and visits his old friend Mark. While the two visit a horse paddock, Ludovic reveals his feelings about Lucy to Mark. While Lucy is still in love with Mark, she has decided that she will only ask Ludovic for his hand in marriage if his mother allows it (fearing that Lady Lufton's possible hatred will drive them apart). Ludovic is taken aback by this and Lucy believes that she has been rejected twice. As such, she believes that Ludovic will never accept her and shuts herself in her room. Meanwhile, Ludovic departs Framley for Norway.
Chapter XXXII: The Goat and Compasses and Chapter XXXIII: Consolation[]
While Ludovic departs for Norway, Mr. Sowerby becomes more and more worried that he will be flushed from politics completely. Hoping that he can reclaim his money, Mr. Sowerby visits Mark's brother in the office of the Lord Petty Bag to try to lure Mark out. After sending out this lure, Mr. Sowerby visits his "associate" Tozer and discusses his overdue bills with him. He then visits his sister and discusses his monetary situation with him before planning to propose to Miss Dunstable once again.
Mr. Sowerby then visits Mark and tries to convince him to take another bill. To Mr. Sowerby's shock, Mark refuses and states that he will never sign another bill from Sowerby. Though Sowerby attempts to cajole and convince Mark to change his mind, the vicar refuses to do this and the two depart. Once Mark returns home, he reveals his financial worries to his wife and sister.
Chapter XXXIV: Lady Lufton is Taken by Surprise and Chapter XXXV: The Story of King Cophetua[]
Once Lord Lufton returns from Norway and visits his mother, he reveals to her that he plans to marry Lucy and asks for Lady Lufton's approval. To his shock, Lady Lufton absolutely refuses to accept the union. As Lord Lufton refuses to change his mind about Lucy, both depart with no change in their opinions. Meanwhile, Mrs. Crawley falls ill with typhus. As she is unmarried and has no children, Lucy decides to visit her and present her and the children with various gifts (which Mr. Crawley takes some offense to). While in the house, Lucy suggests moving the children somewhere else while Mrs. Crawley is sick but cannot think of a place to put them.
Upon arriving back home, Lucy receives a letter from Lady Lufton asking for an audience with her. Lucy immediately realizes that this is about her planned union to Ludovic. The two state their opinions on this and leave with these opinions largely unchanged.
Chapter XXXVI: Kidnapping at Hogglestock[]
Shortly after this, Lucy returns to Hogglestock with Mark to collect the children. While driving to Hogglestock, they find an old friend of Mr. Crawley's on the road and invite him to join them. While Mr. Crawley says that he wants the children to stay behind, Mark and Lucy are able to spirit them away. While speaking with his old friend, Mr. Crawley reveals his disdain for having to take charity from others.
Chapter XXXVII: Mr. Sowerby Without Company, Chapter XXXVIII: Is There Cause or Just Impediment, and Chapter XXXIX: How to Write a Love Letter[]
While a general election rages and the "Giants" and "Titans" begin to fight over their seats, Mr. Sowerby plans to stay within his governmental seat and within his home - which is now effectively empty. He is said to be extremely melancholic if not depressed during this time. Soon, he meets with his sister and discusses legal matters involving the house. Shortly after this, Mrs. Grantly and Miss Dunstable meet to discuss these matters. Miss Dunstable reveals a rumour that Sowerby plans to marry another widow before the two begin arguing. After leaving Miss Dunstable, Mrs. Grantly becomes worried that she has sunk Miss Dunstable's friendship with Dr. Thorne. While Dr. Thorne is attending his patients, he writes a love letter to Miss Dunstable. Instead of making his love swoon, it convinces her that Thorne's niece is trying to sabotage the relationship.
Chapter XL: Internecine and Chapter XLI: Don Quixote[]
While Dr. Thorne's relationship begins to bloom, Griselda and Lord Dumbello's families being to plan their marriage. Griselda's grandfather becomes somewhat heavily involved in the marriage plans and a conflict begins between Griselda's parents and the Proudies.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sowerby's Tozer "associates" begin measures to get their money from Mark by taking his possessions. Due to advice from a friend, Mark gets a lawyer to fight this process. While this is going on, Lady Lufton visits the Robartses. During this visit, she speaks with Fanny - who vehemently defends the honour of her sister-in-law after Lady Lufton speaks about Lucy.
Chapter XLII: Touching Pitch[]
While Mark hired a lawyer, Mr. Sowerby was forced to use lawyers known by his sister. To his chagrin, these lawyers are extremely slow-paced. Hoping that Mark will have changed his mind, Sowerby sends a letter asking him to sign a bill from the manager of the Barchester bank to save himself from the Tozers. Unfortunately for him, Mark sends him a letter back simply saying that he will not sign another bill. Shortly after this, Mark is visited by the manager of the bank who tries to convince him to take a bill that will last for two years. As he has done every other time, Mark refuses to sign the bill.
Chapter XLIII: Is She Not Insigificant and Chapter XLIV: The Philistines at the Parsonage[]
A month passes with little change within Framley. During this time, Lucy does her best to care for Mrs. Crawley and the worst of her illness passes. Around this time, Ludovic returns to Framley from Norway. Upon arriving, he visits his mother and argues with her again about Lucy. While doing this, Ludovic realizes that his mother views Lucy as "insigificant" and is still somewhat bitter about Griselda Grantly slipping through her fingers. After leaving his mother, Ludovic learns that the bailifs have ransacked the parsonage. While the bailifs are making a list of Mark's property, Ludovic arrives at the parsonage and convinces them to leave. While speaking with Mark about his financial woes, he reveals that he is deadset on taking his sister's hand in marriage. He then visits his mother and convinces you to help.
Chapter XLV: Palace Blessings[]
While rumours of Mark's insolvency spread, Mrs. Proudie learns that Griselda Grantly's fiance previously gilted a woman at the altar and begins spreading this information around. This eventually travels to Griselda's father - who demands that Mrs. Proudie rescind her statements. Feeling petty due to her arguments with Mrs. Grantly, Mrs. Proudie refuses. Shortly after this, Archdeacon Grantly learns that Lord Dumbello is taking a trip to Paris. He fears that Mrs. Proudie was right about Griselda's suitor.
Chapter XLVI: Lady Lufton's Request[]
As the bailiffs leave Mark's property, Lady Lufton calls him and asks him to come to dinner. Shortly after this, Lady Lufton visits Lucy (who has stayed by Mrs. Crawley's bedside while the bailiffs were around) and says that she wants her to marry her son. Overjoyed by this, Lucy writes a letter about this before leaving the Crawleys.
Chapter XLVII: Nemesis[]
While Mark is thinking about retiring from the parsonage, a scathing letter about him is written in Tom Towers' newspaper. Though Mark's wife is worried that this will cause their societal downfall, the letter is soon ignored. This is due to the looming general election and the fight between Miss Dunstable and the Duke of Omnium over Sowerby's estate - which ends with Miss Dunstable losing.
Chapter XLVIII: How They Were All Married, Had Two Children, and Lived Happily Ever After[]
In the aftermath of the fight, four couples get married. The first of these couples is Mrs. Proudie to a lover named Mr. Tickler. This is closely followed by Lord Dumbello's return to England and marriage to Griselda Grantly, which is closely followed by Miss Dunstable's marriage to Dr. Thorne. The final marriage is the marriage of Ludovic Lufton to Lucy Robards. Though the two briefly question their relationship, the marriage is seemingly without fault.
In-universe continuity[]
- The titular character of Doctor Thorne returns in this novel.
See also[]
| Title | Author | Release date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Times | Charles Dickens | 1854 | A novel with similar themes |
| Little Dorrit | Charles Dickens | 1855-1857 | A novel with similar themes |
Sources[]
- Wikipedia