Author Description
'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.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
The arrival of a new, reform-minded bishop and his manipulative chaplain in the quiet cathedral town of Barchester triggers a fierce power struggle among the local clergy. Archdeacon Grantly, representing the established order, finds his authority challenged by the ambitious Mr. Slope and the formidable Mrs. Proudie. The protagonist, Mr. Harding, remains caught in the crossfire of these ecclesiastical maneuvers, while the narrative explores the complex social and romantic entanglements of the town's residents. Written in a third-person omniscient perspective, the novel utilizes a satirical lens to examine the intersection of religious politics and personal ambition.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Satirical portrayal of Victorian ecclesiastical politics
- Omniscient narrator providing ironic commentary on character motivations
- Intricate subplots involving multiple romantic courtships
- Focus on social hierarchy and provincial manners
- Character-driven conflict centered on institutional power
- Exploration of moral ambiguity within the clergy
- Detailed depiction of 19th-century English cathedral life
- Use of comedic archetypes to critique social climbers
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers frequently highlight the sharp wit and observational humor that define the narrative voice throughout the novel. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the characterizations, particularly the contrast between the earnest Mr. Harding and the scheming Mr. Slope. Critics often point to the balance between the lighthearted romantic elements and the more serious critique of institutional corruption. The pacing is noted for its steady, deliberate progression, which allows for a deep exploration of the social dynamics within the town of Barchester. Many readers appreciate how the author manages to make the internal politics of a small cathedral town feel significant and engaging.
Page Count:
480
Publication Date:
2014-01-01
ISBN-10:
0191643866
ISBN-13:
9780191643866
Classics
Fiction
Humor
Satire
Social Commentary
Domestic fiction
Victorian
classic
Community Tags
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