• chapter list

[4-6]

Chapter 1
Who Will be the New Bishop?

Preparing his thunder
Here Trollope paints a picture of an outgoing prime minister very active in his correspondences, sending them forth like Jupiter might send his thunderbolts.  But then Trollope proceeds to explain that, in reality, the outgoing prime minister is no father of the gods, and rather than readying thunderbolt missives he is found lounging in his office, reading a list of racehorses, and a French novel is open on the table beside him.  [JM]

Nolo episcopari
Latin "I do not wish to be a bishop." Said by someone who wishes to accept the office of bishop, having appeared to modestly or honourably refuse it.  Here Trollope discusses how contrary to the normal behaviour of career men such a practice is; men of other professions do not feel compelled to turn down offices they actually desire, yet clergymen are expected to be piously unambitious.  Such is not the case with Dr. Grantly, who wishes the office but does not receive it, and in losing the chance of it, grieves for it.  [JM]

Chapter 2
Hiram's Hospital According to Act of Parliament

Scrutator
A Latin word meaning "examiner, investigator, or scrutinizer."  The OED cites instances of the word used in English as early as 1593. Trollope uses it here as a part of a newspaper or magazine's name, the Musical Scrutator, which is dedicated to the topic of music. This publication is said to have commented on Mr. Harding's musical work, Harding's Church Music, and given it high praise.   [MD]

Undying fame
Used to describe the praise which Mr. Harding received in an article in the Musical Scrutator, this phrase is a classical reference.  Epic heroes like those in Homer's Iliad desire "undying fame" or "undying glory," and Trollope likens Mr. Harding to these classical epic heroes. This description could be seen to be humorous because Mr. Harding will probably never become as famous as any of the warriors in Homer's Iliad.  [MD]

Veritas
A Latin word meaning truth, the OED has no record of this word being introduced into the standard English vocabulary. It is used in this instance as the alias of an anonymous person who has written a letter to the Jupiter in favor of the editors' views. This individual has signed the letter with the name 'Veritas,' which gives a significant amount of authority to writer and to the writer's personal views. Several other letters were said to have been written to the paper as well, which were signed by 'Common Sense' and 'One that loves fair play,' further establishing these authors' beliefs in the superior value of their own opinions.  [MD]

Cassandra was not believed
In Greek mythology, Cassandra, the daughter of Priam, who was the King of Troy, was given the power to foresee future events by Apollo. However, when she would not be Apollo's lover, Apollo cursed her to never be believed by anyone. We can see an example of this in the Aeneid, when Cassandra tries to warn everyone about the impending danger of the Greek forces hidden inside the huge wooden horse, but it is the will of the god that no one take her seriously and believe her (Book 2).  This is an interesting allusion because Trollope is likening the paper the Jupiter to the mythological figure of Cassandra; this publication is also able to know the future, but at times no one listens to it or trusts its ideas.
http://www.bartleby.com/181/281.html  [MD]

Woman as ivy / husband as the tree
Trollope describes Eleanor Harding as being like the parasitic ivy, which attaches itself to trees and climbs up them, using the tree's support to further its own growth. John Bold, Eleanor's husband, is described as being the tree on which Eleanor climbs up and secures herself. She is shown as one who worships her husband and who is completely defends him in all of his decisions. This imagery recalls that found in Catullus' poem 61.
http://www.vroma.org/~hwalker/VRomaCatullus/061.html  [MD]

An ever-running fountain of tears
This description recalls the mythological Niobe, whose seven sons and seven daughters are killed by the gods, and as a result she cries endless tears of sorrow over their deaths (Ovid's Metamorphoses  Book 6).  [MD]

Chapter 3
Dr. and Mrs. Proudie

Rarae aves
The Latin phrase means "rare birds."  Trollope says that in recent memory liberal clergymen would have been considered rarae aves.  That is to say that liberal clergymen were rare.  Dr. Proudie is considered a liberal clergyman.  However, by the time this story takes place it was not so abnormal or disdainful to be so.  See commentary on Doctor Thorne Chapter 18.  [TH]

Regius professor
Regius is the Latin word for "royal."  Trollope claims that it was a sign of change for liberal clergymen when Dr. Hampden was made regius professor.  A regius professor is one who holds a position created by the crown.   The position was originally created by King Henry VIII.  Since the monarch must approve each regius professor it is a sign of change to see a liberal clergyman receiving royal approval.
http://www.bartleby.com/61/63/R0126300.html
Encarta Dictionary
Webster's Third New International Dictionary  [TH]

Regium donum
Latin for "royal gift."  Dr. Proudie is said to have "something to do" with the regium donum.  The regium donum was an annual grant issued to Presbyterian ministers in Ireland.  After his conflict with King James II, William III used the regium donum to reward his supporters amongst the Ulster Protestants.  Barchester Towers was published in 1857 but the grants were not abolished until 1871.  Its appearance in association with Dr. Proudie seems to indicate his level of religious tolerance and reflect upon the respect of his peers who put him in such an important position. 
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9063060
http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/cgibin/res.pl?keyword=Regium+Donum&offset=0  (site not longer available)  [TH]

Eyes of Argus
Argus was a monster from Greek mythology with multiple eyes.  Mrs. Proudie is considered Argus-eyed in reference to Sabbath offenders.  It marks her superhuman level of vigilance.
Cassell's Dictionary of Classical Mythology  [TH]

[4-6]

• home

• chapter list