The Last Chronicle of Barset
Chapters 70 to 72 |
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[67-69]
[73-75] |
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Chapter 70
Mrs Arabin is Caught |
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Excelsior
Literally meaning "higher." Trollope uses this phrase in saying
that Lily Dale never did view John Eames in a "higher" light. Johnny
Eames later uses this phrase to urge himself on as he goes to find Mrs.
Arabin abroad. Sophie Gilmartin points out that Longfellow's poem
"Excelsior" was popular in the mid-19th century.
See See Sophie Gilmartin's note in the 2002 Penguin edition, p. 886. [KD
& RR] |
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Paean
After hearing that Mrs. Proudie is dead, Mrs. Arabin states that
she will "never forget the harsh toned paean of low-church trumpets" as
Mrs. Proudie entered the city. A paean is a victory hymn. Trollope's use
of "paean" signifies that Mrs. Proudie had control as soon as she entered
Barchester and therefore she was victorious. The word may also pair Mrs.
Proudie's low-church stance with ancient, "pagan" religion, imparting a
derogatory shade to the former.
OCD [KD & RR] |
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Chapter 71
Mr Toogood at Silverbridge |
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Toilet sacrifices to the goddess of grace
Trollope states that Mr. Toogood is allowed into the drawing room
of Mr. and Mrs. Walker even though he had made "no toilet sacrifices to
the goddess of grace"--or, in other words, prepared his appearance
especially for a social visit. The Graces were three mythological
goddesses who embodied grace and charm.
Cassell's Dictionary of Classical Mythology
[KD & RR] |
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There's many a slip twixt the cup and lip
Trollope uses this saying throughout his novels, especially in
regard to engagements. It basically means that many things can happen to
obstruct a seemingly sure thing. Miss Prettyman reminds her sister that
it is still possible that Major Grantly and Grace Crawley won't get
married.
See commentary for
Barchester Towers
Chapter 24. [KD] |
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Chapter 72
Mr Toogood at 'The Dragon of Wantly' |
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[67-69]
[73-75] |
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