Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope. Summary of the book.

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Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope

Summary of the book

Barchester Towers is a novel written by English author Anthony Trollope in 1857. It is the second of six novels in Trollope’s Chronicles of Barsetshire sequence. The novel follows the lives of the clergy and gentry of Barsetshire and the political machinations of the cathedral close of Barchester.

The novel is mainly set in the fictional town of Barchester and the surrounding area. It begins with the death of the Bishop of Barchester, leaving a vacancy in the diocese. A battle ensues between the High Church and Low Church factions over the appointment of a successor, with the High Church candidate, Dr. Proudie, eventually prevailing. The conflict between the two factions is exacerbated by the arrival of the new bishop’s wife, Mrs. Proudie, who is determined to meddle in the affairs of the cathedral and the local gentry.

The novel follows the various characters as they deal with the changes brought about by the arrival of the Proudies, as well as their own personal struggles and romances. The main characters include the High Church Archdeacon Grantly, Low Church reformer Mr. Harding, and his daughter Eleanor, who is courted by two suitors. The novel also focuses on the scheming of the Proudies’ chaplain, the Rev. Obadiah Slope, who seeks to gain power and influence in the cathedral and the town.

Barchester Towers is a novel full of wit and humor, but also one that touches upon some of the social and religious issues of the day. It is a great example of Victorian literature at its best and has been a popular novel since its first publication.

Curiosities and interesting facts about the book

  • Barchester Towers is the second novel in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series, but it can also be read as a standalone novel.
  • Anthony Trollope wrote the novel in just three months, finishing it in January 1857.
  • The novel is set in the fictional town of Barchester, which is based on Salisbury in Wiltshire.
  • The novel contains some of the earliest examples of a detective character in English literature, with the character of Sergeant Bunce.
  • The book contains a number of memorable characters, including the scheming Rev. Slope, the feisty Mrs. Proudie, and the good-natured Archdeacon Grantly.
  • The novel has been adapted for television several times, most recently in a BBC production that aired in 1982.

FAQs

Q: Is Barchester Towers the first novel in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series?

A: No, Barchester Towers is the second novel in the series. The first novel is The Warden.

Q: Who wrote Barchester Towers?

A: Barchester Towers was written by English author Anthony Trollope in 1857.

Q: Where is Barchester Towers set?

A: The novel is set in the fictional town of Barchester, which is based on Salisbury in Wiltshire.

Q: Has Barchester Towers been adapted for television?

A: Yes, the novel has been adapted for television several times, most recently in a BBC production that aired in 1982.

Q: What is the main theme of Barchester Towers?

A: The main themes of Barchester Towers are the conflict between the High Church and Low Church factions, the power of women, and the struggle between tradition and progress.

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