Barchester Towers

Definition

Barchester Towers is a novel by Anthony Trollope published in 1857, set in the fictional English cathedral city of Barchester. It explores the tensions between religious authority and personal ambition amidst the backdrop of social changes brought about by scientific advancements and evolving beliefs during the Victorian era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Barchester Towers is part of Trollope's Chronicles of Barsetshire series, which examines the lives and interactions of clergy and laity in a rural English community.
2. The novel introduces characters representing different factions within the church, illustrating the struggle for power and influence amid changing societal norms.
3. Trollope uses humor and irony to critique the hypocrisy within religious institutions, reflecting broader uncertainties about faith during a time of scientific progress.
4. The character of Mr. Slope embodies the tension between ambitious modernity and traditional values, showcasing how personal aspirations can conflict with established religious authority.
5. Barchester Towers reflects the anxieties of its time regarding the relevance of religion as scientific discoveries began to challenge traditional beliefs about morality and existence.

Review Questions

• How does Barchester Towers illustrate the conflict between religious authority and personal ambition during its setting?
  • In Barchester Towers, the conflict between religious authority and personal ambition is epitomized through characters like Mr. Slope, who seeks to gain power within the church hierarchy. Trollope depicts this struggle as reflective of broader societal changes where individual aspirations clash with established norms. This conflict not only drives the plot but also serves as a commentary on how personal desires can lead to tension within rigid institutional structures.
• Discuss the role of humor in Barchester Towers and how it contributes to Trollope's critique of clericalism.
  • Humor plays a crucial role in Barchester Towers, allowing Trollope to critique clericalism without alienating readers. Through comedic situations and character foibles, he exposes the absurdities and contradictions within religious institutions. This use of humor softens his criticisms while encouraging readers to reflect on serious issues like hypocrisy, ambition, and moral integrity within the church, making it an engaging commentary on Victorian society.
• Evaluate how Barchester Towers reflects the tensions between scientific rationalism and religious belief in the Victorian era.
  • Barchester Towers encapsulates the tensions between scientific rationalism and religious belief by showcasing characters who embody these conflicting ideologies. As science began to challenge traditional religious views, characters like Mr. Slope represent modern ambition that conflicts with established authority. The novel ultimately suggests that while scientific advancements create uncertainty regarding faith, they also provoke deeper questions about morality and human existence, illustrating a society grappling with change.

Related terms

Victorian Era: A period in British history during Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901) marked by significant social, political, and economic change, along with a strong emphasis on morality and propriety.

Clericalism: The influence or control of religious officials in politics and society, often leading to conflicts between personal faith and institutional authority.

Scientific Rationalism: An intellectual movement that emphasizes reason and empirical evidence as the primary sources of knowledge, often challenging traditional religious views.