Barchester Cathedral
The church stands for the authority of religion and the power of the Church of England in the English society of the time. The cathedral is also a symbol of comfort, stability, and continuity. It symbolizes both the spiritual and the temporal—both divine grace and earthly power. On the spiritual level, it stands for the power of faith in God and a sense of morality and justice in life. On the temporal level, it symbolizes the power of the Church of England, its wealth, and its influence in shaping the social and political landscape of Barsetshire. Mr. Harding is a precentor, and his life is deeply intertwined with the church. He is both a spiritual and a temporal leader, with a deep sense of justice and morality. His faith in God and his commitment to justice are central to the novel's themes of morality, justice, and society's responsibility to the less fortunate.
Money
The novel follows the struggles of John Bold, a young reformer representing the interests of society in a legal dispute over an ancient bequest. The bequest has become a source of income for Mr. Harding and his family, but John Bold believes that it is unethical for the church to benefit from this money. He decides to take on the case to bring justice to the situation. Throughout the novel, money is used as a source of power and a tool for manipulation. John Bold is forced to navigate the complex web of power and influence that exists in the Barsetshire community. The novel highlights the negative effects of money on individuals, families, and society, and questions the morality of those who use their financial resources to manipulate others. The novel critiques the system of patronage and nepotism that privileged certain individuals, while others were left to suffer financial insecurity. In doing so, it questions the morality of a society that allows money to be used as a tool for exploitation.
Duty
The story follows Mr. Harding as he grapples with a moral dilemma over his financial gain at the cost of the poor. Mr. Harding is faced with a difficult decision— either accept the financial benefits of his job as warden of the hospital and be accused of taking advantage of the poor, or refuse the money and face the consequences of failing to provide for his family. The novel explores the idea of duty and responsibility, as Mr. Harding struggles to find a balance between his interests and his obligation to his parishioners. Throughout the novel, Mr. Harding is presented as a sympathetic figure as he is torn between his conscience and his financial needs. He is ultimately presented as a man of moral integrity, choosing to do the right thing and reject the money. This sets the tone for the rest of the novel, as the characters must grapple with their sense of duty and morality in various situations.
Religion
Throughout the novel, Trollope examines the tension between the traditional Christian beliefs of the Anglican Church and the growing reform movement's attempts to challenge the church's authority. Mr. Harding is a symbol of the Anglican Church's ideals, and his struggle to reconcile his faith with his sense of justice and morality is a key theme. Trollope also uses the motif of religion to examine the power dynamics between the wealthy and the poor. The novel's antagonist, John Bold, is a member of the reform movement who challenges the traditional power structure by attempting to take away the income of the elderly Mr. Harding. Bold's position reflects the growing dissatisfaction of the working class with the wealthy and powerful institutions of the Anglican Church. The motif of religion is also used to examine the moral dilemmas that arise from the clash between the church and the reform movement.
Almshouse
The almshouse is a charitable institution that provides aid to the poor of Barchester. It is a symbol of charity, compassion, and benevolence, as it helps those who are in need and cannot help themselves. The almshouse is a physical representation of the protagonist, Mr. Harding. He is a kind, generous, and compassionate man who puts the welfare of the poor above his interests. He is willing to sacrifice his comfort and reputation to help those who are less fortunate than he is. The almshouse is also a symbol of the struggle between old and new ideas. Mr. Harding is a traditionalist who believes in the sanctity of charity, while the church is more concerned with protecting its power and wealth. The conflict between the two sides is a symbol of the changing social and moral values of the time.
