Essay Questions

How does Rev. Mark Robarts’ ambitiousness threaten his future cleric career?

Mark Robarts is a young cleric looking forward to excelling and becoming one of the most recognized preachers. When Mark is in his twenties, Lady Lufton allows him to serve at her parish to establish his cleric career. However, Mark is uncomfortable because he wants to climb the ranks and serve the most prestigious parishes in the country. In the process, Mark meets greedy MPs Sowerby and Harold Smith, who promise him a great position at the Barchester. However, these MPs swindle Mark into accepting to be their guarantor on a $900 loan. Rev. Mark agrees, looking forward to becoming clergy in a big cathedral. However, Mark is plunged into a financial problem when Sowerby and his friend fail to service their loans. Therefore, Mark messes up his prospects of becoming a famous clergy because he struggles to pay debts he never used individually.

What does Barchester Cathedral symbolize in the novel?

Barchester Cathedral symbolizes achievement. Rev. Mark is ready to do anything to climb the ranks and become a cleric in Barchester Cathedral. In the process, Mark is swindled by influential people to enter deals that he later regrets, with a promise of getting a position at the Barchester Cathedral. At last, Rev. Mark actualizes his dream by becoming a clergy at the Barchester Cathedral, but he realizes that Sowerby is a false friend.

Using a relevant example, show how religious institutions are used irresponsibly to benefit a few individuals.

One of Anthony Trollope’s themes is the misuse of the church. A few individuals at the church's helm take advantage of the vulnerable for selfish gains. For example, Sowerby is a minister at the Barchester Cathedral who uses his position to defraud unsuspecting victims. When Sowerby realizes that Rev. Mark wants a position at the cathedral, he tricks him into being his financial guarantor. Sowerby uses his position to convince people that he is honest, generous, and willing to help. However, he uses his position to enrich himself.