CHAPTER X Tribulation

In Chapter X of “The Warden,” titled “Tribulation,” the narrative delves deep into Mr. Harding’s profound melancholy following his realization that he may be unjustly benefiting from his position as the Warden of the Hospital of St. Cross, amidst rising public scrutiny and legal challenges. His moral and ethical dilemma is exacerbated by a scathing critique from the press, which compares his situation to historical instances of clerical greed. Despite his inherently shy and retiring nature, Mr. Harding’s plight becomes the subject of public discourse, intensifying his distress.

Returning home disheartened, Mr. Harding finds little solace in his usual comforts, such as his passion for sacred music or the company of his beloved daughter, Eleanor. He feels disconnected from his routine activities, overwhelmed by a sense of inaction, and unable to confide in Eleanor, who is deeply concerned about her father’s well-being. An awkward encounter with Bunce, a bedesman, only serves to remind Mr. Harding of his troubles and the community’s growing interest in his situation.

Eleanor, perceptive and loving, eventually coaxes her father into sharing his burdens with her. Mr. Harding reveals his torment not just about the financial accusations but also about the moral implications of his role as Warden, his sense of duty, and the pressure from the Archdeacon to maintain his position for the sake of tradition and stability within the Church. He articulates a fantasy of resigning and escaping the public scandal with Eleanor to lead a simpler, happier life away from Barchester. However, the reality of his situation, bound by duty, expectations, and the fear of being perceived as a coward for resigning, leaves him feeling trapped and miserable.

The chapter poignantly portrays Mr. Harding’s internal conflict and sense of isolation, compounded by societal pressures and the high standards he sets for himself. Despite the opportunity for intimacy and mutual understanding with Eleanor, Mr. Harding remains conflicted, highlighting the personal toll of public scrutiny and the complex interplay of personal integrity, professional obligations, and societal expectations in Victorian England.