Middlemarch, Chapter 18 summary
Chapter 18 of 88 · Book 2: Old and Young · 18 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 18, Lydgate struggles between supporting Mr. Farebrother and preserving his working relationship with Mr. Bulstrode, then breaks a tied chaplaincy vote in favor of Tyke. The decision keeps his hospital work aligned with Bulstrode but troubles his conscience, while Farebrother continues to treat him warmly.
What happens
- Lydgate postpones choosing a chaplain because he values Farebrother’s friendship but needs Bulstrode’s support for his medical plans.
- He weighs Farebrother’s gambling and crowded duties against Tyke’s clerical dedication, while questioning his own motives.
- Before the vote, doctors and directors debate religious duty, Farebrother’s existing service, and Bulstrode’s influence.
- Lydgate arrives after the other votes produce a tie, and Wrench openly assumes he supports Bulstrode.
- Lydgate votes for Tyke, securing his appointment, but believes an unbiased choice would favor Farebrother.
- Farebrother remains friendly and discusses the limits of good resolutions, while Lydgate judges his will weak.

3 Monate kostenlos
Erhalten Sie die vollständige Zusammenfassung von Middlemarch kostenlos
- 200.000+ Klassiker als E-Books, Hörbücher und 15-Minuten-Zusammenfassungen sowie gedruckte Bücher und Großdruckausgaben zu Druckkosten
- Bis zu 5 Lesende in Ihrem Haushalt mit einem Tarif
In this chapter
What to notice
Wrench makes Lydgate’s suspected dependence public at the decisive moment. Lydgate answers defiantly but votes exactly as Wrench predicts.
Quick check
Why does Lydgate’s vote decide the chaplaincy?

3 Monate kostenlos
Erhalten Sie die vollständige Zusammenfassung von Middlemarch kostenlos
- 200.000+ Klassiker als E-Books, Hörbücher und 15-Minuten-Zusammenfassungen sowie gedruckte Bücher und Großdruckausgaben zu Druckkosten
- Bis zu 5 Lesende in Ihrem Haushalt mit einem Tarif

15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free

















