The Rector: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Rector: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Rector is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Oliphant, Mrs. (Margaret) (1828–1897).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Rector" by Mrs. Oliphant is a novel written during the Victorian era, exploring the themes of social duty, personal identity, and the intricacies of community life. The story revolves around the newly appointed Rector of Carlingford, Mr. Morley Proctor, who grapples with the challenges of his position, his social interactions within the respectable yet enclosed society of Carlingford, and his relationships with the parishioners, particularly the Wodehouse sisters. The narrative begins with the excitement surrounding Mr. Proctor's arrival in Carlingford, but quickly reveals his insecurities and unsuitability for the role of a parish priest. He finds himself navigating the expectations of his parishioners while feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities that accompany his position. As he interacts with figures such as the kind-hearted Lucy Wodehouse and the zealous curate Mr. Wentworth, Mr. Proctor confronts profound questions about his vocation and the expectations of love and community. The climax of his internal struggle occurs when he witnesses a dying parishioner’s distress, highlighting his inadequacies as a clergyman. Ultimately, overwhelmed by the demands of parish life and feeling unfulfilled, Mr. Proctor resigns and returns to his academic life at All-Souls, reflecting on the deeper connections and responsibilities he had overlooked. The novel intricately examines the contrast between intellectual pursuits and the emotional labor of caring for one’s community.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Rector
- Author credits: Oliphant, Mrs. (Margaret) (1828–1897)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Novels
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Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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