Humor:
* Character-based humor: Trollope creates delightfully flawed characters who provide endless fodder for amusement.
* Mr. Slope: The ambitious, power-hungry clergyman is a prime target for ridicule, with his pompous demeanor and constant scheming.
* Mrs. Proudie: The domineering, yet naive wife of the bishop, is another source of humor, as she believes herself to be the brains behind the operation, while often being manipulated by others.
* The Archdeacon: A well-meaning but deeply conservative figure, the archdeacon's pronouncements and social anxieties provide many humorous moments.
* Situational humor: Trollope sets up hilarious situations, often stemming from the characters' social interactions and misunderstandings.
* The "Barchester Christmas: The chaotic Christmas party at the palace, with its over-the-top festivities and clashes of personalities, is a classic example of situational humor.
* Mr. Slope's courtship of Eleanor: The awkward and ultimately disastrous courtship of Mr. Slope and Eleanor Bold is a testament to Trollope's mastery of comedic timing.
* Verbal humor: Trollope utilizes witty dialogue and sharp observations to create humor.
* Mr. Slope's pronouncements: Mr. Slope's constant use of religious rhetoric for personal gain is often played for humorous effect, as his intentions are clear to the reader.
* The bishop's pronouncements: The bishop's tendency to pronounce with great authority while lacking a firm grasp of reality is also a source of amusement.
Satire:
* Social commentary: Trollope uses humor to expose the hypocrisies and follies of Victorian society, especially within the Church of England. He targets:
* Clerical ambition and hypocrisy: The novel critiques the ambition and hypocrisy of those seeking power and wealth within the church.
* Class and social climbing: The characters' social anxieties and relentless striving for higher social status are exposed and satirized.
* The rigidities of Victorian society: Trollope highlights the stifling aspects of Victorian social norms and the pressures they place on individuals.
* Political satire: The novel also satirizes the political landscape of the time, highlighting the machinations of power and the often-unscrupulous methods used to achieve it.
Irony:
* Dramatic irony: The reader is often privy to information that the characters are not, creating moments of dramatic irony.
* Mr. Slope's true intentions: The reader understands Mr. Slope's schemes and his true nature, while other characters remain oblivious.
* Mrs. Proudie's naivete: The reader knows that Mrs. Proudie is being manipulated and that her beliefs about her own power are misguided.
* Situational irony: Situations often unfold in a way that is contrary to what is expected, highlighting the absurdity of human nature.
* Mr. Slope's failed attempt to gain influence: Despite all his schemes, Mr. Slope ultimately fails to secure the position he desires, demonstrating the irony of his relentless ambition.
* Eleanor Bold's choice: Eleanor Bold, who is initially attracted to Mr. Slope's ambition, ultimately rejects him, demonstrating the unexpected outcomes of social pressures.
In conclusion, *Barchester Towers* is a rich tapestry of humor, satire, and irony. Trollope skillfully blends these elements to create a captivating story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The novel's enduring popularity lies in its ability to expose the human foibles and social hypocrisies that remain relevant even today.