Prior Walter Character Analysis in The Anchoress

Prior Walter is the leader of St. Christopher’s Priory near Hartham. He is anxious to establish the new monastery and to grow its wealth and influence. For this reason, he is anxious to make sure that the priory pleases Sir Goeffrey (and then his son Sir Thomas) in their care of Sarah the anchoress. He worries more about the potential scandal of Anna’s pregnancy than he does about Anna—or Sarah—herself. However, he ultimately agrees to allow the construction of Sarah’s garden to proceed.

Prior Walter Character Timeline in The Anchoress

The timeline below shows where the character Prior Walter appears in The Anchoress. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...the book he’s copying out by hand. He has little time to feel frustrated before Prior Walter appears at the door. Walter wants to know whether Ranaulf has finished copying the agreement... (full context)

Authority, Compassion, and Responsibility Theme Icon

While Prior Walter putters about the narrow room, Ranaulf considers the page he was copying. He had been... (full context)

...to the anchoress and would prefer to focus on his work in the scriptorium. But Prior Walter did not give him a choice. Ranaulf feels inadequate to the task of guiding a... (full context)

...Sarah. Despite the scribe’s worries about providing such an outrageous story to a weak-minded woman, Prior Walter insists that the priory needs the income the commission will provide. So Ranaulf begins his... (full context)

...business), anxious over how much time it will take from his copying to listen to Prior Walter drone on and on. Much of the meeting focuses on the importance of establishing large... (full context)

...failed in his duty to teach and guide her. When he breaks the news to Prior Walter , Walter worries about the financial implications if Sir Thomas decides that the priory has... (full context)

...not so uncommon for anchoresses to have walled gardens, he has secured the permission of Prior Walter and Father Simon. And the villagers have volunteered to do the work of building the... (full context)