Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 19 explained
Dolly Varden is still flustered from the party, and Edward Chester visits the Varden household to ask a favor: that Dolly deliver a letter to the Warren.
What happens
Dolly Varden is still flustered from the party, and Edward Chester visits the Varden household to ask a favor: that Dolly deliver a letter to the Warren. Mrs. Varden agrees, and they set off for the Maypole, encountering the lovesick coachmaker on the way. At the Maypole, Joe Willet is overjoyed to see Dolly and helps her alight, while old John Willet is less welcoming. Later, Mrs. Varden feigns a fainting fit to get her way about going to Chigwell, and after much drama, the locksmith gives in.
Themes in this chapter
Manipulation and Exploitation
Mrs. Varden uses a fainting fit to manipulate her husband into agreeing to her wishes, highlighting the theme of emotional manipulation in domestic life.
Parental Love and Sacrifice
Gabriel Varden's love for his wife leads him to give in to her demands, sacrificing his own peace for the sake of harmony.
Characters to notice
- Dolly Varden
Still flustered from the party, agrees to deliver Edward's letter, and is delighted to see Joe Willet at the Maypole.
- Edward Chester
Visits the Varden household to ask Dolly to deliver a letter to the Warren.
- Mrs. Varden
Agrees to help Edward, then later feigns a fainting fit to get her way about going to Chigwell.
- Gabriel Varden
Accompanies his wife and daughter to the Maypole, and eventually gives in to his wife's demands.
- Joe Willet
Overjoyed to see Dolly, helps her alight from the chaise, and shares a moment of happiness with her.
- Simon Tappertit
Reluctantly opens the door for Edward and later considers poisoning his master.
Key passages
“Dolly Varden’s pretty little head was yet bewildered by various recollections of the party, and her bright eyes were yet dazzled by a crowd of images, dancing before them like motes in the sunbeams”
Dolly was still distracted by memories of the party, her mind full of vivid images.
Shows Dolly's lingering excitement and romantic preoccupation.
“Mr. Tappertit obeyed, with a flourish implying that he did so, under protest.”
Simon obeyed but made it clear he was doing so reluctantly.
Highlights Tappertit's resentment and rebellious attitude.
“Never were people so glad to see other people as these landlords and landladies were to behold Mr. Varden and Mrs. Varden and Miss Varden”
The innkeepers were extremely happy to see the Vardens.
Illustrates the Vardens' popularity and the social nature of the journey.
“It was necessary for Dolly to get out first. Joe had her in his arms;—yes, though for a space of time no longer than you could count one in, Joe had her in his arms. Here was a glimpse of happiness!”
Joe caught Dolly as she got out, and for a brief moment he held her, a moment of pure joy.
Shows Joe's romantic feelings for Dolly.
“The philosophy of all this was, that Mrs. Varden wanted to go to Chigwell; that she did not want to make any concession or explanation; that she would only go on being implored and entreated so to do; and that she would accept no other terms.”
Mrs. Varden's fainting was a tactic to get her way without having to explain herself.
Reveals Mrs. Varden's manipulative nature.
