# Chapter 2 explained — Barnaby Rudge > Chapter companion for Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens. ## What happens A mysterious stranger at the Maypole Inn departs hastily for London despite the storm, after a tense exchange with Joe Willet. He rides recklessly through the dangerous, unpaved roads, nearly colliding with a chaise driven by Gabriel Varden, the locksmith. After a brief, hostile encounter, the stranger threatens Varden's life before galloping away. Varden, despite his resolution to avoid the Maypole, decides to stop there for a light, tempted by its warmth and comfort. ## Themes in this chapter ### Mob Violence and Chaos The stranger's reckless riding and threatening behavior foreshadow the violence and chaos of the Gordon Riots. ### Guilt and Retribution The stranger's mysterious menace and threat of death hint at themes of guilt and retribution that will unfold. ## Character check-ins ### Joe Willet Exchanges sharp words with the stranger, showing his mettle and concern for the horse. ### John Willet Takes the reckoning from the stranger, slow in giving change and testing coins. ### Gabriel Varden Encounter with the stranger on the road; threatened with death, then decides to stop at the Maypole for a light. ### Solomon Daisy Nettled by the stranger's response to his story, 'Is that all?' ## Key lines > A strange story! said the man who had been the cause of the narration.—Stranger still if it comes about as you predict. Is that all? The stranger dismisses Solomon Daisy's tale, asking if that's the end, which annoys Daisy. _The stranger's indifference to the story contrasts with the locals' fascination._ > I'll—humph!—I'll find it, replied the man, waving his hand and turning on his heel. The stranger claims he will find the way to London, despite not knowing it. _His confidence and irritability are evident._ > You have sharp eyes and a sharp tongue, I find. The stranger acknowledges Joe's perceptiveness and outspokenness. _This exchange highlights Joe's bold character._ > Use the first less too, and keep their sharpness for your sweethearts, boy, said the man. The stranger advises Joe to save his sharp looks for his sweethearts, not for him. _A dismissive and condescending remark._ > I don't know you. Don't desire to?—returned the other, muffling himself as before. Gabriel says he doesn't recognize the stranger, and the stranger asks if he doesn't want to know him. _The stranger's desire to be avoided is clear._ > I will, at any cost, rejoined the traveller. In proof of it, lay this to heart—that you were never in such peril of your life as you have been within these few moments; when you are within five minutes of breathing your last, you will not be nearer death than you have been tonight! The stranger threatens Gabriel, saying he was closer to death than he realizes. _A menacing threat that foreshadows danger._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-2 - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters