Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 21 explained
Dolly Varden is terrified when Hugh of the Maypole confronts her alone on a dark path, his rough admiration and threatening words frightening her.
What happens
Dolly Varden is terrified when Hugh of the Maypole confronts her alone on a dark path, his rough admiration and threatening words frightening her. Joe Willet arrives and rescues her, but Dolly realizes she has lost her bracelet and a letter. Joe offers to search for them, but Dolly is reluctant to have Hugh accompany them. The search proves fruitless, and Dolly writes a note to Miss Haredale about the loss. The chapter ends with the group at the Maypole, where Mrs. Varden lectures on morality while old John Willet dozes.
Themes in this chapter
Mob Violence and Chaos
Hugh's threatening behavior and the fear he instills in Dolly foreshadow the violent mob mentality that will later erupt in the Gordon Riots.
Innocence and Corruption
Dolly's innocence is contrasted with Hugh's corrupt and predatory nature, highlighting the theme of innocence threatened by corruption.
Characters to notice
- Dolly Varden
Terrified by Hugh's advances, loses her bracelet and letter, and is comforted by Joe.
- Hugh
Confronts Dolly with aggressive admiration, threatens her, and later joins the search for her lost items.
- Joe Willet
Rescues Dolly, offers to search for her lost items, and shows protective concern.
- Mrs. Varden
Scolds Dolly for being late, lectures Hugh on morality, and enjoys the tea spread.
- John Willet
Disapproves of Joe's adventurous spirit and dozes during Mrs. Varden's lecture.
Key passages
“It was for the moment an inexpressible relief to Dolly, to recognise in the person who forced himself into the path so abruptly, and now stood directly in her way, Hugh of the Maypole, whose name she uttered in a tone of delighted surprise that came from her heart.”
Dolly felt a huge sense of relief when she saw that the person blocking her path was Hugh from the Maypole, and she greeted him with genuine surprise and joy.
Highlights Dolly's initial relief, which quickly turns to fear.
“Hugh nodded, and muttered something to the effect that he had been waiting for her, and had expected her sooner.”
Hugh nodded and mumbled that he had been waiting for her and had expected her to arrive earlier.
Shows Hugh's deliberate intent to meet Dolly.
“She released herself and clenching her little hand, struck him with right good will.”
She freed herself and, clenching her small fist, hit him with all her might.
Dolly's physical resistance against Hugh's advances.
“At this, Maypole Hugh burst into a roar of laughter, and passing his arm about her waist, held her in his strong grasp as easily as if she had been a bird.”
Hugh laughed loudly and wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her tightly as if she were a small bird.
Illustrates Hugh's physical dominance and Dolly's helplessness.
“Bring trouble on me, and I'll bring trouble and something more on them in return. I care no more for them than for so many dogs; not so much—why should I? I'd sooner kill a man than a dog any day.”
If you cause me trouble, I'll bring even worse trouble on those you care about. I value them no more than dogs, and I'd rather kill a man than a dog.
Hugh's threatening words reveal his violent and ruthless nature.