Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 35 explained
John Willet and Hugh encounter a group of horsemen on the road to London, who turn out to be Lord George Gordon, his secretary Gashford, and his servant John Grueby.
What happens
John Willet and Hugh encounter a group of horsemen on the road to London, who turn out to be Lord George Gordon, his secretary Gashford, and his servant John Grueby. After a tense exchange, they decide to stay at the Maypole Inn. Lord George is portrayed as a melancholic, earnest figure, while Gashford is sly and obsequious. Hugh and John Grueby have a brief physical confrontation, and the party eventually arrives at the inn, where Lord George and Gashford warm themselves by the fire.
Themes in this chapter
Manipulation and Exploitation
Gashford's flattery and manipulation of Lord George Gordon's devotion to the cause is evident, as he urges him to rest under the guise of protecting his health for the sake of the movement.
Mob Violence and Chaos
The chapter sets the stage for the impending riots, with Lord George Gordon's cause and the tension between characters like Hugh and John Grueby hinting at the violence to come.
Characters to notice
- John Willet
Encountering the horsemen, he initially fears they are highwaymen but is relieved when they prove to be gentlemen. He proudly recommends the Maypole Inn and bustles about to accommodate his noble guests.
- Hugh
Acts as John Willet's guard, confronts the horsemen roughly, and later engages in a brief physical exchange with John Grueby, showing his aggressive nature.
- Lord George Gordon
The leader of the horsemen, he is described as having a mild, melancholy face with a restless eye. He speaks with authority and is deeply committed to his cause, as shown by his solemn 'Amen'.
- Gashford
Lord George's secretary, he is obsequious and sly, urging his lordship to rest for the sake of the cause. His manner is smooth and humble, but with a lurking slyness.
- John Grueby
Lord George's servant, a square-built, imperturbable man. He shows disdain for Hugh and demonstrates his toughness by striking him with his whip when provoked.
Key passages
“When John Willet saw that the horsemen wheeled smartly round, and drew up three abreast in the narrow road, waiting for him and his man to join them, it occurred to him with unusual precipitation that they must be highwaymen;”
John Willet immediately assumed the approaching riders were robbers when they blocked the road.
Highlights John's initial fear and the tense atmosphere.
“I say it is the London road, sir," answered John. "And I wish," he added in a subdued voice, as he turned to Hugh, "that you was in any other road, you vagabond. Are you tired of your life, sir, that you go a-trying to provoke three great neck-or-nothing chaps, that could keep on running over us, back'ards and for'ards, till we was dead, and then take our bodies up behind 'em, and drown us ten miles off?"”
John confirms the road but scolds Hugh for his rudeness, fearing the strangers could easily kill them.
Shows John's cowardice and concern for safety.
“Let me sleep on a chair—the carpet—anywhere. No one will repine if I take cold or fever. Let John Grueby pass the night beneath the open sky—no one will repine for him. But forty thousand men of this our island in the wave (exclusive of women and children) rivet their eyes and thoughts on Lord George Gordon; and every day, from the rising up of the sun to the going down of the same, pray for his health and vigour.”
Gashford humbly offers to sacrifice his own comfort for Lord George's safety, emphasizing the importance of his lordship to the cause.
Demonstrates Gashford's manipulative flattery and the perceived significance of Lord George.