Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 36 explained
Gashford, the secretary of Lord George Gordon, observes his master with a mixture of deference and contempt.
What happens
Gashford, the secretary of Lord George Gordon, observes his master with a mixture of deference and contempt. He reviews the Association's numbers and funds, noting contributions from various groups including Dennis the hangman and Simon Tappertit's 'United Bulldogs.' Lord George, troubled by doubts, seeks reassurance from Gashford, who manipulates his master's fervor. After Lord George falls asleep, Gashford secretly distributes handbills urging Protestants to join the cause.
Themes in this chapter
Manipulation and Exploitation
Gashford's feigned devotion and secret distribution of handbills highlight his exploitation of Lord George's fervor.
Madness and Perception
Lord George's wavering between conviction and doubt, and his extreme reactions, suggest a fragile perception of reality.
Mob Violence and Chaos
The chapter foreshadows the impending riots through the Association's growing numbers and Gashford's seeding of propaganda.
Characters to notice
- Gashford
Reveals his manipulative nature, feigning devotion while secretly plotting and distributing propaganda.
- Lord George Gordon
Shows his sincere but weak character, plagued by doubts and seeking reassurance from Gashford.
- Simon Tappertit
Mentioned as president of the United Bulldogs, noted for his earnestness and oratory.
- Mr. Dennis
Contributes a shilling to the Association and is noted as an earnest man by Lord George.
- Mrs. Varden
Mentioned as a zealous sister who contributes to the cause, despite her husband's refusal.
- Miss Miggs
Listed as a contributor, noted as not well-favoured but conscientious.
Key passages
“Hush! He seems to be asleep. Pray Heaven he is! Too much watching, too much care, too much thought—ah! Lord preserve him for a martyr! He is a saint, if ever saint drew breath on this bad earth.”
Gashford whispers to himself, hoping Lord George is asleep, and sarcastically praises him as a saint and martyr.
Gashford's mockery reveals his true contempt for his master.
“The saviour of his country and his country’s religion, the friend of his poor countrymen, the enemy of the proud and harsh; beloved of the rejected and oppressed, adored by forty thousand bold and loyal English hearts—what happy slumbers his should be!”
Gashford ironically lauds Lord George as a national savior, beloved by thousands, while he himself is plotting against him.
The contrast between Gashford's words and his true intentions underscores his duplicity.
“You don’t think these people will desert me, when the hour arrives? I have spoken boldly for them, ventured much, suppressed nothing. They’ll not fall off, will they?”
Lord George anxiously asks Gashford if his followers will abandon him when the time comes, given his bold advocacy.
Lord George's insecurity reveals his dependence on the mob's support.
“More seed, more seed. When will the harvest come!”
Gashford mutters as he scatters handbills, likening his propaganda to sowing seeds for a future uprising.
This metaphor highlights Gashford's role in fomenting the coming chaos.