# Chapter 36 explained — Barnaby Rudge > Chapter companion for Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens. ## 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. ## Character check-ins ### 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 lines > 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._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-36 - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters