Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 37 explained
Lord George Gordon, accompanied by his secretary Gashford, departs from the Maypole inn and rides toward London, drawing attention and cheers from the crowd with his calls of 'No Popery.' Meanwhile, Gashford meets with Dennis the hangman, d
What happens
Lord George Gordon, accompanied by his secretary Gashford, departs from the Maypole inn and rides toward London, drawing attention and cheers from the crowd with his calls of 'No Popery.' Meanwhile, Gashford meets with Dennis the hangman, discussing plans for a Protestant procession and hinting at Dennis's potential leadership role. Hugh arrives, and Gashford continues to manipulate both men for the cause.
Themes in this chapter
Manipulation and Exploitation
Gashford skillfully manipulates Dennis and Hugh, using flattery and hints of leadership to secure their loyalty.
Mob Violence and Chaos
The public's reaction to Lord George shows the potential for mob behavior, with cheers and following crowds.
Madness and Perception
Lord George's eccentric appearance and behavior are perceived as odd, yet he is taken seriously by his followers.
Characters to notice
- Lord George Gordon
Rides from the Maypole to London, drawing public attention with his 'No Popery' cries and eccentric appearance.
- Gashford
Secretary to Lord George, manipulates Dennis and Hugh, planning the Protestant procession.
- Mr. Dennis
The hangman, eager for action, is flattered by Gashford's hints of leadership.
- Hugh
Arrives at Gashford's room, another 'Protestant' recruit for the cause.
- John Grueby
Accompanies Lord George, disgusted by the public displays, and later interrupts Gashford's meeting.
- John Willet
Hosts Lord George at the Maypole, receiving his stately bow upon departure.
Key passages
“To surround anything, however monstrous or ridiculous, with an air of mystery, is to invest it with a secret charm, and power of attraction which to the crowd is irresistible.”
Mystery makes even absurd things appealing to the public.
The narrator explains why the Protestant Association gained popularity through secrecy.
“When vague rumours got abroad, that in this Protestant association a secret power was mustering against the government for undefined and mighty purposes; when the air was filled with whispers of a confederacy among the Popish powers to degrade and enslave England...”
Rumors of a secret Catholic conspiracy fueled the Protestant Association's growth.
The spread of fear and misinformation contributed to the movement's expansion.
“So they rode (to the deep and unspeakable disgust of John Grueby) the whole length of Whitechapel, Leadenhall Street, and Cheapside, and into St. Paul’s Churchyard.”
They rode through London, much to John Grueby's dismay.
Lord George's public procession through the city.
“You are indeed an earnest fellow, Dennis—a most valuable fellow—the staunchest man I know of in our ranks. But you must calm yourself; you must be peaceful, lawful, mild as any lamb.”
Gashford praises Dennis but urges him to remain calm and lawful.
Gashford's manipulative flattery to control Dennis.