# Chapter 38 explained — Barnaby Rudge

> Chapter companion for Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Hugh, accompanied by Dennis, is initiated into the Great Protestant Association. They visit The Boot tavern, where Hugh is enrolled as a member, and then survey the Houses of Parliament, observing the covert distribution of handbills and the secretive network of conspirators preparing for the riots.

## Themes in this chapter

### Manipulation and Exploitation

Gashford and Dennis manipulate Hugh's ignorance and violent tendencies for their own ends, using him as a tool for the riots.

### Mob Violence and Chaos

The chapter depicts the secretive organization of the mob, with handbills and covert meetings, foreshadowing the impending chaos.

## Character check-ins

### Hugh

Enlists in the Protestant Association, showing his eagerness for violence and his illiteracy.

### Mr. Dennis

Acts as Hugh's guide and recruiter, reveling in the prospect of destruction and admiring Hugh's physique.

### Gashford

The secretary who enrolls Hugh, feigning ignorance of the handbill and manipulating the new recruit.

### John Grueby

Briefly appears, ushering Hugh into Gashford's presence before being dismissed.

## Key lines

> The hotter the better, said Hugh, I’m prepared for anything.

Hugh declares his readiness for violence, embracing the heat of conflict.

_Hugh's eagerness for action._

> No Popery, brother! cried the hangman. No Property, brother! responded Hugh.

Dennis and Hugh exchange slogans, revealing their true motives: anti-Catholicism and a desire for plunder.

_The chant reveals the underlying greed and chaos of the movement._

> There's a neck for stretching, Muster Gashford!

Dennis comments on Hugh's strong neck, hinting at his future as a hangman's victim.

_Dennis's dark admiration foreshadows Hugh's fate._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-38
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters