Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 39 explained
At The Boot, Hugh and Dennis entertain the crowd with a dance, and the arrival of Simon Tappertit and his United Bulldogs adds to the fervor.
What happens
At The Boot, Hugh and Dennis entertain the crowd with a dance, and the arrival of Simon Tappertit and his United Bulldogs adds to the fervor. Hugh is introduced as a new member, and Tappertit, now a captain, tries to recall if he has seen Hugh before, but Hugh's laughter prevents recognition. The atmosphere is charged with conspiracy and anti-Popery sentiment, with pamphlets like 'The Thunderer' circulating and secretive meetings taking place.
Themes in this chapter
Manipulation and Exploitation
Hugh is recruited and manipulated by Tappertit and Dennis, who use his brute strength and hatred for their own ends.
Mob Violence and Chaos
The gathering at The Boot, with its roaring songs and secretive plotting, foreshadows the mob violence of the riots.
Characters to notice
- Hugh
Roars with laughter, dances, and declares his hatred for Papists; forms a friendship with Tappertit and Dennis.
- Simon Tappertit
Now a captain of the United Bulldogs, swelled with self-importance; attempts to recognize Hugh.
- Mr. Dennis
Mysterious about his trade, hints at a gruesome profession, and shows a fondness for his carved portrait.
- Gashford
Mentioned as having enrolled Hugh as a new member of the cause.
Key passages
“I’m your man. I’ll do it. Here’s my captain—here’s my leader. Ha ha ha! Let him give me the word of command, and I’ll fight the whole Parliament House single-handed, or set a lighted torch to the King’s Throne itself!”
Hugh declares his willingness to follow Tappertit's orders, even to attack Parliament or the King.
Shows Hugh's reckless loyalty and the inflammatory rhetoric of the time.
“I’m of as gen‑teel a calling, brother, as any man in England—as light a business as any gentleman could desire.”
Dennis claims his profession is respectable and easy, though he is vague about its nature.
Dennis's cryptic answer hints at his role as a hangman.