# Chapter 39 explained — Barnaby Rudge

> Chapter companion for Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-39
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters