# Chapter 4: The Locksmith's Household explained — Barnaby Rudge

> Chapter companion for Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

The chapter introduces the Varden household in Clerkenwell, detailing the eccentricities of the house and its inhabitants. Gabriel Varden recounts his encounter with a masked young lady at a masquerade, which caused quite a stir. His apprentice, Simon Tappertit, displays his vanity and ambition, while Dolly Varden reacts with feigned indifference to news of Joe Willet's possible departure. Mrs. Varden, in a fit of temper, demands her usual comforts and the Protestant Manual, signaling her displeasure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Injustice and Class

Simon Tappertit's resentment of his station and his dreams of 'prentice power highlight class tensions.

### Manipulation and Exploitation

Mrs. Varden uses her illness and religious devotion to manipulate her household, as seen in her demands.

## Character check-ins

### Gabriel Varden

The locksmith, good-natured and jovial, recounts his adventure at the masquerade and expresses concern for Joe Willet.

### Simon Tappertit

The apprentice, vain and ambitious, practices his 'eye' and admires his own legs, dreaming of leading the 'prentices.

### Dolly Varden

The locksmith's daughter, visibly affected by news of Joe Willet, though she tries to hide it with a cough.

### Mrs. Varden

Though not present, her message demanding tea, toast, and the Protestant Manual indicates her ill temper and piety.

### Joe Willet

Mentioned as having quarreled with his father and possibly planning to leave home, causing concern.

## Key lines

> Why, the masks came flocking round, with a general noise and hubbub, and I thought myself in luck to get clear off, that's all,

The masked crowd surrounded me with a lot of noise, and I was lucky to escape.

_Gabriel Varden describes his escape from the masquerade._

> Sim, rejoined Gabriel, laughing heartily. Don't be a fool, for I'd rather see you in your senses.

Gabriel tells Sim not to act foolishly, preferring him to be sensible.

_Gabriel admonishes Sim for his silly faces._

> It's the tea, said Dolly, turning alternately very red and very white, which is no doubt the effect of a slight scald—so very hot.

Dolly claims the tea is too hot, causing her to blush and pale, but it's actually her reaction to Joe's news.

_Dolly hides her true feelings behind a pretext._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-4
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters