Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 40 explained
Hugh, after a night of drinking and rioting, returns to Sir John Chester's chambers, where he is interrogated about his involvement with the Protestant Association and the mob.
What happens
Hugh, after a night of drinking and rioting, returns to Sir John Chester's chambers, where he is interrogated about his involvement with the Protestant Association and the mob. Sir John, secretly manipulating Hugh, learns of the rioters' plans and reflects on how to use the disturbances to his own advantage, particularly against his enemy Haredale. Hugh, eager for revenge and violence, pledges his loyalty to the cause, while Sir John remains outwardly calm and calculating.
Themes in this chapter
Manipulation and Exploitation
Sir John Chester manipulates Hugh, extracting information under the guise of casual conversation, and plans to use the riots for his own political and personal gain.
Mob Violence and Chaos
Hugh's description of the rioters and his eagerness for a 'bold riot' highlight the impending violence and disorder.
Guilt and Retribution
Hugh's desire to 'pay off old scores' and revenge himself on Haredale reflects themes of retribution, while Sir John's secret scheming carries an undercurrent of guilt.
Characters to notice
- Hugh
Returns to Sir John Chester's chambers, wet from a pump, and reveals his involvement with the rioters, expressing a desire for violence and revenge.
- Sir John Chester
Receives Hugh late at night, artfully extracts information about the riots, and privately schemes to use the disturbances for his own ends.
- Mr. Dennis
Mentioned as a fellow rioter and friend of Hugh, whose trade remains a secret.
- Mr. Geoffrey Haredale
Referenced as Sir John's enemy, whom Hugh hopes to revenge himself upon during the riots.
Key passages
“I mayn't have much head, master, but I've head enough to remember those that use me ill. You shall see, and so shall he, and so shall hundreds more, how my spirit backs me when the time comes. My bark is nothing to my bite. Some that I know had better have a wild lion among 'em than me, when I am fairly loose—they had!”
Hugh warns that although he may not be clever, he remembers those who have wronged him and will prove his strength when the time comes, comparing himself to a wild lion.
Hugh's threat reveals his volatile nature and desire for revenge.
“This happens fortunately, and promises well. Let me see. My relative and I, who are the most Protestant fellows in the world, give our worst wishes to the Roman Catholic cause; and to Saville, who introduces their bill, I have a personal objection besides; but as each of us has himself for the first article in his creed, we cannot commit ourselves by joining with a very extravagant madman, such as this Gordon most undoubtedly is.”
Sir John reflects that the riots are fortunate for his plans, as he and his relative can secretly support the anti-Catholic cause while publicly distancing themselves from the madman Gordon, to maintain their reputation.
Sir John's soliloquy exposes his cynical and self-serving political maneuvering.