# Chapter 46 explained — Barnaby Rudge

> Chapter companion for Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

The blind man Stagg visits Barnaby and his mother, manipulating Barnaby with promises of wealth and adventure while pressuring the widow for money. She pays him six guineas to leave, but he demands more, giving her a week to gather the rest. Fearing for their safety, she decides they must flee their home and travel to London. Barnaby is excited by the prospect of change but saddened to leave his dogs behind.

## Themes in this chapter

### Manipulation and Exploitation

The blind man exploits Barnaby's innocence and the widow's desperation to extort money.

### Innocence and Corruption

Barnaby's naive trust contrasts with the blind man's corrupt motives.

### Freedom and Imprisonment

The widow's decision to flee represents a desperate bid for freedom from the blind man's influence.

## Character check-ins

### Barnaby Rudge

Eagerly listens to the blind man's promises of riches, showing his innocence and desire to help his mother.

### The Blind Man

Manipulates Barnaby and pressures the widow for money, revealing his cunning and exploitative nature.

### Mrs. Rudge

Desperate to protect her son, she pays off the blind man and plans to flee their home.

### Grip

Mentioned as Barnaby's companion, who loves the noise and rattle of crowds.

## Key lines

> The water stood in Barnaby's eyes as he coughed from the strength of the draught, and answered in the affirmative.

Barnaby's eyes watered as he coughed from the strong drink, and he said yes.

_Shows Barnaby's unfamiliarity with strong alcohol._

> It's the cant of you folks to be horrified if a blind man robs, or lies, or steals; oh yes, it's far worse in him, who can barely live on the few halfpence that are thrown to him in streets, than in you, who can see, and work, and are not dependent on the mercies of the world.

The blind man argues that it's hypocritical for sighted people to judge him harshly for stealing when they have more opportunities.

_Highlights the theme of social injustice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-46
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters