# Chapter 47 explained — Barnaby Rudge

> Chapter companion for Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

The widow and Barnaby continue their journey toward London, relying on Grip's performances for money. They encounter a coarse country gentleman who insults them and treats Barnaby with contempt, but a servant secretly gives them a crown. Barnaby becomes preoccupied with the blind man's words about gold and crowds, hoping to meet him again in London. The widow worries about this fixation and hopes to lose their pursuer in the city's crowds.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Corruption

Barnaby's innocent delight in nature contrasts with the corrupt, coarse gentleman who embodies societal cruelty and hypocrisy.

### Social Injustice and Class

The widow and Barnaby face abuse and suspicion from a wealthy landowner, highlighting the power imbalance and injustice faced by the poor.

## Character check-ins

### Barnaby Rudge

Shows his simple, cheerful nature and his growing fascination with the blind man's talk of gold and crowds.

### Mrs. Rudge

The widow, grateful for Barnaby's affection, but uneasy about his interest in the blind man and the dangers of London.

### Grip

The raven, whose antics and speech both entertain and cause trouble, drawing attention and money.

### The Blind Man

Mentioned as a mysterious figure whose words about gold have taken hold of Barnaby's imagination.

## Key lines

> In the exhaustless catalogue of Heaven’s mercies to mankind, the power we have of finding some germs of comfort in the hardest trials must ever occupy the foremost place

Among all of Heaven's blessings, the ability to find comfort even in the most difficult times is the greatest.

_Opening reflection on finding solace in adversity._

> I’d make a difference in him in ten minutes, I’ll be bound.

I could change him in ten minutes, I'm sure.

_The gentleman's cruel suggestion that flogging would cure Barnaby's condition._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-47
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters