Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 49 explained
Barnaby and Hugh, caught up in the Gordon Riots, participate in a violent assault on the House of Commons.
What happens
Barnaby and Hugh, caught up in the Gordon Riots, participate in a violent assault on the House of Commons. After the Riot Act is read and the military is called in, they narrowly escape capture. Hugh manipulates Barnaby's simple-minded devotion, promising him rewards and claiming to have secured his mother's safety. They flee to The Boot tavern, avoiding arrest.
Themes in this chapter
Mob Violence and Chaos
The chapter vividly depicts the chaotic and violent nature of the mob, from the assault on the House to the trampling of fallen men and the clash with the military.
Manipulation and Exploitation
Hugh's manipulation of Barnaby is a central focus, as he exploits Barnaby's innocence and devotion for his own ends, promising rewards and false assurances.
Innocence and Corruption
Barnaby's simple faith in his cause and his leader stands in stark contrast to the corrupt and self-serving motives of Hugh and Dennis, highlighting the corruption of innocence amidst the chaos.
Characters to notice
- Barnaby Rudge
Firmly believes in the justice of his cause and follows Hugh's lead. His innocence is exploited as he is manipulated into risking his life.
- Hugh
A cunning and manipulative leader in the riot, he uses Barnaby's simple nature for his own purposes, promising him rewards and falsely claiming to have secured his mother's safety.
- Mr. Dennis
Expresses disgust at Barnaby's talk of his mother, showing his brutal and unsentimental nature. He is initially astonished by Hugh's manipulation of Barnaby.
Key passages
“If ever man believed with his whole heart and soul that he was engaged in a just cause, and that he was bound to stand by his leader to the last, poor Barnaby believed it of himself and Lord George Gordon.”
Barnaby was completely and sincerely devoted to the cause and to Lord George Gordon, believing it was his duty to follow his leader without question.
Highlights Barnaby's innocence and unwavering, yet misguided, loyalty.
“Lookee, bold lad. If she's not here to see, it's because I've provided for her, and sent half-a-dozen gentlemen, every one of 'em with a blue flag (but not half as fine as yours), to take her, in state, to a grand house all hung round with gold and silver banners, and everything else you please, where she'll wait till you come, and want for nothing.”
Hugh lies to Barnaby, claiming he has arranged for his mother to be taken to a grand house where she will be safe and comfortable.
Demonstrates Hugh's manipulative nature and his willingness to exploit Barnaby's trust.
“Don't you see, man, that the lad's a natural, and can be got to do anything, if you take him the right way?”
Hugh tells Dennis that Barnaby is simple-minded and can be easily manipulated into doing whatever they want.
Reveals the cynical and exploitative attitude of Hugh towards Barnaby's mental state.