Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 50 explained
After the day's riots, the tavern becomes a gathering place for the dispirited rioters.
What happens
After the day's riots, the tavern becomes a gathering place for the dispirited rioters. Simon Tappertit and Mr. Dennis arrive, with Dennis expressing disgust at the lack of spirit shown by the crowd. Gashford enters and reveals that the petition has been rejected, and the cause is lost. He manipulates Hugh and Barnaby into continuing the riots by suggesting that they will be arrested and hanged if they do nothing. He hints at targets—Catholic chapels—and the three rush out to lead the mob. The chapter ends with a vivid description of the rioters, including Barnaby, Hugh, and Dennis, carrying spoils from a destroyed chapel, and a widow's scream as they pass.
Themes in this chapter
Manipulation and Exploitation
Gashford cunningly manipulates Hugh and Barnaby, using fear of arrest to incite further violence.
Mob Violence and Chaos
The chapter depicts the mob's destructive rampage, with torches, spoils, and a sense of uncontrollable frenzy.
Innocence and Corruption
Barnaby, in his innocence, is corrupted by Gashford's manipulation, believing he is a hero while being used for violent ends.
Characters to notice
- Barnaby Rudge
Praised by Dennis for his prowess; manipulated by Gashford into continuing the riots; leads the mob with Hugh and Dennis.
- Hugh
Roused by Gashford's taunts; determined to prevent arrest; leads the rioters to destroy Catholic chapels.
- Mr. Dennis
Disgusted with the crowd's lack of spirit; joins Hugh and Barnaby in the new riotous venture.
- Simon Tappertit
Present at the tavern; leaves in a lofty manner after Dennis's complaints.
- Gashford
Secretary who reveals the petition's rejection; manipulates Hugh and Barnaby into further violence.
Key passages
“Which, said Dennis, with an oath, as he rested his bludgeon in a corner with his hat upon it, and took his seat at the same table with them, it does me good to think of. There was a opportunity! But it led to nothing.”
Dennis, swearing, placed his club and hat in a corner and sat down, saying that the chance they had was great but wasted.
Dennis expresses frustration at the missed opportunity during the riot.
“Give me security that it an't a ending, rejoined the hangman.”
The hangman replied that he wanted assurance this wasn't the end of the riots.
Dennis fears the riots are over and the cause lost.
“I wish I had been born a ox, I do!”
Dennis wishes he were an ox, implying he'd rather be a dumb animal than a human coward.
His disgust with humanity's lack of spirit.
“The cause! repeated the secretary, looking at him in a sort of abstraction. There is no cause. The cause is lost.”
Gashford, seeming distracted, told Dennis that there was no cause anymore, as it had been lost.
Gashford reveals the petition's rejection and the end of the movement.
“No jails and halter for Barnaby and me. They must be frightened out of that. Leaders are wanted, are they? Now boys!”
Hugh declares they won't be jailed or hanged, and that they'll scare the authorities. Since leaders are needed, he calls the others to action.
Hugh's determination to avoid arrest and continue the riots.