Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 53 explained
Gashford, the secretary, meets with Hugh and Dennis in the stable where Barnaby stands guard.
What happens
Gashford, the secretary, meets with Hugh and Dennis in the stable where Barnaby stands guard. He reveals a royal proclamation offering a reward for the capture of the rioters, and mentions that Mr. Haredale is a key witness against them. Gashford incites Hugh and Dennis to take violent action against Haredale, reminding them of their earlier conversation. After they leave to join the mob, Gashford watches from Lord George Gordon's house as four separate parties of rioters march past, each heading to different parts of London to destroy property. The fourth party, led by Hugh, Dennis, and Simon Tappertit, passes silently, and Gashford spots Sir John Chester watching them from across the street. Later, Hugh returns to the stable, and Gashford informs him of the proclamation, though Hugh claims he already knew. Gashford subtly reveals he knows Hugh has been in contact with Sir John Chester, and again urges him to act against Haredale.
Themes in this chapter
Manipulation and Exploitation
Gashford skillfully manipulates Hugh and Dennis, using their fears and desires to incite them to commit violence for his own purposes.
Mob Violence and Chaos
The chapter depicts the organized yet chaotic nature of the mob, with different parties marching through London to destroy property in broad daylight.
Innocence and Corruption
Barnaby's innocent devotion to his 'duty' as a guard contrasts sharply with the corrupt and violent plans of Hugh, Dennis, and Gashford.
Characters to notice
- Gashford
Manipulates Hugh and Dennis, inciting them to violence against Haredale, and observes the mob's movements from Lord George Gordon's house.
- Hugh
Receives Gashford's incitement to attack Haredale, leads a party of rioters, and returns to the stable, showing a fierce loyalty to Barnaby.
- Mr. Dennis
Accompanies Hugh, is complicit in Gashford's plot, and is unnerved by Gashford's calm and sly manner.
- Barnaby Rudge
Stands guard at the stable door, proudly fulfilling his duty, and joyfully welcomes Hugh back.
- Sir John Chester
Observed by Gashford watching the rioters from across the street, wearing a blue cockade and recognizing Hugh.
- Simon Tappertit
Mentioned as being in the front of the fourth party of rioters.
Key passages
““You might have spoiled our plans, master,” said Hugh. “ You , too, of all men!””
Hugh angrily tells Gashford that he could have ruined their plans by mentioning Haredale in front of Barnaby.
Highlights the tension and the need for secrecy in their plot.
““Do not, my good friends—I am sure you will not—forget our talk one night—in your house, Dennis—about this person. No mercy, no quarter, no two beams of his house to be left standing where the builder placed them!””
Gashford urges Hugh and Dennis to remember their earlier conversation and to completely destroy the house of their enemy, Mr. Haredale, leaving nothing standing.
Shows Gashford's direct incitement to arson and violence.
““It is a proclamation from the King in Council,” said Gashford, “dated today, and offering a reward of five hundred pounds—five hundred pounds is a great deal of money, and a large temptation to some people—to anyone who will discover the person or persons most active in demolishing those chapels on Saturday night.””
Gashford tells Hugh about the King's proclamation that offers a large reward for information leading to the arrest of the rioters who destroyed the chapels.
Introduces the threat of legal consequences for the rioters.
