# Chapter 55 explained — Barnaby Rudge

> Chapter companion for Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

The rioters, having destroyed the Maypole, advance to the Warren, where they break in and set fire to the house, causing chaos and destruction. John Willet, left alone in his ruined bar, sits in a state of shock, unable to respond to a mysterious stranger who enters through the window and questions him about the rioters' direction.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mob Violence and Chaos

The rioters' frenzied destruction of the Warren and the Maypole illustrates the uncontrolled violence of the mob.

### Madness and Perception

John Willet's catatonic state and the rioters' irrational behavior highlight the theme of madness and altered perception.

## Character check-ins

### John Willet

Left alone in his dismantled bar, he sits in a stupor, unresponsive to the stranger's questions.

### Hugh

Leads the attack on the turret-door at the Warren, contributing to the destruction.

### Mr. Geoffrey Haredale

His house, the Warren, is besieged and destroyed by the rioters.

### The Blind Man

A mysterious figure who enters the Maypole through the window and questions John Willet about the rioters' direction.

## Key lines

> If Bedlam gates had been flung wide open, there would not have issued forth such maniacs as the frenzy of that night had made.

The rioters were more insane than the inmates of a madhouse.

_Highlights the extreme madness of the mob._

> The glare of the flames had sunk into a fitful, flashing light; and the gentle stars, invisible till now, looked down upon the blackening heap.

The fire died down, and the stars appeared over the ruins.

_Contrast between the destruction and the calm heavens._

> He was perfectly contented to sit there, staring at it, and felt no more indignation or discomfort in his bonds than if they had been robes of honour.

John Willet was so shocked that he felt no distress from being tied up.

_Shows John's complete mental detachment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-55
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters