# Chapter 58 explained — Barnaby Rudge

> Chapter companion for Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Barnaby is taken to the barracks and confined in a dark cell. He overhears two soldiers discussing his fate, one of whom suggests he should be shot without a magistrate's intervention. Barnaby pleads for his pet raven Grip, but is ignored. He is later marched back to the parade ground where he is held among a larger body of soldiers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Imprisonment

Barnaby's physical confinement in a dark cell contrasts with his mental wanderings and his plea for Grip's freedom.

### The Spectacle of Death

The soldiers' casual talk of shooting Barnaby without trial highlights the dehumanizing spectacle of punishment during the riots.

## Character check-ins

### Barnaby Rudge

Imprisoned in a dark cell, he pleads for his raven Grip and shows defiance toward the soldiers.

### Grip

Barnaby's pet raven, mentioned as being held by the soldiers and the subject of Barnaby's plea.

### Hugh

Referenced in Barnaby's half-dream, where he imagines Hugh speaking to him in the stable.

## Key lines

> It makes a man sorrowful to come back to old England, and see her in this condition.

Returning to England and seeing it in such a state is deeply saddening.

_A soldier reflects on the sorry state of the country during the riots._

> You talk boldly to a caged man... If I was on the other side of the door and there were none to part us, you'd change your note.

You speak bravely to a prisoner; if I were free and we were alone, you would speak differently.

_Barnaby defiantly responds to the sergeant's threats._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-58
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters