Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 63 explained
As the military pours into London, the rioters grow bolder, and the crowd becomes the law.
What happens
As the military pours into London, the rioters grow bolder, and the crowd becomes the law. A vast mob assembles in Lincoln's Inn Fields and divides into parties, with the largest group destined for Newgate. Before the attack, Hugh and Dennis, with Simon Tappertit, lead a contingent to the Golden Key, the locksmith's shop. They demand Gabriel Varden's services, but he defies them from an upper window. Miss Miggs, who has been hiding on the roof, creates a distraction by calling out to Simon. The mob breaks in, seizes Varden, and takes him to the head of the crowd. They then march on Newgate, with the locksmith in their midst.
Themes in this chapter
Mob Violence and Chaos
The chapter depicts the mob's overwhelming power, their audacious attacks, and the breakdown of civil order as they become the law.
Parental Love and Sacrifice
Gabriel Varden's primary concern is for his daughter's safety, and he defies the mob even at great personal risk.
Characters to notice
- Hugh
Leads the mob to the Golden Key and demands the locksmith's services.
- Mr. Dennis
Leads the mob alongside Hugh and Simon Tappertit.
- Simon Tappertit
Leads the mob with Hugh and Dennis, and is accosted by Miss Miggs.
- Gabriel Varden
Defies the mob from his window, threatens them, and is eventually seized and taken to Newgate.
- Miss Miggs
Hides on the rooftop, calls out to Simon, and is rescued from the house by the mob.
Key passages
“The crowd was the law, and never was the law held in greater dread, or more implicitly obeyed.”
The mob had become the ruling authority, and its commands were followed with more fear and obedience than any legal government.
Highlights the complete breakdown of civil order and the mob's absolute power.
“There are a score among ye whom I see now and know, who are dead men from this hour.”
I can see and recognize at least twenty of you who are as good as dead from this moment onward.
Gabriel Varden's defiant threat against the rioters, showing his courage and foreshadowing future retribution.