# Chapter 66 explained — Barnaby Rudge

> Chapter companion for Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Mr. Haredale spends the entire day searching for his missing niece, Emma, but finds no trace of her. He receives some consolation from a government minister who promises that the authorities will suppress the riots and seek justice for the Catholics. Exhausted and homeless, he is refused lodging at an inn due to fear of the rioters. While wandering the streets, he hears that Newgate Prison is being attacked, and he rushes there, hoping to confront the man he believes murdered his brother. He is rescued from the crowd by the old distiller and John Grueby, who take him to the distiller's house. There, he collapses and is treated by a surgeon. Throughout the night, the distiller and his scouts report on the escalating riots, including the burning of Lord Mansfield's house and the destruction of his library, as well as attacks on other properties.

## Themes in this chapter

### Guilt and Retribution

Mr. Haredale's obsessive pursuit of the man he believes murdered his brother, and his fear that the riots might set him free, drives his actions.

### Mob Violence and Chaos

The chapter vividly depicts the mob's destruction of property, the burning of houses, and the general lawlessness of the riots.

### Social Injustice and Class

Mr. Haredale, a Catholic, is refused lodging due to the anti-Catholic sentiment, highlighting the social prejudice and injustice of the time.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Geoffrey Haredale

Desperately searches for his niece, is refused lodging, and collapses from exhaustion and distress. He is rescued by the distiller and John Grueby.

### John Grueby

Helps rescue Mr. Haredale from the crowd and brings him to the distiller's house, where he assists in his care.

### The Blind Man

Not present in this chapter, but referenced as the man in Newgate whom Haredale fears might be freed.

### Lord George Gordon

Mentioned as the former master of John Grueby, who left his service due to the riots.

## Key lines

> He found himself, with the night coming on, alone in the streets; and destitute of any place in which to lay his head.

As night fell, he was alone and homeless on the streets.

_Highlights Haredale's desperate situation._

> To Newgate! where that man was! His failing strength returned, his energies came back with tenfold vigour, on the instant.

The thought of Newgate, where his enemy was, gave him a sudden surge of strength.

_Shows his obsession with revenge._

> The flames too, shone so brightly through the vintner’s skylights, that the rooms and staircases below were nearly as light as in broad day;

The firelight was so bright that it illuminated the rooms as if it were daytime.

_Describes the intensity of the fires during the riots._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-66
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters