Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 7 explained
The chapter introduces Mrs.
What happens
The chapter introduces Mrs. Varden's uncertain temper and her maid Miggs, who exacerbates her moods. Gabriel Varden returns home late to find his wife in a sulky mood, and after a tense exchange, she retires with Miggs. Later, Sim Tappertit secretly uses a duplicate key to let himself out of the house, unnoticed by the sleeping locksmith.
Themes in this chapter
Manipulation and Exploitation
Miggs manipulates Mrs. Varden's moods, and Sim Tappertit exploits his master's trust by sneaking out with a duplicate key.
Freedom and Imprisonment
Sim Tappertit's secret escape from the house symbolizes a desire for freedom from his apprenticeship, while Mrs. Varden feels emotionally imprisoned by her husband's neglect.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Varden
Shows her capricious temper, alternating between melancholy and indignation, and complains about her husband's neglect.
- Gabriel Varden
Returns home tired, tries to appease his wife, and later sleeps while Sim Tappertit sneaks out.
- Miss Miggs
Acts as Mrs. Varden's ally, feigning concern and weeping on cue, while showing disdain for the male sex.
- Simon Tappertit
Secretly uses a forged key to leave the house at night, revealing his rebellious intentions.
Key passages
“Mrs. Varden was a lady of what is commonly called an uncertain temper—a phrase which being interpreted signifies a temper tolerably certain to make everybody more or less uncomfortable.”
Mrs. Varden had a moody personality that tended to make everyone around her uneasy.
Introduces Mrs. Varden's character trait.
“It was the voice of Miggs that greeted the locksmith, when he knocked at his own house, with a shrill cry of 'Who's there?'”
Miggs answered the door with a high-pitched shout when Gabriel knocked.
Shows Miggs's role as the servant.
“Sim Tappertit entered, bearing in his hand a little lamp. 'What the devil business has he to stop up so late!' muttered Sim, passing into the workshop, and setting it down upon the forge.”
Sim Tappertit came in with a lamp, grumbling about his master staying up late, and placed it on the forge.
Reveals Sim's secretive actions.