# Chapter 7 explained — Barnaby Rudge

> Chapter companion for Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-7
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters