Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 78 explained
Old John Willet sits by the fire at the Black Lion, finally conceiving the idea that he might claim compensation from the public purse for the damage to the Maypole.
What happens
Old John Willet sits by the fire at the Black Lion, finally conceiving the idea that he might claim compensation from the public purse for the damage to the Maypole. His son Joe enters and tells him of his plan to go to the West Indies with Edward Chester, having lost an arm in the war. Dolly Varden then bursts in, confesses her love for Joe, and they become engaged. Old John is utterly bewildered by these events and eventually goes out for a walk.
Themes in this chapter
Parental Love and Sacrifice
Joe's decision to leave his father and go to the West Indies reflects his desire not to be a burden, while old John's bewilderment shows his paternal concern.
Freedom and Imprisonment
Joe's return from war and his plan to start a new life symbolize a break from his father's limited worldview, while old John remains trapped in his own narrow perspective.
Characters to notice
- John Willet
Sits by the fire, finally conceives the idea of claiming compensation for the Maypole, and is stunned by Joe's news and Dolly's arrival.
- Joe Willet
Returns from the war with one arm, tells his father of his plan to go to the West Indies with Edward Chester, and is reunited with Dolly.
- Dolly Varden
Rushes in, confesses her love for Joe, and agrees to marry him, vowing to be a devoted wife.
Key passages
“Mr. Willet had been several thousand times comforted by his friends and acquaintance, with the assurance that for the loss he had sustained in the damage done to the Maypole, he could 'come upon the county.'”
Old John had often been told he could claim compensation from the county for the damage to the Maypole, but the phrase only made him think of poverty and ruin.
Highlights John's misunderstanding and his eventual realization.
“To be plain, father, he can employ me; I have satisfied myself that I can be of real use to him; and I am going to carry my one arm away with him, and to make the most of it.”
Joe tells his father that Edward Chester can give him a job, and he plans to go with him, making the best of his disability.
Joe's determination to be independent despite his injury.
“If ever two people were happy in this world—which is not an utterly miserable one, with all its faults—we may, with some appearance of certainty, conclude that they were.”
Joe and Dolly were as happy as anyone could be in this imperfect world.
Narrator's commentary on their joy.