Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 79 explained
Barnaby Rudge is rescued from execution at the last moment, thanks to the tireless efforts of Gabriel Varden, Mr.
What happens
Barnaby Rudge is rescued from execution at the last moment, thanks to the tireless efforts of Gabriel Varden, Mr. Haredale, and Edward Chester, who secured a free pardon from the King. Gabriel brings Barnaby home to the Golden Key, where he is joyfully reunited with his mother. The chapter then shifts to a somber scene as Edward Chester oversees the midnight burial of his brother, Hugh, in an unmarked grave. Later, Mr. Haredale, having reconciled with Edward, gives his blessing to Edward's marriage to Emma, revealing his plans to retire to a foreign cloister.
Themes in this chapter
Parental Love and Sacrifice
The chapter highlights the selfless efforts of Gabriel Varden and Mr. Haredale to save Barnaby, and Mr. Haredale's paternal care for Emma, culminating in his blessing of her marriage.
Guilt and Retribution
Mr. Haredale seeks forgiveness for his past actions, while Hugh's burial as a nameless man serves as a stark image of retribution and the consequences of his choices.
The Spectacle of Death
The chapter contrasts the public, celebratory spectacle of Barnaby's rescue with the private, somber spectacle of Hugh's midnight burial, highlighting the different ways death and fate are witnessed.
Characters to notice
- Barnaby Rudge
Rescued from execution at the last moment, he is passive and overwhelmed, clinging to Gabriel Varden and later falling into a deep sleep beside his mother.
- Gabriel Varden
The locksmith who led the successful effort to secure Barnaby's pardon, bringing him home in triumph and celebrating with the crowd.
- Mr. Geoffrey Haredale
Instrumental in securing Barnaby's pardon, he later reconciles with Edward Chester, gives his blessing to Edward and Emma's marriage, and announces his intention to retire to a cloister abroad.
- Edward Chester
Helps secure Barnaby's pardon and oversees the burial of his brother, Hugh. He receives Mr. Haredale's forgiveness and blessing to marry Emma.
- Emma Haredale
Reunited with Edward Chester, she receives her uncle's blessing and expresses her undying affection and gratitude.
- Hugh
Though not present, his burial is the focus of a dark scene, where he is laid to rest as a nameless man in an unmarked grave.
Key passages
“Such is the blessed end, sir," cried the panting locksmith, to Mr. Haredale, "of the best day's work we ever did. The rogues! it's been hard fighting to get away from 'em. I almost thought, once or twice, they'd have been too much for us with their kindness!"”
Gabriel Varden exclaims to Mr. Haredale that this is the wonderful conclusion to their finest achievement, though it was a struggle to escape the overzealous crowd's affection.
Gabriel's words capture the chaotic joy of Barnaby's rescue and the overwhelming public reaction.
“Of the two," he added, as he wiped his crimson face, "and after experience of both, I think I'd rather be taken out of my house by a crowd of enemies, than escorted home by a mob of friends!"”
Gabriel jokes that, having experienced both, he would prefer being forcibly removed by enemies to being triumphantly escorted by a mob of well-wishers.
This humorous remark underscores the overwhelming and slightly chaotic nature of the crowd's celebration.
“You are right. We hear the world wonder, every day, at monsters of ingratitude. Did it never occur to you that it often looks for monsters of affection, as though they were things of course?”
Edward Chester suggests that while the world is quick to condemn ingratitude, it fails to recognize the extraordinary nature of deep affection, which it takes for granted.
Edward's reflection on his brother's refusal to see him reveals a complex understanding of family bonds and personal choices.
