# LXXXV explained — Lavengro

> Chapter companion for Lavengro by George Borrow.

## What happens

Lavengro, alone in the dingle, decides to go to town for supplies but is interrupted by the arrival of the Flaming Tinman, his wife, and a tall girl named Belle. A confrontation escalates into a fistfight, with Belle intervening to ensure fair play and eventually coaching Lavengro to use his right hand.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom vs. Convention

Lavengro values his independence in the dingle, while the Flaming Tinman asserts territorial and social dominance.

### Honor and Morality

Belle insists on fair play during the fight, rejecting foul play and asserting her own code of conduct.

### The Gypsy and the Outsider

The Flaming Tinman and his party are itinerant outsiders; Belle distinguishes herself from gypsies despite associating with them.

## Character check-ins

### Lavengro

Contemplates leaving the dingle, then fights the Flaming Tinman.

### The Flaming Tinman

Arrives with his party, challenges Lavengro, and fights him.

### Belle

Tall girl who intervenes in the fight, coaches Lavengro, and asserts her independence.

### Isopel Berners

Identified as Belle, born in Long Melford, of Christian parents.

### Jack Slingsby

Mentioned as the previous owner of the horse.

## Key lines

> What shall I now do? said I to myself; shall I continue here, or decamp? This is a sad, lonely spot; perhaps I had better quit it; but whither should I go? the wide world is before me, but what can I do therein?

Lavengro wonders whether to stay in the dingle or leave, feeling uncertain about his future in the world.

_Reflects his indecision and isolation._

> I don't see why I should not write a little sometimes; I have pens and an inkhorn, and for a writing-desk I can place the Bible on my knee. I shouldn't wonder if I could write a capital satire on the world on the back of that Bible; but first of all I must think of supplying myself with food.

He considers writing a satire using the Bible as a desk, but prioritizes getting food.

_Shows his literary ambition tempered by practical needs._

> Finish t'other business first, and then I'm your woman whenever you like; but finish it fairly—no foul play when I'm by—I'll be the boy's second, and Moll can pick you up when he happens to knock you down.

Belle tells the Flaming Tinman to finish the fight fairly, offering to second Lavengro and warning that Moll can help him if he is knocked down.

_Demonstrates Belle's sense of fairness and her role as a second._

> Now, will you use Long Melford? said Belle, picking me up. I don't know what you mean by Long Melford, said I, gasping for breath. Why, this long right of yours, said Belle, feeling my right arm—if you do, I shouldn't wonder if you yet stand a chance.

Belle advises Lavengro to use his right arm, which she calls 'Long Melford,' to improve his chances in the fight.

_Highlights Belle's practical advice and her connection to Long Melford._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se/chapters/lxxxv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se/chapters