Lavengro · Chapter
VII explained
The narrator recounts his school days in Edinburgh, describing the fierce rivalry between the 'Auld Toon' and 'New Toon' boys, known as 'bickers.' He details his initiation into these stone-throwing battles, his rescue from a quagmire, and
What happens
The narrator recounts his school days in Edinburgh, describing the fierce rivalry between the 'Auld Toon' and 'New Toon' boys, known as 'bickers.' He details his initiation into these stone-throwing battles, his rescue from a quagmire, and his eventual acceptance by the Scottish lads. The chapter also reflects on the pugnacious nature of the Scottish people and contrasts it with English boyhood fights.
Themes in this chapter
Adventure and Roving
The narrator's participation in the bickers and his willingness to join the fray reflect a spirit of adventure and roving.
Social Class and Gentility
The conflict between the Old Town and New Town boys highlights class and social divisions within Edinburgh society.
Identity and Belonging
The narrator's struggle to be accepted by the Scottish boys and his eventual integration into their group explores themes of identity and belonging.
Characters to notice
- Lavengro
The narrator, who attends school in Edinburgh and participates in the bickers between the Old and New Town boys.
- Wild Davy
A wild-looking lad of fifteen, recently enlisted as a drummer, who descends the hill to rescue the narrator during a bicker.
- King George
Mentioned as the monarch whom Wild Davy enlisted to serve.
Key passages
“Ye are na a bad hand at flinging stanes, said the lad who first addressed me, as we now returned up the brae; your aim is right dangerous, mon, I saw how ye skelpit them, ye maun help us agin thae New Toon blackguards at our next bicker.”
The boy who first spoke to me said, 'You're not bad at throwing stones; your aim is dangerous, man. I saw how you hit them. You must help us against those New Town rascals at our next fight.'
The narrator is praised for his stone-throwing skills and invited to join future bickers.
“I shall never forget one bicker, the last indeed which occurred at that time, as the authorities of the town, alarmed by the desperation of its character, stationed forthwith a body of police on the hill side to prevent, in future, any such breaches of the peace.”
I will never forget one fight, the last one of that period, because the town authorities, frightened by its violent nature, immediately placed police on the hillside to stop any further disturbances.
The authorities intervene to stop the bickers after a particularly violent encounter.