Lavengro · Chapter
XXXV explained
The narrator receives a visit from his friend Francis Ardry, whose background and character are described.
What happens
The narrator receives a visit from his friend Francis Ardry, whose background and character are described. They go to the theater and later to a gaming-house, and Francis introduces him to a dog-fighting pit where the narrator converses with the proprietor, Joey, about the merits of dog-fighting over religion, politics, and learning. Eventually, the narrator withdraws from such diversions to focus on his own pursuits.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom vs. Convention
Francis Ardry resists choosing a profession, preferring a life of pleasure and dissipation, contrasting with the narrator's disciplined study.
Social Class and Gentility
The dog-fighting pit attracts people of all ranks, and the narrator observes the mingling of classes in London's underworld.
Adventure and Roving
The narrator accompanies Francis Ardry on rambles through strange and eccentric places, exploring the hidden corners of London.
Characters to notice
- Lavengro
The narrator, who reflects on his friendship with Francis Ardry and his experiences in London's strange places.
- Francis Ardry
The tall young Irish gentleman who introduces the narrator to various entertainments, including a gaming-house and a dog-fighting pit.
- Joseph Sell
The proprietor of the dog-fighting pit, who defends dog-fighting against religion, politics, and learning.
- Kean
Mentioned as the actor they intended to see but did not.
Key passages
“Two great talkers will not travel far together, is a Spanish saying; I will add, Nor two silent people; we naturally love our opposites.”
The narrator reflects that lasting friendships often form between dissimilar people, as opposites attract.
This aphorism explains the bond between the narrator and Francis Ardry despite their contrasting temperaments.
“There is nothing like flinging the bones! shouted the man, as my friend and myself left the room.”
A man in the gaming-house extols the thrill of dice-throwing as the narrator departs.
The narrator resists the temptation to gamble, though he is momentarily curious.
“Religion! How you talk. Why, there's myself, bred and born an Independent, and intended to be a preacher, didn't I give up religion for dog-fighting?”
Joey claims he abandoned his religious upbringing and planned preaching career for the sake of dog-fighting.
This illustrates Joey's fanatical devotion to his sport over traditional values.