# XXXV explained — Lavengro

> Chapter companion for Lavengro by George Borrow.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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