The Luck of Barry Lyndon · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray.
Chapter 1
A Bibliographical Note
This chapter provides a bibliographical history of Thackeray's 'Barry Lyndon,' detailing its serial publication in Fraser's Magazine in 1844, its delayed book publication, and the author's own struggles with writing it. It discusses possible real-life inspirations for the protagonist, including Casanova, Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, and most notably Andrew Robinson Stoney-Bowes, whose abusive marriage to the Countess of Strathmore parallels Barry's treatment of Lady Lyndon. The chapter also includes critical praise for the novel from figures like Anthony Trollope and Leslie Stephen.
Chapter 2
The Luck of Barry Lyndon
Barry Lyndon reflects on his life and fortunes, recounting his early days in Ireland and the series of events that shaped his rise and fall, including his duel with Captain Quin, his enlistment in the army, and his eventual marriage to Lady Lyndon.
Chapter 3
My Pedigree and Family—Undergo the Influence of the Tender Passion
Barry Lyndon introduces his noble lineage, the Barrys of Barryogue, and recounts how the family lost its vast Irish estates through treachery involving a woman. He describes his mother, Mrs. Barry, a proud and beautiful widow who maintains genteel pretensions despite poverty, and their life at Castle Brady under the grudging hospitality of his uncle Michael Brady and his ill-natured wife. The chapter establishes Barry's early vanity, his mother's ambitions for him, and the family's fall from grace.
Chapter 4
II: I Show Myself to Be a Man of Spirit
Barry, swelling with pride after his altercation with Quin, returns home with Captain Fagan. His mother, though anxious, supports his honor. Barry boasts of his father's dueling legacy and prepares for a duel with Quin. He writes farewell letters to his mother and Nora, then recalls the earlier dispute at Castle Brady where Nora fainted and Quin slunk away. Mick Brady rebukes Barry for interfering, but Barry defiantly swears that any man who marries Nora must first kill him. Captain Fagan advises Barry that Nora is a flirt and too old for him, but Barry remains resolute.
Chapter 5
A False Start in the Genteel World
Barry arrives in Dublin and quickly falls in with a disreputable crowd at Captain Fitzsimons's boarding-house, losing his money through gambling and high living. When his funds run out, his creditors close in, and Fitzsimons discovers his true identity and threatens to turn him over to the law. Barry draws his sword and confesses he killed Captain Quin in a duel, intimidating Fitzsimons into backing down.
Chapter 6
IV: In Which Barry Takes a Near View of Military Glory
Barry recounts his miserable experience aboard a transport ship, surrounded by low-life recruits, and his quarrel with a bully named Toole. He is reunited with Captain Fagan, who reveals that Nora Brady married Captain Quin in a scheme to get Barry out of the way. Fagan provides Barry with money and news of his family. Barry later participates in the Battle of Minden, where Fagan is killed, and reflects on the horrors of war and the brutality of soldiers.
Chapter 7
Barry Far from Military Glory
After Captain Fagan's death, Barry falls into dissolute company, gambling and drinking with sergeants. He is wounded while helping a wounded lieutenant at the Battle of Warburg, then knocked unconscious by a fellow soldier over a reward. He awakens to find himself kidnapped by a Prussian recruiter, Monsieur de Galgenstein, who enlists him by force into Frederick's army.
Chapter 8
VI: The Crimp Wagon—Military Episodes
Barry is transported in a crimp wagon with other prisoners to serve in the Prussian army. He endures the harsh conditions and reflects on his situation with philosophical resignation. He describes the brutal discipline of the Prussian military, including frequent canings, and his own strategy to avoid degradation by threatening violence. He recounts the story of a French conspirator, Le Blondin, who led a failed mutiny. Barry adapts to soldier life, becomes known as the 'Black Englander,' and earns rewards for bravery but no promotion.
Chapter 9
Barry Leads a Garrison Life, and Finds Many Friends There
After the war, Barry's regiment is garrisoned in Berlin. To support himself, he becomes the confidential servant (Ordonnanz) of Captain Potzdorff, a young officer and nephew of the Police Minister. Barry ingratiates himself through flattery and shared pleasures, gaining privileges and perquisites. He writes a carefully crafted letter to his mother in Ireland, which his captain reads, and later receives a reply that stirs homesickness. Barry's charm and service earn him Potzdorff's trust, though his reputation in the regiment remains poor. The chapter ends with Barry encountering a splendidly dressed gentleman whose features strikingly resemble his own, leading him to reveal his true identity as Redmond Barry of Ballybarry.
Chapter 10
Barry's Adieu to Military Profession
Barry is reunited with his uncle, the Chevalier de Balibari, in Berlin. He learns that his uncle is a professional gambler and spy, and the two form a partnership to cheat at cards. Barry serves as his uncle's valet and confederate, using coded signals to help him win at the gaming tables. Barry also continues to report to Monsieur de Potzdorff, feeding him carefully crafted information about his uncle's activities.
Chapter 11
IX: I Appear in a Manner Becoming My Name and Lineage
Barry reflects on the honor and skill of gambling as a gentleman's profession, comparing it favorably to the hypocrisy of merchants, lawyers, and doctors. He recounts his and his uncle's exploits as professional gamblers across European courts, including a famous game against the Duke of Courland, and the dangers they faced from unpaid debts and vengeful nobles. The chapter culminates in Barry's daring escape from Berlin disguised as the Chevalier de Balibari, with the Chevalier following safely after.
Chapter 12
More Runs of Luck
Barry recounts his scheme to win the wealthy Countess Ida by deliberately gambling with her intended, the Chevalier de Magny, and entrapping him in debt. He details the Countess's background, her thwarted love for a penniless cousin, and the Princess Olivia's hostile influence. Barry's coldly strategic pursuit of fortune through marriage is laid bare.
Chapter 13
XI: In Which the Luck Goes Against Barry
Barry's prospects of marrying the Countess Ida seem promising due to his influence with the Princess Olivia, the Duke Victor, and Madame de Liliengarten. However, his plans unravel when Magny is arrested for the murder of a Jew in the Kaiserwald. Barry and his uncle are placed under house arrest for six weeks, and Barry realizes his 'great card' has been lost.
Chapter 14
XII: Tragical History of Princess of X⸺
Barry recounts meeting an old acquaintance, Madame de Liliengarten, in London in 1790, who tells him the tragic story of Princess Olivia of X⸺. The Princess, in love with the murdered Chevalier de Magny, writes frantic letters accusing her husband Prince Victor of murder and treachery. She eventually bursts out of her apartments to confront him publicly, scattering letters to bystanders. Prince Victor orders her restrained and burns the letters. The narrative also reveals the machinations of the police minister Geldern, who manipulated events out of hatred and financial interest, leading to the Princess's downfall.
Chapter 15
XIII: I Continue My Career as a Man of Fashion
Barry becomes a regular in Sir Charles Lyndon's household, ingratiating himself with Lady Lyndon through theological debates and persistent courtship, while Sir Charles mockingly warns him of the miseries of marrying for wealth.
Chapter 16
XIV: I Return to Ireland, and Exhibit My Splendour and Generosity in That Kingdom
Barry returns to Ireland as a wealthy and accomplished man, reflecting on his rise from poverty. He visits old acquaintances Phil Purcell and Tim, learns of his mother's plans to remarry, Nora's many children, and Ulick's financial troubles. He generously provides for Phil and Tim. In Dublin, Barry deliberately provokes a duel with Lord George Poynings, wounding him, as part of a scheme to eliminate a rival for Lady Lyndon's fortune. He also instructs his cousin Ulick to send a threatening letter to Poynings.
Chapter 17
XV: I Pay Court to My Lady Lyndon
Barry, now wealthy and back in Ireland, pursues Lady Lyndon despite learning she has forgotten him and shown interest in young Lord George Poynings. He confronts Poynings, reveals his past correspondence with Lady Lyndon, and intimidates him. Following his uncle's strategic advice, Barry plans to use Lady Lyndon's letters to compromise her and reassert his claim. Meanwhile, he attempts to reconcile with his mother, Mrs. Barry, who initially rejects him but eventually welcomes him when he appears in distress after a duel.
Chapter 18
I Provide Nobly for My Family
Barry recounts his marriage to Lady Lyndon, the opposition from her family and society, and his subsequent rise to wealth and status. He details the schemes he employed, including the use of a letter from Lady Lyndon to further his suit, and the eventual wedding at St. George's, Hanover Square. He also describes his efforts to secure a match between his cousin Ulick Brady and the heiress Miss Kiljoy, culminating in a masquerade at Lord Charlemont's. Barry concludes by assuming the name Barry Lyndon and embarking on a life of prosperity.
Chapter 19
I Appear as an Ornament of English Society
Barry Lyndon describes his life as a wealthy English gentleman after marrying Lady Lyndon. He manages the household and estate, controls his wife through their son Bryan, and indulges in gambling, hunting, and lavish spending. He cuts down timber on the Lyndon estates to buy back ancestral Irish lands, plans to secure a title for himself and his son, and reflects on the dissipated pleasures of London high society in the 1770s.
Chapter 20
My Good Fortune Begins to Waver
Barry Lyndon faces increasing social ostracism and familial strife as his stepson Lord Bullingdon flees to America after a violent confrontation. Barry's marriage to Lady Lyndon deteriorates, and he reflects on the burdens of wealth and a troublesome wife, while rumors and public scorn mount against him.
Chapter 21
Conclusion
Barry Lyndon reflects on his downfall, the death of his beloved son Bryan, his mother's domineering presence, and his wife's attempts to escape his tyranny. He recounts his financial ruin, his imprisonment, and the final humiliation of being beaten by his stepson Lord Bullingdon, who had been thought dead. The chapter ends with Barry's decline into poverty and obscurity.
Chapter 22
Endnotes
The editor's notes cast doubt on Barry Lyndon's claims, revealing his likely destruction of marriage records, exaggeration of his estate, dubious service in Berlin, and systematic abuse of Lady Lyndon. The editor defends publishing this autobiography as a study of a rogue, not a conventional hero.
