# Barry Leads a Garrison Life, and Finds Many Friends There explained — The Luck of Barry Lyndon > Chapter companion for The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray. ## What happens 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. ## Themes in this chapter ### Social Climbing and Ambition Barry uses flattery and service to Captain Potzdorff to improve his position, reflecting his relentless ambition despite his low rank. ### Deception and Self-Delusion Barry writes a deceptive letter to his mother, portraying himself as happy and successful, while hiding his true circumstances and past. ### Class and Pedigree Barry's pride in his gentlemanly birth contrasts with his role as a servant; he emphasizes his breeding to gain favor and maintain self-respect. ## Character check-ins ### Barry Lyndon Serves as Captain Potzdorff's Ordonnanz in Berlin, writes a letter to his mother, and later reveals his identity to a mysterious gentleman. ### Monsieur de Potzdorff Captain and nephew of the Police Minister; Barry's patron who is easily led by flattery and shares a love of pleasure and Rhine wine. ### Mrs. Barry Barry's mother in Ireland, to whom he writes a letter after years of silence; her reply stirs deep melancholy in Barry. ### Monsieur de Balibari The splendidly dressed gentleman with a patch over one eye, whose features resemble Barry's; Barry reveals his true identity to him. ## Key lines > I spurned the office four years previously, when it was made to me in the English service; but the position is very different in a foreign country; besides, to tell the truth, after five years in the ranks, a man’s pride will submit to many rebuffs which would be intolerable to him in an independent condition. Barry reflects that he once refused a similar role in the English army, but now, after years of hardship, his pride has diminished enough to accept it. _Barry rationalizes his acceptance of a servant role, highlighting his changed circumstances and lowered pride._ > I begged my honoured mother’s forgiveness for having fled from her; I said that my extravagance and folly in my own country I knew rendered my return thither impossible; but that she would, at least, be glad to know that I was well and happy in the service of the greatest monarch in the world, and that the soldier’s life was most agreeable to me. Barry writes to his mother asking forgiveness for running away, claiming he cannot return due to his past mistakes, but assures her he is content serving the Prussian king. _Barry crafts a letter meant to reassure his mother while concealing his true hardships._ > I could hold no longer. “Sir,” said I, “I am an Irishman, and my name is Redmond Barry, of Ballybarry.” As I spoke, I burst into tears; I can’t tell why; but I had seen none of my kith or kin for six years, and my heart longed for someone. Overcome with emotion, Barry reveals his true identity to the stranger, weeping from a deep longing for family after years of isolation. _Barry's emotional confession underscores his loneliness and desire for connection._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_luck_of_barry_lyndon_se/chapters/vii-barry-leads-a-garrison-life-and-finds-many-friends-there - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_luck_of_barry_lyndon_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_luck_of_barry_lyndon_se/chapters