The Luck of Barry Lyndon · Chapter
XIII: I Continue My Career as a Man of Fashion explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage as Transaction
Sir Charles Lyndon's warning to Barry about marrying for wealth and the misery it brings highlights the transactional and often unhappy nature of such unions.
Social Climbing and Ambition
Barry's relentless pursuit of Lady Lyndon, despite her husband's presence and society's scorn, exemplifies his ambition to rise through marriage.
Deception and Self-Delusion
Barry alters his story to impress Lady Lyndon, and both he and Sir Charles engage in self-serving narratives about their motives and fates.
Characters to notice
- Barry Lyndon
Continues his pursuit of Lady Lyndon, using persistence and daring as his strategy, and engages in theological arguments to gain access to her.
- Sir Charles Lyndon
A dying, gout-ridden man who cynically warns Barry about the misery of marrying Lady Lyndon, yet tolerates Barry's courtship with sardonic humor.
- Lady Lyndon
A learned bluestocking who enjoys theological disputes and flattery, and begins to accept Barry's attentions, allowing him into her carriage and correspondence.
- Rev. Mr. Runt
Lady Lyndon's chaplain and governor to young Lord Bullingdon, who initially debates transubstantiation with Barry before Lady Lyndon takes over.
- Lord Bullingdon
The melancholy, neglected son of Sir Charles and Lady Lyndon, seen only briefly at his mother's levée for Latin and history questions.
Key passages
“fact is, seeing him in the condition in which he was, I could not help speculating upon the chance a man of spirit might have with his widow.”
Observing Sir Charles's poor health, Barry began to consider the possibility of marrying his widow.
Barry's opportunistic thoughts about Lady Lyndon after seeing her husband's decline.
“Dare, and the world always yields: or, if it beat you sometimes, dare again, and it will succumb.”
If you are bold and persistent, you will eventually succeed, even after initial failures.
Barry's personal maxim for achieving his goals through relentless daring.
“The man who gets her will rue it, take my word on’t.”
Whoever marries her will regret it, I assure you.
Sir Charles Lyndon's warning to Barry about the unhappiness of marrying Lady Lyndon.