The Luck of Barry Lyndon · Chapter
XIV: I Return to Ireland, and Exhibit My Splendour and Generosity in That Kingdom explained
Barry returns to Ireland as a wealthy and accomplished man, reflecting on his rise from poverty.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Social Climbing and Ambition
Barry revels in his rise from penniless soldier to wealthy gentleman, and schemes to marry the greatest heiress in England.
Deception and Self-Delusion
Barry orchestrates a fake threatening letter and a deliberately provoked duel to eliminate a rival, justifying his actions as necessary.
Violence and Dueling
Barry duels with Lord George Poynings, wounding him severely, as a calculated move in his marriage plot.
Characters to notice
- Barry Lyndon
Returns to Ireland in splendor, reflecting on his rise; visits old friends, settles money on Phil Purcell, and schemes to marry Lady Lyndon by provoking a duel with Lord George Poynings.
- Phil Purcell
Old acquaintance; Barry finds him living in poverty, spends the night reminiscing, and later settles a hundred guineas and an annuity on him.
- Mrs. Barry
Barry's mother; reported to be planning to marry Mr. Jowls the preacher, and now living at Bray.
- Nora Brady
Mentioned as having made many additions to the Quin family; Barry reflects on his past feelings for her.
- Ulick Brady
Barry's cousin; has run through his inheritance and is in Dublin; Barry enlists him in the scheme against Lord George Poynings.
- George Poynings
Lord George Poynings; rival for Lady Lyndon's hand; Barry wounds him in a duel as part of his plan.
- Lady Lyndon
The wealthy widow Barry intends to marry; she receives news of the duel and Barry's message.
- Tim
Former servant; now fat and a clerk; Barry gives him a gratuity and promises to be godfather to his child.
Key passages
“I settled a hundred guineas on the old man when I got to Dublin, and made him an annuity which enabled him to pass his old days in comfort.”
Barry provided Phil Purcell with a generous financial gift and a regular income, ensuring his comfort in old age.
Demonstrates Barry's generosity and his ability to reward old friends.
“My sword went in under his guard, and came out at his back. When he fell, he good-naturedly extended his hand to me, and said, " Mr. Barry, I was wrong! "”
Barry wounded Lord George Poynings in a duel, and the defeated man admitted his fault.
Highlights Barry's skill with a sword and the calculated nature of the duel.