LXVIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family and Community

  The chapter emphasizes the warmth of family and community bonds as Kit is welcomed home by his mother, Barbara, the Garlands, and others, highlighting the support network that sustains him.

• Innocence vs. Corruption

  Kit's innocence is vindicated after being wrongly imprisoned, contrasting the corruption of the legal system with his pure-hearted nature.

• Sacrifice and Devotion

  The devotion of Kit's family and friends, as well as the Bachelor's care for Nell and her grandfather, underscores the theme of selfless love and sacrifice.

Characters to notice

• Christopher Nubbles

  Kit is released from prison, pardoned after his innocence is proven. He returns home to a joyful reunion with his family and friends, and learns of the possible discovery of Nell and her grandfather.

• Abel Garland

  Mr. Garland accompanies Kit home, reveals the news about his brother the Bachelor and the possible discovery of Nell and her grandfather, and plans a journey to confirm it.

• Barbara

  Barbara is present at the reunion, thinner and paler but very pretty. She faints and has hysterics upon seeing Kit, but eventually recovers.

• Mrs. Nubbles

  Kit's mother is at the reunion, clinging to Kit and crying with joy.

• Jacob

  Little Jacob is present at the reunion, sitting alone on the stairs crying, and later eating plum-cake and eyeing the figs and oranges.

• The Single Gentleman

  The single gentleman is present at the reunion, bustling about, toasting Kit, and presenting him with a silver watch engraved with his name.

Key passages

• “Lighted rooms, bright fires, cheerful faces, the music of glad voices, words of love and welcome, warm hearts, and tears of happiness—what a change is this!”

  The scene is transformed from the gloom of prison to a joyful homecoming filled with light, warmth, and loving embraces.

  This opening contrasts Kit's previous suffering with the happiness of his return.

• “He hears that his innocence is established, and that he is pardoned. He cannot see the speaker, but he turns towards the voice, and in trying to answer, falls down insensible.”

  Upon learning that he has been proven innocent and set free, Kit is so overwhelmed that he faints.

  Highlights the emotional impact of Kit's release after his ordeal.

• “The newsmonger is of the number, but his manner is not quite hearty—there is something of surliness in his compliments. He looks upon Kit as an intruder, as one who has obtained admission to that place on false pretences.”

  The gossipy jail informant grudgingly congratulates Kit, resenting that Kit was imprisoned without deserving it.

  Shows the petty jealousy of the newsmonger even in a moment of joy.