Victorians! discussion

Welcome to our first segment of the group read Barnaby Rudge!

Brief summary:

The opening chapter is set in an Maypole Inn. We meet some of the characters there for the first time. Some names are given, some not. Their significance is yet to be seen.

John Willet is the owner of the son and his son Joe helps him run the Inn. Joe is dissatisfied of being treated like a mere boy by the father. A tale of a crime committed on the exact day 22 years ago (Reuben Haredale, the owner of Warren) is narrated creating a mysterious momentum to the story.

We meet another important character, Mr. Gabriel Varden. He is a locksmith. We are also introduced his household. We could see her daughter dolly having some interest in Joe Willet. Simon Tappertit, locksmiths's apprentice, is interested in Dolly.

We are also told about an accident and an injury to a young man, Edward Chester(the young man we meet at the Inn) and also told about the present owner of Warren, George Haredale and his niece, Emma Haredale (Reuben Haredale's daughter). Emma and Edward are in love.

We are introduced to the titular character, Barnaby Rudge, a simple-minded young man and his pet the raven named Grip!

We meet the stranger of Maypole again. He is the attacker of Mr. Edward Chester. Now he comes to the house of Mrs. Rudge where Edward temporary lies. The locksmith encounters him and recognise him. There seems some mystery surrounding the man and some old connection to Mrs. Rudge.

We also learn of a secret society of which Mr. Tappertit is the Captain and which is called 'Prentice Knigts! :)

What are your impressions of the novel so far?

So far interesting as we meet so many characters, must admit I was confused at times but I think it’s always like this with some big novels with so many characters being introduced in the first few chapters. But very interested in the mystery involving the crime that happened years ago and the stranger’s true intention. Can’t wait to see how the story unravels…I think Barnaby is more cunning than some may think :D??

I had the same issue of confusion, Daryl. I had to go back and reread some parts to be clear who's who. :)

So far, very typical Dickens, setting the warp threads so he can weave a delightful literary tapestry that ties all the seemingly loose threads into a coherent whole.
As I’m reading, this description of Mary Rudge really piqued my interest and attention.

“She was about forty—perhaps two or three years older—with a cheerful aspect, and a face that had once been pretty. It bore traces of affliction and care, but they were of an old date, and Time had smoothed them. Any one who had bestowed but a casual glance on Barnaby might have known that this was his mother, from the strong resemblance between them; but where in his face there was wildness and vacancy, in hers there was the patient composure of long effort and quiet resignation.

Continued…
“One thing about this face was VERY STRANGE and STARTLING. You could not look upon it in its most cheerful mood without feeling that it had SOME EXTRAORDINARY CAPACITY OF EXPERIENCING TERROR. It was not on the surface. It was in no one feature that it lingered. You could not take the eyes or mouth, or lines upon the cheek, and say, if this or that were otherwise, it would not be so. Yet there it ALWAYS lurked—something for ever dimly seen, but ever there, and not absent for a moment. It was the faintest, palest shadow of some look, to which an instant of intense and most unutterable horror only could have given birth; but indistinct and feeble as it was, it did suggest what that look must have been, and fixed it in the mind as if it had had existence in a dream.” — C. Dickens, “Barnaby Rudge,” (Oxford University Press, 1991), pp. 40-41. [EMPHASIS added]

Have you ever known anyone with this particular feature…”the extraordinary capacity of experiencing terror”?

Ch 1-8: Long descriptions of Maypole Inn where the gossipers gather! We hear of murders committed in the area years ago. A stranger who visits Inn causes a commotion and unrest among the barflys. . Love triangles are developing: Emma-Ed and Dolly-Joe. Good to know who loves who! Enter Barnaby with his cheeky pet raven (Grip). Standard Dickens's playbook: Cozy village inn, gossipers, young lovers, stranger with face concealed and a quirky kid with a bird. Good news...it is moving along quickly.

I agree with James and Nancy. It's the typical Dickens novel. But unlike in some others, here, the story moves quickly.

What do y’all think Boz meant by “…the patient composure of long effort and resignation”, when describing Mary Rudge? Is it specific to her role as Barnaby’s mother (of which there’s some intimation in the text) or is it alluding more to the troubles & travails of life in general?

James wrote: "What do y’all think Boz meant by “…the patient composure of long effort and resignation”, when describing Mary Rudge? Is it specific to her role as Barnaby’s mother (of which there’s some intimatio..."

I could be wrong but I thought the description alluded to her specific role (being a widow and raising simple minded son).

That’s how I perceived it as well, Piyangie. I think several of her comments to Mr. Varden on the chapter support this perspective.

Just finished the first segment and think that this book is off to a good start. No lengthy intro, we are right in the middle of the action with the two strangers at the inn, both leaving abruptly into the night, as well as the story about the Haredales.

Already we have a nice assembly of interesting and some quirky characters (Miggs was too funny!). Clearly, Gabriel is the one that we should sympathise with. According to the (spoiler-free) introduction in my edition, the novel was originally titled 'Gabriel Vardon, the Locksmith of London'. No explanation as to why this changed, but it will be interesting to see what role Barnaby will play in the novel to become the titular character.

Also, I was struck by the description of both the Maypole Inn as well as the locksmith's house. Very detailed and imaginative, like they have a life of their own. Cannot remember this from other Dickens novels, though very likely he included such a lively description of that boat in David Copperfield.

This is my first time reading this book and I’m enjoying it so far. I’m only up to chapter 7 but will obviously stay on track with the schedule.

I’m very new to Dickens too, having only read Great Expectations (which I’ve not even completed yet! But am working on it!)! Such very different stories they are! At first I was worried about starting this book, like maybe I would mix up characters and the stories, but decided to risk it because I wanted to do a read-along for such a lengthy book.

But no chance of mixing these two stories, that’s for sure! Incredible, really, that Dickens writes such very different kinds of stories! I’m very impressed!

Lindenblatt wrote: "According to the (spoiler-free) introduction in my edition, the novel was originally titled 'Gabriel Vardon, the Locksmith of London'. ..."

This is interesting information. Thanks for sharing. It would indeed be interesting to see why the title was changed. I'll certainly be on the lookout. :)

Beda wrote: "This is my first time reading this book and I’m enjoying it so far. I’m only up to chapter 7 but will obviously stay on track with the schedule.

I’m very new to Dickens too, having only read Grea..."

I'm glad you're enjoying this. It's very different from his Great Expectations and fast paced in my opinion.

I just got my copy from the library and happy to be back reading with the group after a LONG absence.

After reading this section, the first thing I did was plot the journey from Chigwell to Clerkenwell. On Google maps it is indeed twelve miles. Whether it would take longer to travel that distance today on the roads than it did then ( due to modern congestion) is open to argument. As Dickens describes, there was a great deal more countryside between the two then, whereas today there is none.

According to the ‘Londonist’ Dickens’ novel Barnaby Rudge contains the most references to London locations than any of his others.

https://londonist.com/2016/09/the-lon...

Here is a map of all the London locations mentioned in Barnaby Rudge.

https://www.charlesdickenspage.com/ch...

For map fans, the link below takes you to a host of other Dickens related maps.

https://www.charlesdickenspage.com/ch...

Trev wrote: "After reading this section, the first thing I did was plot the journey from Chigwell to Clerkenwell. On Google maps it is indeed twelve miles. Whether it would take longer to travel that distance t..."
Thanks so much for these "links"!

Dickens introduces us to a host of characters, using, in some cases, rather grotesque descriptions. Probably my favourite so far is Sim Tappertit, partly because of his name, but more so because of his double identity. A bit like Batman in reverse. In fact he could turn out to be a villain. His designs on Dolly and the way he conducts his business in the cheesy basement with his secret sect of apprentices might lead him down the same path as a Joker, Riddler or Mr. Freeze. The ‘Captain’ has already set his malicious sights on Joe and seems to have an army of ‘scorned lover’ apprentices to help him.

As for the mystery and suspense surrounding the attacker of Edward Chester, it seems that Emma is involved ( maybe innocently) in that, so already, as Nancy has mentioned, love triangles hang across the narrative like daggers in the dark.

Nevertheless, the comedy in the Varden household helped to relieve the tension. Mrs. Varden can’t resist waving her ‘Protestant Manual’ at her husband whenever she gets the chance, and together with that ‘hater of all men’ Miggs, poor Gabriel’s struggle to weather their verbal bombardment has him pining for the Maypole.

Mrs. Rudge appears to be a troubled woman. I thought at first it was because of her son and his difficulties, but the appearance of the stranger, and the remembrance of some dark event in the past, seems to confirm that he was the reason behind that terrified look on her face.

Trev wrote: "After reading this section, the first thing I did was plot the journey from Chigwell to Clerkenwell. On Google maps it is indeed twelve miles. Whether it would take longer to travel that distance t..."

Thanks for sharing the links, Trev.

Your reference "the comedy in the Varden household" and made me laugh. That's a just word to describe the situation of there. :)
And I also find Mr. Tappertit being referred as "Batman in reverse" is amusing. I also think he would turn out a villain.

Peyton wrote: "I just got my copy from the library and happy to be back reading with the group after a LONG absence."

Glad to have you with us, Peyton. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

I’m really enjoying this so far, and agree that the book moves at a faster pace than some other Dickens novels.

The opening scene at the inn with the sinister stranger and Solomon Daisy’s story of the murders at Warren was very evocative. We suspect the stranger will be connected with this crime, but the full story is not ready to come out. The mystery carries on when the stranger attacks Edward and later visits Mrs Rudge - so Dickens has introduced a lot of characters but already there are links between them that will help to unravel the past.

The comedy is provided by Mrs Varden, Miggs and Tapperit. We can only feel sympathy for Gabriel in the middle of them. Tapperit is so funny, his pride about his legs (short but perfectly formed!) is obviously well known at the Prentice Knights, but alongside the comedy is some malevolence as he is jealous of Joe and wants to do him harm, aided by the other downtrodden apprentices.

Looking forward to seeing where these different threads lead us…

Pamela wrote: "I’m really enjoying this so far, and agree that the book moves at a faster pace than some other Dickens novels.

The opening scene at the inn with the sinister stranger and Solomon Daisy’s story of..."

I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the read, Pamela. I have the same suspicion like you on the stranger.

Well, I just finished this week’s assignment, so I’m feeling full of success!

I have enjoyed the book so far, although we are barely into the story, I guess. I quite like Varden. Feel a bit sorry for him with his wife and Miggs kind of ganged up on him.

I’m curious to learn why the book is named for Barnaby as so far it seems to be more centered on our locksmith friend! But I suppose that info will come in time, as will the cause of the mysterious disturbance at Mrs Rudge’s house. She is definitely spooked about something!

Beda wrote: "Well, I just finished this week’s assignment, so I’m feeling full of success!

I have enjoyed the book so far, although we are barely into the story, I guess. I quite like Varden. Feel a bit sorry..."

Dickens named the novel after Barnaby Rudge not because of his centrality in the novel, but because of his symbolism. He is an innocent 'idiot' caught up in the events. His raven grip is on the front cover of the Wordsworth Classics edition of the novel.

Trev wrote: "After reading this section, the first thing I did was plot the journey from Chigwell to Clerkenwell. On Google maps it is indeed twelve miles. Whether it would take longer to travel that distance t..."

These are great websites! It's the convergence of two things I really enjoy...Charles Dickens & MAPS!

I am enjoying the novel so far, like many others I had to re-read the first chapter multiple times (at least 3). Ultimately I believe the overload of information and the introduction of multiple characters without clear framing was intentional, so I have accepted the confusion and moved on... feels like a situation where as the story unflolds, many of the confusing events in Chapter one will make sense.
I was fascinated by the fact that Dickens had a pet Raven, and by the enthusiasm and competence with which he talks about the bird in the preface to my edition ( Preface to the Cheap Edition - 1849) so I looked online and found the below article about the real Grip, who is now in the Public Library Museum in Philadelphia!
https://london-overlooked.com/dickens...

Marianna wrote: "I am enjoying the novel so far, like many others I had to re-read the first chapter multiple times (at least 3). Ultimately I believe the overload of information and the introduction of multiple ch..."

Oh, wow! I didn't know Dickens had a Raven as a pet. That speaks for how wonderfully he had described the behaviour of Grip (and also for his peculiar choice of a pet for Barnaby). Thanks for sharing the information, Marianna.

Marianna wrote: "I am enjoying the novel so far, like many others I had to re-read the first chapter multiple times (at least 3). Ultimately I believe the overload of information and the introduction of multiple ch..."

That was a very interesting article about Grip ( one, two and three,) Marianna.

Although I am reading an ebook version of Barnaby Rudge, it is illustrated.

Below is one of the original illustrations of Barnaby and Grip, drawn by Hablot Browne.



More original illustrations to accompany the novel can be found here………

https://m.charlesdickenspage.com/illu...

I have this illustration in my Penguin edition. Just lovely. 😀

I like the pace of the novel so far-there's already been lots of action and a wide variety of characters,
I got the impression that the mysterious stranger has some kind of hold on Mary Rudge-and that she is afraid of him. Could she have witnessed him committing a fearful crime?

Gabriel Varden is a sympathetic character, who is probably going to have more interesting experiences than he wants!

I also think there's more to Barnaby than meets the eye-his dreams may be signs?

Rosemarie wrote: "I like the pace of the novel so far-there's already been lots of action and a wide variety of characters,
I got the impression that the mysterious stranger has some kind of hold on Mary Rudge-and t..."

I kind of felt Barnaby's dreams are connected with the stranger in some way. He is definitely having some hold on them.

Mariana, thanks for the link to the article about the original Grip -so interesting. The introduction to my copy of the novel also says that Grip was likely the inspiration for Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven, mentioning that he and Dickens had met while Dickens was in America. This is my third reading of this novel, so I will try to limit my comments to things which don't carry spoilers .
The first chapter, which can indeed be confusing, does introduce some very important characters and their personalities. We learn very quickly that John Willett is a pompous, not very bright bully. He keeps his son in line by treating him like a child rather than the adult he is, and he keeps his friends/customers in line by brooking no interruptions to his monologues. The one exception to this when he surrenders the floor to Solomon Daisy to tell the story of Reuben Haredale's murder; this story is Daisy's claim to fame in the group, and only he is allowed to tell the story. Dickens also draws a definite distinction between the two men sitting apart from the others: one dressed well, courteous, known to the group but obviously not wanting to mix on this night (Edward Chester) and the other dressed as if to disguise himself, of a sullen temperament, and abusive to Joe. This man is the one who later has a roadside confrontation with Gabriel Varden (one of the great characters in this book) and then later assaults Edward Chester. He also frightens the widow Rudge when he tries to gain entry to her house. Let it never be said that Dickens was subtle about his villains.
We also meet Barnaby and Grip. Dickens describes Barnaby as not having a soul, but I take issue with that characterization as an indication of what people of that era thought of those who had disabilities. Barnaby does have a soul, a personality, and a good, kind heart. He is also fearful in many ways, as is his mother. Were her fears passed down to him unwittingly? What about the birthmark Barnaby carries on this wrist? It looks like blood and may have some significance.
We also get to know some things about Gabriel's household. His wife, about whom I can only say she is a piece of work (no wonder he likes to go to the Maypole); the unattractive sycophantic Miggs who hates men but secretly carries a torch for Simon; and last, Simon Tappertit, the apprentice who is egotistical, sneaky, and plans violence against his enemies (such as sweet Joe Willett).
As my fellow readers have noted, this story moves fast, with lots of plot threads introduced very quickly. It will be interesting to see how it all comes together.

Finally getting the chance to catch up with the group. The time Dickens takes to describe the setting reminds me of the beginning of Little Dorrit. It will be interesting to see if The Maple becomes as much a character of the story as the Marshalsea prison for debtors.

Renee wrote: "Finally getting the chance to catch up with the group. The time Dickens takes to describe the setting reminds me of the beginning of Little Dorrit. It will be interesting to see if The Maple become..."

That's interesting, Renee. For me, this introduction reminded the introduction in Nicholas Nickleby! 😀