Barnaby Rudge · Chapter
Chapter 4: The Locksmith's Household explained
The chapter introduces the Varden household in Clerkenwell, detailing the eccentricities of the house and its inhabitants.
What happens
The chapter introduces the Varden household in Clerkenwell, detailing the eccentricities of the house and its inhabitants. Gabriel Varden recounts his encounter with a masked young lady at a masquerade, which caused quite a stir. His apprentice, Simon Tappertit, displays his vanity and ambition, while Dolly Varden reacts with feigned indifference to news of Joe Willet's possible departure. Mrs. Varden, in a fit of temper, demands her usual comforts and the Protestant Manual, signaling her displeasure.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak here is the collective dread and anticipation of an execution, as the city’s silence and th…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Social Injustice and Class
Simon Tappertit's resentment of his station and his dreams of 'prentice power highlight class tensions.
- Manipulation and Exploitation
Mrs. Varden uses her illness and religious devotion to manipulate her household, as seen in her demands.
Characters to notice
- Gabriel Varden
The locksmith, good-natured and jovial, recounts his adventure at the masquerade and expresses concern for Joe Willet.
- Simon Tappertit
The apprentice, vain and ambitious, practices his 'eye' and admires his own legs, dreaming of leading the 'prentices.
- Dolly Varden
The locksmith's daughter, visibly affected by news of Joe Willet, though she tries to hide it with a cough.
- Mrs. Varden
Though not present, her message demanding tea, toast, and the Protestant Manual indicates her ill temper and piety.
- Joe Willet
Mentioned as having quarreled with his father and possibly planning to leave home, causing concern.
Key passages
“Why, the masks came flocking round, with a general noise and hubbub, and I thought myself in luck to get clear off, that's all,”
The masked crowd surrounded me with a lot of noise, and I was lucky to escape.
Gabriel Varden describes his escape from the masquerade.
“Sim, rejoined Gabriel, laughing heartily. Don't be a fool, for I'd rather see you in your senses.”
Gabriel tells Sim not to act foolishly, preferring him to be sensible.
Gabriel admonishes Sim for his silly faces.
“It's the tea, said Dolly, turning alternately very red and very white, which is no doubt the effect of a slight scald—so very hot.”
Dolly claims the tea is too hot, causing her to blush and pale, but it's actually her reaction to Joe's news.
Dolly hides her true feelings behind a pretext.
