The Luck of Barry Lyndon · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray.

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Chapter 1
A Bibliographical Note
This chapter provides a bibliographical history of Thackeray's 'Barry Lyndon,' detailing its serial publication in Fraser's Magazine in 1844, its delayed book publication, and the author's own struggles with writing it. It discusses possible real-life inspirations for the protagonist, including Casanova, Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, and most notably Andrew Robinson Stoney-Bowes, whose abusive marriage to the Countess of Strathmore parallels Barry's treatment of Lady Lyndon. The chapter also includes critical praise for the novel from figures like Anthony Trollope and Leslie Stephen.
Chapter 2
The Luck of Barry Lyndon
Barry Lyndon reflects on his life and fortunes, recounting his early days in Ireland and the series of events that shaped his rise and fall, including his duel with Captain Quin, his enlistment in the army, and his eventual marriage to Lady Lyndon.
Chapter 3
My Pedigree and Family—Undergo the Influence of the Tender Passion
Barry Lyndon introduces his noble lineage, the Barrys of Barryogue, and recounts how the family lost its vast Irish estates through treachery involving a woman. He describes his mother, Mrs. Barry, a proud and beautiful widow who maintains genteel pretensions despite poverty, and their life at Castle Brady under the grudging hospitality of his uncle Michael Brady and his ill-natured wife. The chapter establishes Barry's early vanity, his mother's ambitions for him, and the family's fall from grace.
Chapter 4
II: I Show Myself to Be a Man of Spirit
Barry, swelling with pride after his altercation with Quin, returns home with Captain Fagan. His mother, though anxious, supports his honor. Barry boasts of his father's dueling legacy and prepares for a duel with Quin. He writes farewell letters to his mother and Nora, then recalls the earlier dispute at Castle Brady where Nora fainted and Quin slunk away. Mick Brady rebukes Barry for interfering, but Barry defiantly swears that any man who marries Nora must first kill him. Captain Fagan advises Barry that Nora is a flirt and too old for him, but Barry remains resolute.
Chapter 5
A False Start in the Genteel World
Barry arrives in Dublin and quickly falls in with a disreputable crowd at Captain Fitzsimons's boarding-house, losing his money through gambling and high living. When his funds run out, his creditors close in, and Fitzsimons discovers his true identity and threatens to turn him over to the law. Barry draws his sword and confesses he killed Captain Quin in a duel, intimidating Fitzsimons into backing down.

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A Bibliographical Note

The Luck of Barry Lyndon

My Pedigree and Family—Undergo the Influence of the Tender Passion

II: I Show Myself to Be a Man of Spirit

A False Start in the Genteel World