Who Grip is
Grip is a raven with a sharp comic voice and a startling store of words and phrases. He sounds like a small, scheming person, giving Barnaby's feathered companion a presence of his own.
His remarks range from calls for courage to demands about putting the kettle on. These familiar sayings bring humor into a story that moves from private mystery toward the Gordon Riots.
Grip and the others in the story
Grip goes everywhere with Barnaby, riding on his shoulder as the young man encounters the world.
When Barnaby is drawn toward the Protestant cause, Grip accompanies him into the excitement of the crowd. The raven keeps up his cheerful noise while Barnaby is dazzled by marching, music and drums.
How Grip changes
As the crowd gathers, Grip's habit of repeating phrases takes on another meaning alongside its comedy. He echoes words without understanding them, much as the crowd repeats its claims with confidence.
Best-known lines
“I'm a devil, I'm a devil, I'm a devil!”
“Never say die!”
Questions
Who is Grip in Barnaby Rudge?
Grip is the talking raven who belongs to Barnaby and stays close to him throughout his daily life.
What does Grip represent?
Grip echoes the crowd's habit of repeating words confidently without understanding them. His comic chatter connects with the novel's concern about unthinking followers.
Is Grip based on a real raven?
Yes, Dickens bases Grip on his own pet ravens.
