Billy Budd, Part 31 summary
Part 31 of 49 · 24 min to read the part
In The Two Temples, a poor narrator enters a church tower after being refused a seat, becomes trapped, and receives a fine after ringing for help. Penniless in London after losing employment, he receives a theatre pass and free ale from strangers, finding the fellowship that the church denies him.
What happens
- Refused a church seat, the narrator climbs an unlocked tower and follows the service through a high ventilation opening.
- Locked inside after worship, he rings a bell for help, but the attendant delivers him to police.
- A judge releases him with a fine and reprimand; he returns to Philadelphia and accepts work accompanying two women abroad.
- Dismissed after reaching England, he wanders London hungry and penniless until a workingman gives him a theatre readmission pass.
- Among friendly gallery spectators, he receives free ale from a boy and watches Macready perform as Cardinal Richelieu.
- He returns to his lodging and contrasts the church’s rejection with the theatre’s charity.
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Why does the narrator ring the church bell?
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