Barkilphedro’s Revenge

The Man Who Laughs

Barkilphedro turns a favor into an imagined grievance, then uses the sea’s message to reshape Josiana’s life.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Poor Courtier A Poor Courtier from "The Man Who Laughs". A Poor Courtier A servant without a place Barkilphedro loses security when his royal patron is deposed.

A Poor Courtier from "The Man Who Laughs". A Poor Courtier A servant without a place Barkilphedro loses security when his royal patron is deposed.

A Poor Courtier A servant without a place Barkilphedro loses security when his royal patron is deposed. He attempts literary work but remains dependent and obscure. His ambition survives even when his position does not. A favor accepted Josiana gives him shelter and helps secure an Admiralty appointment. Her aid relieves his poverty but deepens his sense of dependence. He interprets generosity as a humiliation.

The Office of Jetsam The Office of Jetsam from "The Man Who Laughs". The Office of Jetsam A small authority Barkilphedro becomes responsible for messages recovered from the sea.

The Office of Jetsam from "The Man Who Laughs". The Office of Jetsam A small authority Barkilphedro becomes responsible for messages recovered from the sea.

The Office of Jetsam A small authority Barkilphedro becomes responsible for messages recovered from the sea. The work gives him access to sealed documents and the royal ear. A modest post creates an unusual channel to political power. An opening for envy He turns surveillance into influence at court. His quiet service hides a desire to harm the people who helped him. The office places him near the future proof of Gwynplaine’s birth.

A Revenge Delayed A Revenge Delayed from "The Man Who Laughs". A Revenge Delayed Resentment nourished Barkilphedro resents Josiana’s wealth and the familiar way she treats him.

A Revenge Delayed from "The Man Who Laughs". A Revenge Delayed Resentment nourished Barkilphedro resents Josiana’s wealth and the familiar way she treats him.

A Revenge Delayed Resentment nourished Barkilphedro resents Josiana’s wealth and the familiar way she treats him. He converts dependence into a story of injury and injustice. His envy seeks an object worthy of his concealed malice. A watchful courtier He studies Queen Anne’s reactions to Josiana and Lord David. The queen’s jealousy gives him a possible means of attack. He waits for chance rather than forcing an uncertain scheme.

The Bottle’s Opportunity The Bottle’s Opportunity from "The Man Who Laughs". The Bottle’s Opportunity A revenge supplied by chance Barkilphedro opens the flask and discovers Gwynplaine’s true identity.

The Bottle’s Opportunity from "The Man Who Laughs". The Bottle’s Opportunity A revenge supplied by chance Barkilphedro opens the flask and discovers Gwynplaine’s true identity.

The Bottle’s Opportunity A revenge supplied by chance Barkilphedro opens the flask and discovers Gwynplaine’s true identity. The inheritance threatens Josiana’s position while elevating Gwynplaine. A message meant as repentance becomes useful to a spiteful courtier. The plan advanced Barkilphedro helps secure the legal recognition of the heir. He expects Gwynplaine’s dependence to make him a new patron. His revenge and self-advancement now move together.

The Plan Backfires The Plan Backfires from "The Man Who Laughs". The Plan Backfires A victory without control Barkilphedro’s intervention helps break Gwynplaine’s old life apart.

The Plan Backfires from "The Man Who Laughs". The Plan Backfires A victory without control Barkilphedro’s intervention helps break Gwynplaine’s old life apart.

The Plan Backfires A victory without control Barkilphedro’s intervention helps break Gwynplaine’s old life apart. The resulting losses exceed the courtier’s measured intention. His political success cannot govern the human consequences. The cost of malice Gwynplaine and Dea die after their reunion. The revenge has not created lasting power or happiness for its author. The novel makes chance’s use by the envious morally unstable.

After the fall of King James II

Before the events at the Tadcaster Inn

During Barkilphedro’s years at court

After the flask reaches the Admiralty in 1705

After Dea’s death aboard the Vograat