58 pages 1 hour read

William Godwin

Caleb Williams

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1794

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Volume 3, Chapters 3-4

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Volume 3, Chapter 3 Summary

One day Caleb sees two men come in with a piece of paper and show it to Mr. Raymond; it is a wanted poster for Caleb offering a reward. Captain Raymond asks if the man, Larkins, who brought the poster in is “in distress” and needs the money that badly. Calling in the others, Captain Raymond shows them the poster and says that Caleb has told him his story and that he believes Caleb is telling the truth. He challenges his men, saying that they cannot play both sides of the law. Larkins in the end agrees and apologizes to Caleb.

Caleb’s has recovered and begins planning for his future (319). He reflects on everything that has happened to him and decides he could never be a robber. He tries to dissuade the other men from robbery, saying they create unnecessary suffering for themselves (320). While most get annoyed with him, Captain Raymond actually listens to what Caleb had to say but says it is too late now (320): The laws that drove him out of society stop him from returning.