Caleb Williams

Caleb is first overwhelmed and then enthusiastic in the face of his imprisonment (274). He has been waiting a little more than a month for the assizes, but his case is not called so he again has to wait (275). The keeper of the jail begins to act differently with him and offers him a chamber with his family, explaining that he believes Caleb is a good man. Caleb knows there is something more to the jailer’s actions and refuses to accept any favors that could have strings attached (278). Caleb recalls an imprisoned soldier talking about the jail’s injustices: The soldier died of disease, which had a great impact on Caleb. Caleb begins to think of a way to get out, knowing that he likely won’t survive much longer.

Caleb convinces the keeper that he will build him six chairs if he could have some tools (280). He slowly accumulates more and more tools and is even granted the use of a small candle (281). He is finally able to get an iron crowbar from Miss Peggy, the jailer’s daughter. Once outside, Caleb will use his tools to climb the wall by making a sort of ladder. He escapes from his cell using the crowbar and is able to quiet one of the watchdogs before running out to the wall (282).