The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

The Ruby in the Smoke follows Sally Lockhart, a young Victorian woman who uncovers dark family secrets while searching for a mysterious ruby. Set in 1872, the narrative explores themes of love, loyalty, and deception against a backdrop of opium addiction and murder. As Sally navigates a treacherous world filled with malevolent characters, she encounters Jim Taylor, Major Marchbanks, and Mrs. Holland, who all play pivotal roles in her quest. This gripping tale is ideal for fans of historical fiction and mystery, offering a rich exploration of Victorian society and its challenges. Readers will find themselves immersed in Sally's journey through danger and intrigue as she seeks the truth about her father's past.

Key Points

  • Explores themes of love, loyalty, and deception in Victorian London
  • Follows Sally Lockhart's quest to uncover her father's murder
  • Features key characters like Jim Taylor and Major Marchbanks
  • Set against the backdrop of opium addiction and societal challenges
  • Engages readers with a gripping narrative filled with mystery and intrigue
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Knowledge Organiser— the r ub y i n t h e s moke Year 7
Chapter 1: The Seven Blessings
We meet Sally Lockhart. She visits her dead father’s
old offices and accidentally kills Mr Higgs. She
meets Jim Taylor, who offers to help.
Chapter 2: The Web
Major Marchbanks reds about Sally in the
newspaper. Mrs Holland discusses the ruby with her
lawyer. Sailor Matthew Bedwell returns to London,
suffering from opium addiction.
Chapter 3: The Gentleman of Kent
Sally goes to Kent to visit Major Marchbanks. Mrs
Holland is also there—and Sally only escapes
thanks to Fred Garland, a photographer.
Chapter 4: The Mutiny
On the train back to London, Sally reads through
Major Marchbanks’ diary. She falls asleep and the
diary is stolen from her by Mr Hopkins. Sally only
has a few scraps of paper left.
Chapter 5: The Ceremony of the Smoke
Sailor Matthew Bedwell is in Mrs Holland’s lodging-
house, looked after by little Adelaide. Opium is used
to get to his secrets.
Chapter 6: Messages
Adelaide sees Jim Taylor for help. Sally and Jim
realise that Mrs Holland wants the ruby—and needs
the scraps from the diary as a clue. Mrs Holland
blackmails Mr Hopkins into stealing the scraps of
paper and murdering Sally.
Chapter 7: The Consequences of Finance
Mr Hopkins breaks in — but cannot bring himself to
murder the sleeping Sally. Leaving the house, he is
murdered by a mugger. In the morning, Sally
decides to leave Mrs Rees’s house. She goes to her
lawyer.
Chapter 8: The Passions of Art
Desperate for somewhere to stay, Sally goes to
Fred Garland. She meets Rosa and gets a job as
their accountant. They decide that the scraps of
paper are a treasure clue to the ruby.
Chapter 9: A Journey to Oxford
Fred and Sally go to Oxford to meet sailor Nicholas
Bedwell’s brother, the Reverend Nicholas Bedwell.
They decide to find some opium to help Nicholas.
Events Time Line
Some Key Themes
love loyalty
deception greed
addiction obsession
secrets regrets
violence mystery
retribution yearning
Some Context
nefarious: extremely wicked
compulsion: an obsession or impulse you
cannot avoid; compulsive behaviour
feisty: brave, energetic, courageous
malevolent: evil and wicked
self-sufficient: able to live on your own and
fend for yourself
retribution: a sort of aggressive revenge or
justice for a wrong done to you
intrepid: brave and adventurous
Chapter 10: Madam Chang
Sally and Fred go to an Opium Den to buy the drug.
Sally smells the drug and has a “nightmare” about
murder, Major Marchbanks and her father. She realises
it is actually a memory.
Chapter 11: The Stereographic Repertory Company
The Reverend Bedwell and Fred set off to rescue
Nicholas. Mrs Holland gets hold of the scraps of paper
and the clues to finding the ruby.
Chapter 12: Substitution
Fred and the Reverend Nicholas Bedwell rescue
Matthew from Mrs Holland. Adelaide runs away to live
with Fred, Rosa and Sally.
Chapter 13: Lights Below the Water
Sally finds out that her father was murdered. She also
learns about the deadly society of The Seven Blessings
and its evil leaders, Ah Ling.
Chapter 14: Arms and the Girl
Sally practises firing her new gun.
Chapter 15: The Turk’s Head
Mrs Holland works out that the ruby is hidden in the
cellar of a pub in Kent. However, when she gets there it
has already been taken.
Chapter 16: Protecting the Property
A mysterious stranger wishes to talk to Sally.
Chapter 17: King James’s Stairs
Sailor Matthew Bedwell is murdered. Adelaide is
snatched away from safety by Mrs Holland. Fred and
Jim try to get Adelaide back—but both are badly beaten.
Chapter 18: London Bridge
Sally takes the ruby to meet with Mrs Holland. There,
Sally finds out the truth of her own real identify. Sally
throws the ruby into the river and Mrs Holland kills
herself by jumping in after it. Ah Ling turn up in a coach.
Chapter 19:
Ah Ling is a drug smuggler who betrayed and murdered
Sally’s father. He tries to blackmail Sally into joining him;
she shoots him.
Chapter 20:
Ah Ling mysteriously disappears. Later, Sally finds a
letter from Captain Lockhart and a large amount of
money.
Key Characters
Sally Captain Mrs
Lockhart Lockhart Rees
Major Mrs Mr Berry
Marchbanks Holland
Fred Rosa Jim
Garland Garland Taylor
Adelaide Mrs Chang Ah Ling
Mr Matthew Rev.Nicholas
Holland Bedwell Bedwell
The novel is set in 1872, in Victorian times.
Victorian girls like Sally were expected to do as
they were told, aiming to marry well and have a
family. Independent woman were frowned upon.
A woman’s reputation was vital in making sure she
was attractive as a wife.
Opium was an incredibly dangerous drug—but not
actually illegal. The British Government ran the
official trade.
Some Useful Words
Knowledge Organiser— the r ub y i n t h e s moke Year 7
Plot Questions
Character Questions
Ideas Questions
Getting it wrong is
absolutely okay.
Not even having a go is
just a bit pathetic.
Chapter
1- 5
9 Which phrase does Sally say to Mr Higgs which kills him?
9 Who does the lawyer visit in Hangman’s Wharf?
9 What is the name of the photographer Sally meets when she goes to Kent?
a What is the name of the ship which Sally’s father was on when he died?
a What did Sally’s father give her for her fourteenth birthday?
a What object “had been responsible for deaths too many to list—murders,
suicides, executions”?
Chapter
6-10
9 Whom does Mrs Holland order Mr Hopkins to kill?
9 Where does Sally go to live after she leaves Mrs Rees’s house?
9 What happens to Mr Hopkins eventually?
a Whose murder does Mrs Holland blame on Mr Hopkins in order to control
him?
a Where is opium grown, under British Government supervision?
a After Sally suffers an opium trance, who tells her, “you have the smoke in
your nature now”?
Chapter
11-15
9 Why is Nicholas Bedwell able to swap places with his brother so
successfully?
9 “If I went to the bottom of the sea she’d find me”: whom is Adelaide
describing?
9 What was the name of the ship upon which Matthew Bedwell was First Mate
when it was attacked?
a Why did Ah Ling sink the whole ship upon which Captain Lockhart was
travelling? Why not just murder him?
a Who, do we discover, was once an expert boxer?
a What does “The Turk’s Head” - the name of the pub—mean?
Chapter
16-20
9 Who is murdered in north Oxford?
9 Whom does Mrs Holland kidnap — and is still missing by the end of the
novel?
9 Who kills Mr Berry?
a How much was Sally “sold” for?
a What did Captain Lockhart do to Horatio Holland?
a Captain Lockhart says he only made one good choice in his life: what was it?
9 Where does Jim Taylor work?
9 Who taught Sally “military taccs and book-keeping”
but no other school subjects?
9 What does Mrs Holland say happened to the last girl
who worked for her, before Adelaide?
9 Who was “crazy with love” for the young Mrs
Holland?
9 What is Rosa Garland’s job?
9 When Mrs Holland was young, in which foreign
country did she live with her father?
a What does Jim Taylor read which gives him the
ability to decipher the mystery of the ruby?
a Who, it turns out, is making money from looking
a*er Sally?
a “They don’t think of Trembler as a servant. And
they don’t think of me as a girl. We’re all equal.”
Whom is Sally describing?
a What was Mrs Holland called, including her
nickname, before she married Sergeant
Holland?
a Where does Captain Lockhart put his £10,000
share of Lockhart and Selby
a Whom does Mrs Holland a2empt to blackmail
with the informaon she gets from the drug-
addled Ma2hew Bedwell?
a Whom does the ruby bring “more shame and
unhappiness than I would have imagined
possible”?
negligent nondescript
nefarious nonchalant
9 Which word best describes Mrs Holland’s acvies?
foreboding feisty
malevolent nefarious
9 Which word best describes Jim Taylor?
self-sufficient intrepid
compulsive nonchalant
9 Which best describes Mrs Holland’s a6tude towards the
ruby?
malevolent retribuve
nonchalant self-sufficient
9 What has being an orphan made Sally?
epigrammac enigmac
ephemeral equestrian
a Ah Ling could be described as..
retribuon rehabilitaon
recommendaon renunciaon
a By punishing Sally for her father’s treatment of Mrs
Holland’s husband, Mrs Holland is seeking...
descripve restricve
lenient encouraging
a A6tudes towards women in Sally’s me might be
described as ...
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FAQs of The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

What are the main themes in The Ruby in the Smoke?
The Ruby in the Smoke delves into several key themes, including love, loyalty, deception, and the consequences of greed. It portrays the struggles of a young woman in Victorian society, highlighting the societal expectations placed on women during that era. The narrative also addresses the dangers of addiction, particularly opium, and how it affects the lives of the characters. Additionally, the story explores the concept of family secrets and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth.
Who is Sally Lockhart and what challenges does she face?
Sally Lockhart is the protagonist of The Ruby in the Smoke, a young woman who becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding her father's death. As she investigates, she faces numerous challenges, including threats from malevolent characters like Mrs. Holland and Ah Ling. Sally's journey is marked by her determination to uncover the truth, despite the dangers she encounters, including murder and blackmail. Her character embodies resilience and courage, making her a compelling figure in the narrative.
What role does opium play in the story?
Opium serves as a significant backdrop in The Ruby in the Smoke, reflecting the societal issues of Victorian London. The drug's influence is evident through characters like Sailor Matthew Bedwell, who struggles with addiction. Opium not only drives the plot forward but also highlights the darker aspects of society, including crime and exploitation. The narrative examines how addiction impacts relationships and personal choices, adding depth to the characters' struggles.
How does the setting influence the plot of The Ruby in the Smoke?
The setting of Victorian London in 1872 plays a crucial role in shaping the plot of The Ruby in the Smoke. The historical context provides a rich backdrop for the themes of class, gender, and morality. Sally Lockhart's experiences are deeply influenced by the societal norms and expectations of the time, particularly regarding women's roles. The gritty environment of London, with its opium dens and criminal underbelly, enhances the tension and danger that Sally faces as she uncovers the truth about her father's past.
What is the significance of the ruby in the story?
The ruby in The Ruby in the Smoke symbolizes both wealth and the destructive nature of greed. It serves as the catalyst for the events that unfold, drawing various characters into a web of intrigue and danger. The quest for the ruby leads to revelations about family secrets and the lengths people will go to obtain power and wealth. Ultimately, the ruby represents the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, highlighting the consequences of their actions.
Who are the key antagonists in The Ruby in the Smoke?
Key antagonists in The Ruby in the Smoke include Mrs. Holland and Ah Ling, both of whom pose significant threats to Sally Lockhart. Mrs. Holland is a manipulative figure who seeks to control others for her own gain, while Ah Ling represents the darker side of the opium trade. Their actions create obstacles for Sally as she navigates her quest for truth, illustrating the dangers she faces in a world filled with deception and violence.
What is the climax of The Ruby in the Smoke?
The climax of The Ruby in the Smoke occurs when Sally confronts the truth about her father's murder and the role of the ruby in the larger conspiracy. This pivotal moment reveals the connections between the characters and the consequences of their actions. The tension escalates as Sally faces off against her adversaries, culminating in a dramatic resolution that ties together the various plot threads. This climax not only serves as a turning point for Sally but also highlights the themes of justice and retribution.

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