Captain Blood · Chapter
XIII: Tortuga explained
This chapter reveals that the story of Captain Blood's exploits is preserved through the logs of Jeremy Pitt, who chronicles Blood's arrival at Tortuga.
What happens
This chapter reveals that the story of Captain Blood's exploits is preserved through the logs of Jeremy Pitt, who chronicles Blood's arrival at Tortuga. Pitt emphasizes that Blood and his companions did not intend to join the buccaneers but were driven by circumstance—dwindling resources, outlawry, and the tormenting thought of Arabella Bishop. Blood's fame grows after a successful cruise, and he is approached by the French privateer Levasseur, with whom he forms an uneasy alliance. Despite misgivings, Blood sails with Levasseur, and his reputation spreads across the Caribbean, drawing the enmity of the Spanish Admiral Don Miguel de Espinosa.
Themes in this chapter
Rebellion and Authority
Blood, an outlaw and escaped slave, defies both Spanish and English authority, choosing the sea as his domain.
Love and Redemption
Blood's torment over Arabella Bishop drives his recklessness and his turn to buccaneering.
War and Piracy
Blood's raids against Spanish shipping and his alliance with Levasseur highlight the blurred line between privateering and piracy.
Characters to notice
- Captain Peter Blood
Struggles with thoughts of Arabella Bishop and his outlaw status; reluctantly allies with Levasseur; becomes a famed buccaneer.
- Jeremy Pitt
Chronicler of Blood's adventures; insists Blood was driven to Tortuga by circumstance, not by choice.
- Captain Levasseur
Gaudy French privateer who seeks alliance with Blood; known for vanity and a reputation as a buccaneer.
- Wolverstone
Blood's crewman; suggests wringing Levasseur's neck if treachery occurs.
- Nathaniel Hagthorpe
Present with Blood and Wolverstone when Levasseur approaches.
- Arabella Bishop
Haunts Blood's thoughts; he considers her unattainable.
Key passages
“It is time fully to disclose the fact that the survival of the story of Captain Blood’s exploits is due entirely to the industry of Jeremy Pitt, the Somersetshire shipmaster.”
The narrative of Captain Blood's adventures survives thanks to Jeremy Pitt's diligent record-keeping.
Introduces Pitt as the chronicler of Blood's story.
“He was maddened by the tormenting lure of the unattainable. He desired Arabella, yet knew her beyond his reach irrevocably and for all time.”
Blood was driven to distraction by his hopeless love for Arabella, whom he could never have.
Highlights Blood's emotional turmoil and motivation.
“There remained the sea, which is free to all, and particularly alluring to those who feel themselves at war with humanity.”
The sea offered freedom to outcasts like Blood, who felt alienated from society.
Explains Blood's turn to a life at sea.
“The fame of Captain Peter Blood had run like ripples before the breeze across the face of the Caribbean Sea.”
Blood's reputation spread rapidly throughout the Caribbean.
Describes Blood's growing notoriety.
“For what he had suffered at the hands of Man he had chosen to make Spain the scapegoat.”
Blood blamed Spain for his misfortunes and directed his vengeance against them.
Explains Blood's targeting of Spanish interests.
