Captain Blood · Chapter
XIV: Levasseur's Heroics explained
Levasseur receives a desperate letter from Madeleine d'Ogeron, who is being sent to Europe by her father.
What happens
Levasseur receives a desperate letter from Madeleine d'Ogeron, who is being sent to Europe by her father. He abandons his agreement with Captain Blood to pursue the Dutch brig carrying her, capturing it and taking her aboard. After sustaining damage in the fight, Levasseur's ship is forced to seek shelter, where they are rejoined by Blood, who has captured a Spanish prize. Levasseur hides his actions from Blood, planning to later force the Governor of Tortuga to accept the situation.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Redemption
Levasseur's pursuit of Madeleine d'Ogeron is driven by a twisted sense of love and heroism, but quickly reveals itself as possessive and coercive.
Rebellion and Authority
Levasseur rebels against the agreed terms with Captain Blood and the authority of the Governor of Tortuga, prioritizing his own desires.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Levasseur betrays the trust and agreement of Captain Blood by attacking a Dutch ship, while Cahusac remains loyal but critical of his captain's actions.
Characters to notice
- Captain Levasseur
Receives a letter from Madeleine d'Ogeron and recklessly pursues the Dutch brig carrying her, capturing it against his agreement with Blood.
- Cahusac
Levasseur's lieutenant who warns him against attacking the Dutch and later reports the ship's damage and the approach of Blood's vessels.
- Captain Peter Blood
Rejoins Levasseur after a profitable capture of a Spanish ship, unaware of Levasseur's attack on the Dutch.
- Mademoiselle d'Ogeron
Writes a desperate plea to Levasseur to rescue her from being sent to Europe; is taken aboard his ship and subjected to his advances.
- M. d'Ogeron
Mentioned as the Governor of Tortuga whose children Levasseur has captured; Levasseur plans to force him to come to terms.
Key passages
“Our brief separation has been mighty profitable. It's a busy morning we've both had.”
Captain Blood greets Levasseur cheerfully, noting that both have had successful mornings.
Blood is unaware of Levasseur's attack on the Dutch, believing they have both profited.
“I implore you, come to my rescue. Deliver me, my well-beloved hero!”
Madeleine d'Ogeron begs Levasseur to save her from being sent to Europe by her father.
This letter spurs Levasseur to reckless action.
“Heave that muck overboard. Then up anchor, and let us after the Dutchman.”
Levasseur orders the half-caste messenger's body thrown overboard and commands the crew to pursue the Dutch brig.
Levasseur's violent temper and determination to rescue Madeleine are shown.