Captain Jinks, Hero · Chapter
Among the Moritos explained
Sam and his companions are captured by the Morito tribe after getting lost in the mountains.
What happens
Sam and his companions are captured by the Morito tribe after getting lost in the mountains. They engage in a philosophical discussion with Chief Carlos about obedience, military duty, and cultural differences, while Cleary's flippant remarks and attempts to connect with the chief create tension. The chapter also reveals that the victory at San Diego was due to a mix-up in orders, leading Sam to question his role in the battle.
Themes in this chapter
Militarism and the Illusion of Glory
Sam's reflection on the accidental nature of victory and his doubt about his own role in the battle undermines the notion of military glory.
Violence and Dehumanization
The looting, burning of villages, and casual acceptance of atrocities by Sam ('Make war as bad as possible') highlight the dehumanizing effects of war.
Hypocrisy and Moral Ambiguity
Sam's claim of being a 'peacemaker' while condoning violence, and the contrast between Western military obedience and Morito tribal customs, expose moral contradictions.
Coming of Age and Disillusionment
Sam's growing awareness that battles are won by chance and that his actions may be meaningless contributes to his disillusionment with military life.
Characters to notice
- Sam Jinks
Reflects on the nature of war and his own contribution to the battle; captured by Moritos, engages in serious discussion with Chief Carlos.
- Cleary
Remains loyal to Sam; makes flippant jokes even in captivity; attempts to claim brotherhood with Chief Carlos using East Point photographs.
- Colonel James
Commands a colored regiment; discusses the qualities of black soldiers with Sam; captured alongside Sam and Cleary.
- Carlos
Chief of the Moritos; engages in a philosophical dialogue with Sam about obedience and military duty; shows fondness for Sam.
- The General
Hosts Sam for supper; his orders were mixed up by Colonel Burton, leading to the accidental victory at San Diego.
- Gomaldo
Mentioned as the Cubapino commander whose plans were thwarted by the order mix-up; believed to have hanged the spy Garcia.
- Señor Garcia
Spy for Gomaldo who gathered information from Sam and Cleary; believed to have been hanged after the battle.
Key passages
“Make war as bad as possible and people will keep the peace. We are the real peacemakers.”
Sam justifies the brutal tactics of looting and burning by claiming that harsh warfare deters future rebellion, positioning the army as peacekeepers.
Highlights the theme of hypocrisy and the moral ambiguity of colonial warfare.
“To tell the honest truth, Sam, between me and you, I don't know whether you did or not. But The Lyre will say that you did, and that will settle it for history.”
Cleary admits that Sam's role in the battle is unclear, but the newspaper will fabricate a heroic narrative for public consumption.
Reflects the theme of media manipulation and the construction of false glory.
“We never obey anybody unless we want to and think he is doing the right thing. I tell my men here what I want to do, and if they agree to it they obey me, but if they don't I give it up. But you do things that you think are wrong and foolish because you are ordered to. It is very strange!”
Chief Carlos contrasts the Morito practice of consensual leadership with the blind obedience of Western soldiers, questioning the rationality of military discipline.
Emphasizes the theme of militarism and the critique of unquestioning obedience.
