# The Bass explained — Catriona

> Chapter companion for Catriona by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

David Balfour is taken to the Bass Rock, a solitary prison island, where he is held by Black Andie Dale. He attempts to bribe Andie and argues the injustice of his secret detention, but Andie remains unmoved. David observes a warship, the Seahorse, which fires a volley near the rock, and he notes its rigging for future recognition. Despite his imprisonment, David lives decently and reflects on the plight of James Stewart.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

David argues the illegality and underhanded nature of his secret detention, contrasting it with true law and justice.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Andie's refusal to be bribed shows loyalty to his orders, while David feels betrayed by those who arranged his imprisonment.

### Exile and Belonging

David is isolated on the Bass Rock, a place of exile, cut off from society and the ongoing trial of James Stewart.

## Character check-ins

### David Balfour

Narrator and protagonist; imprisoned on the Bass Rock, he tries to bribe Andie and argues the illegality of his detention.

### Black Andie

The keeper of the Bass Rock; a sensible, religious man who refuses David's bribe and holds him until September 23rd.

### James More Macgregor

Referenced indirectly as 'James Stewart' in David's thoughts about the man in the dungeon and his wife's lamentations.

### Lord Advocate Prestongrange

Mentioned by David as the likely authority behind his secret imprisonment.

### Symon Fraser

Mentioned by David as the Master of Lovat, implicated in the intrigue.

### Captain Palliser

Captain of the warship Seahorse; his ship's volley and rigging are noted by David.

## Key lines

> I could not forgive myself to sit there idle; it seemed (if I were a man at all) that I could fly or swim out of my place of safety

David felt guilty for being safe while James Stewart suffered, and thought he should escape at any cost.

_David's internal conflict between safety and duty._

> Hout! It shaws me ye can bribe; but I'm no to be bribit.

Andie acknowledges David's ability to offer a bribe but firmly refuses it.

_Andie's integrity and resistance to corruption._

> It's there you're taking me! ... Just to the Bass, mannie, whaur the auld sants were afore ye

David realizes he is being taken to the Bass Rock, a former prison for saints (Covenanters).

_David's shock at his destination and its historical significance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/catriona_se/chapters/xiv-the-bass
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/catriona_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/catriona_se/chapters