Gil Blas · Chapter
VI explained
Gil Blas attempts to escape from the banditti's hideout but is caught by the old negro Domingo and punished.
What happens
Gil Blas attempts to escape from the banditti's hideout but is caught by the old negro Domingo and punished. The robbers mock him and warn him against further attempts.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Gil Blas tries to deceive the banditti by feigning compliance while planning an escape, but his attempt is discovered.
Fortune and Fate
Gil Blas laments his misfortune and reflects on the cruel twist of fate that has led him to be imprisoned with banditti.
Characters to notice
- Gil Blas
Attempts to escape from the banditti's lair but is caught and beaten by Domingo.
- Captain Rolando
Apologizes for his life of banditry and goes to bed; later awakens and mocks Gil Blas for his escape attempt.
- Dame Leonarda
Attempts to comfort Gil Blas and shows him to his sleeping quarters in the vault.
- Diego
Referred to as Domingo, the old negro who catches Gil Blas and punishes him.
Key passages
“Why do you take on so, my good lad? You ought rather to bless your stars for your good luck. You are young, and seem a little soft; you would have a fine kettle of fish of it in the busy world. You might have fallen into bad hands, and then your morals would have been corrupted; whereas here your innocence is insured to its full value.”
Dame Leonarda tells Gil Blas he should be grateful for his situation, as the dangerous world outside would corrupt him, while the banditti's hideout preserves his innocence.
Dame Leonarda attempts to console Gil Blas by arguing that his captivity protects his morals.
“How now, Gil Blas, you have not been a good six hours with us, and are you tired of our company already? You must have a great objection to retirement. Why, what would you do if you were a Carthusian friar! Get along with you, and go to bed. This time you shall get off with Domingo's discipline; but if you are ever caught in a second attempt of the same kind, by Saint Bartholomew! we will flay you alive.”
Captain Rolando mockingly scolds Gil Blas for trying to escape so soon, warning him that a second attempt will result in being flayed alive.
The captain's threat underscores the danger Gil Blas faces if he tries to flee again.