Kidnapped · Chapter
Kidnapped explained
David Balfour, a young man from Essendean, sets out to seek his fortune after the death of his father.
What happens
David Balfour, a young man from Essendean, sets out to seek his fortune after the death of his father. He travels to the House of Shaws to meet his uncle, Ebenezer Balfour, who treats him coldly and suspiciously. David discovers evidence of a hidden inheritance and is subsequently kidnapped by Captain Hoseason and taken aboard the Covenant, beginning a series of adventures that will lead him across the Scottish Highlands.
Themes in this chapter
Coming of Age
David's journey from his childhood home to face the harsh realities of the world marks the beginning of his transition into adulthood.
Greed and Corruption
Ebenezer's greed for the family inheritance leads him to betray his own nephew, arranging David's kidnapping.
Characters to notice
- David Balfour
The protagonist and narrator, a young man leaving his home to seek his inheritance.
- Ebenezer Balfour
David's miserly and suspicious uncle, who lives at the House of Shaws.
- Captain Hoseason
The captain of the Covenant, who kidnaps David on behalf of his uncle.
- Mr. Campbell
The minister of Essendean who gives David a letter of introduction and advice before his journey.
Key passages
“I will begin the story of my adventures with a certain morning early in the month of June, the year of grace 1751, when I took the key for the last time out of the door of my father's house.”
David starts his tale on a June morning in 1751, locking his father's house for the final time.
Opening lines establishing the setting and David's departure from his childhood home.
“The house of Shaws stood alone on a piece of rising ground, and looked as if it had been built in a past age for defence.”
The House of Shaws is isolated and fortress-like, suggesting a history of conflict.
Description of the Balfour family home, reflecting its forbidding nature.
“I was no sooner on board than the captain gave orders to cast off, and the ship began to move out of the harbour.”
As soon as David is on the ship, the captain commands to set sail, and they leave the harbor.
David's kidnapping is set in motion as the Covenant departs.