Moonfleet · Chapter
The Well explained
John Trenchard is lowered into the well to retrieve a hidden treasure, but a struggle ensues with the turnkey, who attempts to seize the diamond for himself.
What happens
John Trenchard is lowered into the well to retrieve a hidden treasure, but a struggle ensues with the turnkey, who attempts to seize the diamond for himself. Elzevir Block fights the turnkey, who falls into the well and dies. John refuses to hand over the diamond until he is safely pulled up, leading to a tense standoff.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Its Consequences
The turnkey's greed for the diamond leads to his death, and John is warned of the treasure's curse.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Elzevir remains loyal to John, while the turnkey betrays them by attempting to seize the treasure and threatening to turn them in.
Characters to notice
- John Trenchard
Descends into the well to retrieve the treasure, refuses to hand over the diamond until safe, and witnesses the turnkey's death.
- Elzevir Block
Wrestles with the turnkey, accidentally causing his fall into the well, and supports John in keeping the diamond.
- Grace Maskew
Her voice is heard in John's memory, warning him of the curse on the treasure.
- Master Turnkey
Attempts to coerce John into giving up the diamond, fights Elzevir, and falls to his death in the well.
Key passages
“But he reckoned without his host, for though Elzevir was the shorter and older man, he was wonderfully strong, and seasoned as a salted thong.”
The turnkey underestimated Elzevir, who, despite being shorter and older, was incredibly strong and tough.
Highlights Elzevir's unexpected strength and resilience.
“There was a look in his face that brought back to me the memory of an autumn evening, when I sat in my aunt’s parlour reading the book called the Arabian Nights ; and how, in the story of the “Wonderful Lamp,” Aladdin’s wicked uncle stands at the top of the stairs when the boy is coming up out of the underground cavern, and will not let him out, unless he first gives up the treasure.”
John recalls the story of Aladdin, realizing the turnkey might betray him if he hands over the diamond before being safely pulled up.
John uses a literary parallel to assess the turnkey's intentions.