Poetry · Chapter
Conquered by a Child explained
A young girl aboard a Pacific coast ship wins the hearts of sailors and even three chained convicts bound for Fargo.
What happens
A young girl aboard a Pacific coast ship wins the hearts of sailors and even three chained convicts bound for Fargo. When the ship strikes a rock and she falls overboard, one of the prisoners, Bill Jones, despite being bound, heroically saves her using his teeth, leading the sheriff to set him free.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Lessons and Domestic Virtue
The child's innocence and smile 'conquer' the desperate convicts, leading to repentance and a heroic act of selflessness.
Characters to notice
- Bill Jones
A chained convict who heroically saves the little girl from drowning by holding her dress with his teeth.
Key passages
“Conquered by a Child”
The hardened criminals are overcome by the innocent charm of a little girl.
Title and central theme of the poem.
“Bill Jones, though chained hand and foot, Cried, 'Sheriff please now do not shoot, And little darling I will save From sinking in a watery grave.'”
Despite being shackled, Bill Jones begs the sheriff not to shoot and promises to rescue the drowning child.
Climactic moment of heroism and redemption.
“With teeth he seized the child by dress, And held her head above the wave 'Till rescue comes them both to save”
Using only his teeth, Bill Jones grips the girl's dress and keeps her afloat until help arrives.
Remarkable rescue method due to his bound hands and feet.