Robbery Under Arms · Chapter
Homecoming and Resolve explained
After escaping Berrima Gaol, Dick, Jim, and Starlight return home to the Marston family.
What happens
After escaping Berrima Gaol, Dick, Jim, and Starlight return home to the Marston family. Starlight declares his intent to pursue a short, famous, and reckless life as a bushranger, urging the brothers to leave him. Aileen confronts Starlight about his choices but shows concern when he collapses from weakness. Billy the Boy arrives with news that police are coming at dawn. The family shares a tense meal, and Dick reveals to Aileen that they plan to 'turn out' as bushrangers, leading to a painful farewell.
Themes in this chapter
The Bush and Outlaw Life
Starlight embraces a short, merry life as an outlaw, and the family prepares to flee to the Hollow, a hidden refuge.
Family and Loyalty
Aileen's love for Dick conflicts with her despair over his criminal path; the Marston family shelters the outlaws despite the danger.
Fate and Free Will
Starlight speaks of life as 'short bits' of luck, while Dick feels compelled to continue his criminal life, causing inevitable pain to his family.
Characters to notice
- Jim Marston
Present at the homecoming, listens to Starlight's plans, and prepares to head to the Hollow.
- Captain Starlight
Declares his intention to live a short, merry life and make his name famous; collapses from weakness after the ride; shows respect toward Aileen.
- Aileen Marston
Welcomes Dick home with tears, confronts Starlight about his reckless path, expresses despair over the family's future, and bids a sorrowful farewell.
- Dick Marston
Narrates the chapter; reveals to Aileen that they will become bushrangers; struggles with the pain he causes his family.
- Dad Marston
Leads the group home, uses the dog Crib for warning, and organizes the family's departure to the Hollow.
- Billy the Boy
Arrives with news that police are coming at dawn; described as a sharp, ragged youth.
Key passages
“He was going in for a short life and a merry one. He, for one, was tired of small adventures, and he was determined to make the name of Starlight a little more famous before very long.”
Starlight declares he will live recklessly and seek greater notoriety, rejecting caution.
Starlight's resolve to escalate his outlaw career.
“I hear, I hear. Surely the devil has power for a season to possess himself of the souls of men, and do with them what he will.”
Aileen laments that evil has taken hold of her brother and Starlight, foreseeing tragedy.
Aileen's despair over the men's choices.
“Men and women are queer things, there's no mistake; and the more life you know, the less you're able to understand the rights of it.”
Dick reflects on the irrationality of causing suffering to loved ones while still loving them.
Dick's philosophical observation on human nature.