# Homecoming and Resolve explained — Robbery Under Arms

> Chapter companion for Robbery Under Arms by Rolf Boldrewood.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters/xxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/robbery_under_arms_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/chapters