# III explained — Romance

> Chapter companion for Romance by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

Juan Kemp, having been captured and then released by the Bow Street Runners, is forced to flee England. Despite his brother-in-law Ralph Rooksby's initial reluctance, Kemp persuades him to allow him to travel with Carlos Riego and Tomas Castro to the West Indies. They are aided by the smuggler Jack Rangsley, who arranges their passage through a secret tunnel to the shore, where they board a ship. Kemp reflects on the romantic adventure ahead, though Rangsley warns him about the dangerous nature of his companions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Escape and Confinement

Juan Kemp escapes from the Bow Street Runners and England, fleeing through secret passages and across the sea to avoid capture.

### Romance and Adventure

Juan views his flight as a chance to find 'my world of romance,' embracing the adventure of traveling to the West Indies with mysterious companions.

### Identity and Deception

Rangsley's warning about the 'unnatural' nature of Carlos and Castro hints at hidden identities and deceptive appearances.

## Character check-ins

### Juan Kemp

The narrator and protagonist, who escapes England after being captured by the Bow Street Runners and joins Carlos Riego and Tomas Castro on a voyage to the West Indies.

### Sir Ralph Rooksby

Juan's brother-in-law, who reluctantly allows Juan to flee with Carlos and Castro, feeling guilty for involving him in the trouble.

### Carlos Riego

A Spanish fugitive who invites Juan to join him on his journey to the West Indies, speaking with a musical voice.

### Tomas Castro

A companion of Carlos Riego, who rides in gloomy silence during the escape.

### Jack Rangsley

The smuggler who arranges the escape, warning Juan about the dangerous nature of his companions and guiding them through a secret passage to the shore.

## Key lines

> He shall see the world a little.

Carlos suggests that Juan should travel and gain experience.

_Carlos Riego proposes that Juan accompany them to the West Indies._

> For God's sake hold your tongue!

Ralph angrily tells Carlos to be quiet.

_Ralph Rooksby objects to Carlos's suggestion, fearing more trouble._

> Oh, let the young blade rip about the world for a year or two, squire.

Rangsley advises Ralph to let Juan travel for a while.

_Jack Rangsley supports Carlos's idea, encouraging Juan's adventure._

> I'd give a dollar to know what's going on in those runners' heads.

Rangsley wonders what the Bow Street Runners are thinking.

_Rangsley speculates about the runners' confusion after the escape._

> You'll have to cut the country, John.

Rangsley tells Juan that he must leave England.

_Rangsley warns Juan that warrants will be issued for his arrest._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romance_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romance_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romance_se/chapters