# Dick Asks Questions explained — The Black Arrow

> Chapter companion for The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

Dick Shelton, now at Tunstall Moat House, grows suspicious of those around him after his father's death. He questions Bennet Hatch and the wounded John Carter, seeking the truth. Sir Daniel Brackley, recovering from a recent battle, sends a messenger to Lord Wensleydale to secure his position. The garrison is fearful of the Black Arrow, and Dick's inquiries are met with evasion and warnings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Dick questions the loyalty of those around him, suspecting that his guardians may have betrayed his father.

### Revenge and Justice

The Black Arrow's campaign of vengeance against Sir Daniel's men underscores the theme of retribution for past crimes.

### Greed and Corruption

Sir Daniel's offer of 'large satisfaction' and promises to Lord Wensleydale reveals his corrupt use of bribery to secure power.

## Character check-ins

### Dick Shelton

Dick is suspicious and persistent, questioning Hatch and Carter about his father's death, and wary of the mysteries at the Moat House.

### Sir Daniel Brackley

Sir Daniel appears in the hall, sends a messenger to Lord Wensleydale, and tries to rally his men after the recent defeat.

### Bennet Hatch

Hatch warns Dick to be careful, expresses grief over Selden's death, and refuses to discuss Dick's father's end.

### John Carter

Carter lies wounded in the porter's chamber, moaning and begging for a priest, hinting at a matter on his conscience.

### Sir Oliver Oates

Sir Oliver is mentioned as having hurried through mass and being absent when Carter calls for him.

### Matcham

Matcham has disappeared since arriving at the Moat House; Dick wonders about his whereabouts and safety.

### Selden

Selden is mentioned as having been killed, and Hatch mourns him as a brother.

### Appleyard

Appleyard is noted among the dead, having been slain by the Black Arrow.

## Key lines

> Vengeance! Alas! what a sore fate is mine, if I must be avenged upon my friends!

Dick laments that he might have to seek revenge against those he once trusted as friends.

_Dick's internal conflict about pursuing vengeance against his own guardians._

> A prayer without gifts is like a song without music: I surfeit him with promises, boys—I spare not to promise.

Sir Daniel says that a request without bribes is ineffective, so he is making many promises to win favor.

_Sir Daniel's pragmatic and cynical view of diplomacy and bribery._

> I had no hand nor knowledge in it; furthermore, I will even be silent, Master Dick.

Hatch denies involvement in Dick's father's death and refuses to discuss it further.

_Hatch's evasion deepens Dick's suspicion about the circumstances of his father's death._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters/i-dick-asks-questions
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters