The Black Arrow · Chapter
The Two Oaths explained
Dick confronts Sir Daniel about his father's death, demanding an oath of innocence.
What happens
Dick confronts Sir Daniel about his father's death, demanding an oath of innocence. Sir Daniel swears falsely, but the priest Sir Oliver's terror reveals deeper guilt. A black arrow shot through the window heightens tension, and Sir Daniel plots to silence Dick by moving him to the chamber above the chapel. Sir Oliver, coerced, swears a second oath to protect Dick, but his secret signals and a watching eye in the tapestry leave Dick suspicious.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Dick's demand for oaths and Sir Daniel's false oath highlight the tension between feigned loyalty and actual betrayal, as Sir Daniel plots against his ward.
Revenge and Justice
The black arrow and Dick's quest for truth about his father's death set the stage for revenge, while Sir Daniel's schemes represent the corruption of justice.
Greed and Corruption
Sir Daniel's motive for keeping Dick alive—to sell his marriage—and his willingness to murder for profit exemplify greed and moral corruption.
Characters to notice
- Dick Shelton
Confronts Sir Daniel and Sir Oliver about his father's death, demands oaths, and becomes increasingly suspicious after observing Sir Oliver's behavior and the watching eye in the tapestry.
- Sir Daniel Brackley
Swears a false oath of innocence regarding Sir Harry Shelton's death, plots to move Dick to the chamber above the chapel, and threatens to kill Dick if he continues to be troublesome.
- Sir Oliver Oates
Terrified and coerced, he swears a false oath to protect Dick, signals warnings to Dick, and is revealed as complicit in Sir Daniel's schemes.
- Ellis Duckworth
Implied as the sender of the black arrow, which bears the word 'Earthed' and strikes the hall table, signaling the Black Arrow fellowship's presence.
Key passages
“Y’ have sent for me, Sir Daniel?”
Did you send for me, Sir Daniel?
Dick's opening question to Sir Daniel, initiating the confrontation.
“Upon my word of honour, upon the eternal welfare of my spirit, and as I shall answer for my deeds hereafter, I had no hand nor portion in your father’s death.”
I swear on my honor and my soul's salvation that I had nothing to do with your father's death.
Sir Daniel's false oath, which the priest recognizes as perjury.
“Earthed.”
Buried or cornered.
The word on the black arrow, implying the Black Arrow knows Sir Daniel is at home and trapped.