# The Two Oaths explained — The Black Arrow

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters/ii-the-two-oaths
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters