# The Room Over the Chapel explained — The Black Arrow

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

## What happens

Dick and Matcham (revealed to be Joanna Sedley) hide in a chamber above the chapel, discovering a trapdoor used by an assassin. Sir Daniel's men attempt to break in but are diverted by an alarm. The pair escape through the secret passage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Disguise

Matcham is revealed to be Joanna Sedley, a girl disguised as a boy, leading to a dramatic shift in the relationship.

### Love and Marriage

Dick declares his love for Joanna and proposes marriage, despite the mortal danger they face.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Sir Daniel's men are loyal to him but betray Dick's trust; Matcham/Joanna shows loyalty by staying with Dick.

## Character check-ins

### Dick Shelton

Discovers Matcham's true identity as Joanna Sedley; prepares to defend himself and escape.

### Joanna Sedley

Revealed to be Matcham; confesses her love for Dick and helps him flee.

### Sir Daniel Brackley

Leads the search for Joanna and orders the door to be broken down.

### Bennet Hatch

Assists Sir Daniel in the watch and the pursuit.

### Matcham

Alias used by Joanna Sedley; warns Dick of the plot against his life.

## Key lines

> I had the proof of it; I have heard them whisper; nay, they as good as told me.

I have evidence; I overheard them talking, and they practically admitted it.

_Matcham warns Dick of the plot against his life._

> Y'are no Jack; y'are Joanna Sedley; y'are the maid that would not marry me!

You are not Jack; you are Joanna Sedley, the girl who refused to marry me!

_Dick realizes Matcham's true identity as Joanna._

> An y'are to die, I will die with you.

If you are going to die, I will die alongside you.

_Matcham/Joanna pledges to share Dick's fate._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters/iii-the-room-over-the-chapel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters