The Black Arrow · Chapter
The Passage explained
Dick and Joanna navigate a secret passage within Tunstall Moat House, seeking escape.
What happens
Dick and Joanna navigate a secret passage within Tunstall Moat House, seeking escape. Joanna reveals her identity as a wealthy orphan ward, caught between the rival claims of Lord Foxham and Sir Daniel Brackley. Their exploration leads to a dead end, but Bennet Hatch secretly aids Dick by revealing a hidden mechanism to open the trap door, allowing them to escape into the courtyard.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Disguise
Joanna's disguise as a boy named Jack is central to the chapter, as her true identity is revealed to Dick, altering their relationship and the stakes of their escape.
Love and Marriage
Joanna's story highlights marriage as a transactional tool for political and financial gain, contrasted with her growing genuine affection for Dick.
Class and Social Hierarchy
The power dynamics between Sir Daniel, Lord Foxham, and Joanna underscore how wealth and status dictate personal destinies, with Joanna treated as a commodity.
Characters to notice
- Dick Shelton
Leads Joanna through the secret passage, shows resourcefulness and bravery, and learns of Joanna's true identity and plight.
- Joanna Sedley
Disguised as a boy named Jack, reveals her identity as a wealthy orphan and her affection for Dick, explaining her history with Sir Daniel and Lord Foxham.
- Bennet Hatch
Confronts Dick in the passage but secretly advises him on how to escape, showing lingering loyalty despite serving Sir Daniel.
- Sir Daniel Brackley
Referenced as the antagonist who bought Joanna's wardship and marriage rights, and who now seeks Dick's life.
- Lord Foxham
Mentioned as Joanna's former guardian who also sought to control her marriage, creating conflict with Sir Daniel.
- Sir Oliver Oates
Seen through a spy-hole praying in the chapel, indicating his presence in the house.
Key passages
“Five hundred pounds Lord Foxham was to get for me. Hamley was the groom's name, and tomorrow, Dick, of all days in the year, was I to be betrothed.”
Lord Foxham was to receive five hundred pounds for my marriage, and the groom was named Hamley; tomorrow was to be my betrothal day.
Joanna explains the financial transaction behind her intended marriage to Hamley.
“Put me your hand into the corner, and see what ye find there. Throgmorton's rope is still in the brown chamber. Fare ye well.”
Reach into the corner and you'll find something useful; Throgmorton's rope is still in the brown chamber. Goodbye.
Bennet Hatch secretly instructs Dick on how to escape via a hidden mechanism.