# Prologue explained — The Black Arrow

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

## What happens

The prologue introduces the setting of Tunstall during the Wars of the Roses, where loyalties shift frequently. Dick Shelton and Bennet Hatch recruit the old archer Appleyard to defend the Moat House, but Appleyard is killed by a black arrow bearing the name 'John Amend-All.' Sir Oliver Oates suspects Yorkist lords or Ellis Duckworth, while Hatch warns of local resentment. Dick is sent with a sealed packet to Sir Daniel Brackley.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Sir Daniel's shifting allegiances are highlighted by Clipsby's remark, and the black arrow suggests betrayal by those he has wronged.

### Revenge and Justice

Appleyard's murder by a black arrow from 'John Amend-All' signals a personal vendetta against Sir Daniel's men.

### War and Political Conflict

The looming battle and the need for reinforcements reflect the ongoing civil war between York and Lancaster.

## Character check-ins

### Dick Shelton

Young and loyal to Sir Daniel, he accompanies Bennet Hatch to recruit Appleyard and later receives a packet to deliver to Sir Daniel.

### Bennet Hatch

Sir Daniel's right-hand man, he leads the recruitment effort and expresses concern about local resentment and the black arrow threat.

### Appleyard

Old veteran of Agincourt, initially reluctant but agrees to garrison the Moat House; he is killed by a black arrow.

### Sir Oliver Oates

Priest and clerk, he interprets the black arrow as a political plot and seals the chest and cupboard after Appleyard's death.

### Clipsby

Villager who comments on Sir Daniel's shifting loyalties and is ordered to the Moat House.

## Key lines

> he is one that goes to bed Lancaster and gets up York.

Sir Daniel changes his allegiance so often that he might support Lancaster one night and York the next morning.

_Clipsby criticizes Sir Daniel's opportunistic shifts during the Wars of the Roses._

> The arrow that flieth by day, saith the evangel; I have no mind of the context; nay, I am a sluggard priest, I am too deep in men's affairs.

Sir Oliver misremembers a biblical verse about arrows, admitting he is more involved in worldly politics than scripture.

_Sir Oliver's distraction reflects his entanglement in secular power struggles._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters/prologue
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters