The Black Arrow · Chapter
How Dick Changed Sides explained
Dick Shelton, wounded and exhausted, is found by outlaws Lawless and Greensheve and brought to Ellis Duckworth.
What happens
Dick Shelton, wounded and exhausted, is found by outlaws Lawless and Greensheve and brought to Ellis Duckworth. After recovering, Dick recounts his escape from Tunstall Moat House and pledges allegiance to Duckworth, who vows to bring Sir Daniel Brackley to justice. Dick sends a threatening letter to Sir Daniel, warning him against marrying Joanna Sedley.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Dick shifts his loyalty from Sir Daniel to Ellis Duckworth, driven by the discovery of Sir Daniel's betrayal of Dick's father.
Revenge and Justice
Dick and Duckworth plot revenge against Sir Daniel for his treachery and murder of Dick's father.
Identity and Disguise
Dick adopts a new identity as an outlaw and sends a letter under his own name, signaling his changed allegiance.
Characters to notice
- Dick Shelton
Wounded and rescued by outlaws; joins Ellis Duckworth's cause; sends a threatening letter to Sir Daniel.
- Will Lawless
Finds Dick on the road and carries him to Ellis Duckworth.
- Greensheve
Outlaw who helps discover Dick and later keeps watch.
- Ellis Duckworth
Leads the outlaws; tends to Dick's wounds; vows to avenge Dick's father and protect Joanna.
- Sir Daniel Brackley
Target of Dick's revenge; receives Dick's threatening letter.
- Joanna Sedley
Mentioned in Dick's letter as the woman he is bound to wed.
Key passages
“Come, thought he, if the world changes yet again, I may have here the wherewithal to shame Sir Daniel—nay, and perchance to bring him to the block.”
Dick realizes that Sir Daniel's letter could be used as evidence to disgrace or even execute him if circumstances shift.
Dick's strategic thinking about using the letter against Sir Daniel.
“Dear lad, said Ellis, pressing his hand, y'are in a friend's hands that loved your father, and loves you for his sake.”
Ellis Duckworth assures Dick that he is among allies who cherished his father and now care for him.
Ellis welcomes Dick into the outlaw fellowship.
“I fynde ye were untrue and unkynd fro the first. Ye have my father's blood upon your hands; let be, it will not wasshe.”
Dick accuses Sir Daniel of being disloyal and cruel from the start, and holds him responsible for his father's murder.
Dick's letter openly condemns Sir Daniel for his father's death.