Book VI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Tyranny and Injustice

  British cruelty on prison ships and the murder of Lucinda exemplify tyranny.

• Sacrifice and Suffering

  The suffering of American prisoners and Lucinda's death highlight sacrifice.

• Freedom and Liberty

  Washington's audacious crossing and the American victory at Saratoga advance the cause of liberty.

Characters to notice

• Washington

  Leads the retreat and daring crossing of the Delaware.

• Hesper

  Guides Columbus and intervenes to save the American host.

• Howe

  Commands the British forces pursuing Washington.

• Burgoyne

  Leads British forces from the St. Lawrence and is captured at Saratoga.

• Arnold

  Charges heroically at Saratoga, breaking through British lines.

• The sweet Lucinda

  Tragic figure killed and scalped by Mohawks.

• Carleton

  Implied as responsible for arming savage hordes.

• Christopher Columbus

  Observer of the visions shown by Hesper.

Key passages

• “But of all tales that war's black annals hold The darkest, foulest still remains untold”

  The worst story of the war is yet to be told.

  Introduction to the prison ship atrocities.

• “See the black Prison Ship's expanding womb Impested thousands, quick and dead, entomb.”

  The dark prison ship holds thousands of living and dead captives.

  Description of the prison ship.

• “He sunk delirious on her lifeless clay And past, in starts of sense, the dreadful day.”

  He collapsed in madness on her dead body and spent the day in fits of awareness.

  Lover's reaction to Lucinda's death.

• “The chief beholds the god and notes his cry, But onward drives, nor pauses to reply”

  Washington sees the river god and hears his warning, but continues forward without answering.

  Washington's determination during the Delaware crossing.