The Maid of Sker · Chapter
Great March of Intellect explained
Davy reflects on the lack of progress in the new generation, contrasting Bardie's brightness with his own old-fashioned wisdom.
What happens
Davy reflects on the lack of progress in the new generation, contrasting Bardie's brightness with his own old-fashioned wisdom. He recounts a chapel meeting where he kicked dissenters, earning praise from Parson Lougher. He receives a letter from Captain Bampfylde offering the master's berth on the Bellona. Davy observes old Mr. Berkrolles teaching Bardie, who is torn between promises to marry Davy, Roger, and Bluett. Before leaving for Narnton Court, Davy joins a boating party with Lieutenant Bluett, Colonel Lougher, Lady Bluett, Delushy, and a young lady. Bunny sneaks along after being locked up, and during the outing Bardie begins to grasp her orphaned state.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Identity
Davy's disdain for the 'lower lot of Nonconformists' and his treatment of Bunny highlight class distinctions and the struggle for social order.
Family and Orphanhood
Bardie's growing awareness of her orphaned state and her search for belonging among her suitors.
Maritime Life and Adventure
Davy's return to naval service via Captain Bampfylde's offer and the boating party on the sea.
Morality and Hypocrisy
Davy's violent response to dissenters and his self-justification, alongside the hypocrisy of religious fervor mixed with atheistic ideas.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Reflects on generational decline, kicks dissenters, receives a letter from Captain Bampfylde offering a master's berth, and joins a boating party.
- Bardie
Bright child of the new generation, torn between promises to marry Davy, Roger, and Bluett; begins to understand her orphaned state during the outing.
- Bunny
Cries at not being invited, sneaks into the boating party after being locked up, showing determination.
- Captain Rodney Bluett
Engages Davy's boat for a day's pleasure, invites Bunny to join, and is pursued by a young lady.
- Colonel Lougher
Part of the boating party with Lady Bluett.
- Lady Bluett
Part of the boating party with Colonel Lougher.
- Miss Delushy
Part of the boating party.
- Master Roger Berkrolles
Teaches Bardie with old Mr. Berkrolles; Bardie considers marrying him.
Key passages
“whose life has been touched with the proper grey and brown of earth, all these bright ideas seemed a baseless dance of rainbows.”
To someone seasoned by life's hardships, newfangled notions appear insubstantial and fanciful.
Davy's skepticism toward progressive ideas.
“I signed it (and some of them also) with my well-attested toe and heel.”
I signed the petition by kicking the petitioners.
Davy's physical rejection of the dissenters' document.
“But I could not see my way to any crossroad of repentance; and when I found what good I had done, I wished that I had kicked harder.”
I felt no regret for my actions; in fact, I wished I had been more forceful.
Davy's unrepentant attitude toward his violent response.
“To argue with a gale of wind would show more sense than to try discussion with such a set of ninnies”
Reasoning with these fools is as pointless as arguing with the wind.
Davy's contempt for the dissenters' irrationality.
“I could not call to mind a letter, figure, stroke, or even sign, when I led the British fleet into action, at the battle of the Nile.”
I forgot all my learning when commanding at the Battle of the Nile.
Davy's practical knowledge overriding book learning in crisis.
