The Maid of Sker · Chapter
Exiles of Society explained
Davy describes the impressive sight of the British convoy and fleet, their orders to sail immediately, and the subsequent naval battle.
What happens
Davy describes the impressive sight of the British convoy and fleet, their orders to sail immediately, and the subsequent naval battle. After the action, he takes three cannibals (Cannibal Jack, Dick, and Joe) on leave to return them home. They journey across Devon, enjoying the countryside and local hospitality, but upon reaching the cannibals' colony, they are rejected and pelted with mud. They escape to a public-house where Davy witnesses Parson Chowne's harsh treatment of the landlady over rent.
Themes in this chapter
Maritime Life and Adventure
Davy describes the grandeur of the fleet, the naval battle, and his journey across Devon with the cannibals.
Morality and Hypocrisy
Parson Chowne's cruel and hypocritical behavior toward the landlady contrasts with his clerical role.
Superstition and Religion
The cannibals' rejection of their 'civilized' members and the mention of the 'evil eye' reflect superstitious beliefs.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Narrates the chapter; describes the fleet, the battle, and his journey with the cannibals; encounters Parson Chowne.
- Captain Drake Bampfylde
Commands the ship; rigs gratings to prevent grumbling; allows Davy to escort the cannibals home.
- Cannibal Jack
One of the three cannibals; behaves steadily under fire; becomes honest; rejected by his tribe upon return.
- Dick
One of the cannibals; dances madly under fire; has larcenous habits; rejected by his tribe.
- Joe Thorne
One of the cannibals; dances madly under fire; has larcenous habits; rejected by his tribe.
- Parson Chowne
Appears at the public-house to collect rent; threatens the landlady with warrants for using counterfeit coins.
- Master Heaviside
Mentioned as having a swing of arm that discourages grumbling among the crew.
- Harry Savage
Mentioned as a fine lad of fifteen; Davy would have taken him but Jack forbade it.
Key passages
“A finer sight was never seen than we had now around us; for all the convoy was come together, as well as the British fleet empowered to protect them.”
The assembled convoy and British fleet presented a magnificent spectacle.
Davy marvels at the size and order of the naval force.
“We fought three days of rolling battle, ending on the 1st of June, after two days of fog interrupting, and not a breath of sleep four nights.”
The battle lasted three days, concluding on June 1st, with two days of fog and no sleep for four nights.
Davy recounts the grueling naval engagement.
“All the barbarous tribe stood aloof and scowled at their old members with utter abhorrence and contempt, as if at some vast degeneracy.”
The tribe rejected the returning cannibals, viewing them with disgust for having become civilized.
The cannibals are ostracized by their own people for adopting European ways.
“Woman, where is my money? ... I have brought my heaviest whip this time, for your husband has shown arrogance.”
Parson Chowne demands the rent and threatens to use his whip on the landlady's husband.
Chowne's tyrannical behavior is displayed in his rent collection.
