# XLI: The Right Man in the Right Place explained — The Maid of Sker

> Chapter companion for The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore.

## What happens

Davy Llewellyn rejoins the Royal Navy as a gunnery instructor, quickly rising to first instructor. He reflects on the decline of the war and the signing of peace in 1783, while also settling old scores and maneuvering to replace his predecessor. He discusses the new carronade artillery and his role aboard the Alcestis, while also considering Parson Chowne's ongoing schemes against Captain Bampfylde and Miss Carey.

## Themes in this chapter

### Maritime Life and Adventure

Davy's joy at returning to sea and his vivid descriptions of naval life, gunnery, and battle.

### Class Mobility and Ambition

Davy's rise from fisherman to first gunnery instructor, driven by merit and ambition.

### Morality and Hypocrisy

Davy's self-righteousness about his motives and his manipulation of Heaviside, contrasting with his moral claims.

## Character check-ins

### Davy Llewellyn

Rejoins the Royal Navy as a gunnery instructor, quickly promoted to first instructor; reflects on his past and the war.

### Captain Rodney Bluett

Captain of the Alcestis; supports the carronade and has confidence in Davy.

### Captain Drake Bampfylde

Captain of the Alcestis; favors the carronade and is a target of Parson Chowne's plots.

### Parson Chowne

Continues his schemes against Captain Bampfylde and Miss Carey; Davy speculates on his motives.

### Miss Isabel Carey

Helps Davy with his reenlistment; is courted by Captain Bampfylde and targeted by Parson Chowne.

### Master Heaviside

The former first gunnery instructor whom Davy supersedes and sends ashore.

## Key lines

> The very next day, I was afloat as a seaman of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom.

The following day, Davy was serving as a sailor in the British Royal Navy.

_Davy's reenlistment marks a major turning point in the chapter._

> None but a sailor can imagine what I felt and what I thought.

Only a sailor could understand the emotions and thoughts Davy experienced.

_Highlights Davy's deep connection to maritime life._

> I saw that the Navy had fallen back very much in the matter of gunnery, in the time of the twenty years, or so, since I had been Gun-captain; and it came into my head to show them many things forgotten.

Davy noticed that naval gunnery had declined over the past twenty years and decided to teach the crew forgotten techniques.

_Davy's expertise and pride in his skills are emphasized._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xli-the-right-man-in-the-right-place
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters