The Maid of Sker · Chapter
XVIII: Public Approbation explained
Davy Llewellyn enjoys newfound fame after a newspaper account of his heroism during the shipwreck of the Andalusia.
What happens
Davy Llewellyn enjoys newfound fame after a newspaper account of his heroism during the shipwreck of the Andalusia. He contrasts the flattering report in Felix Farley's Bristol Journal with a vicious, hypocritical account that he attributes to Hezekiah Perkins. Meanwhile, he continues to care for Bardie, who says her prayers and brings him good fortune. His reputation grows locally, culminating in a celebratory welcome at the Jolly Sailors pub.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Narrative Reliability
Davy contrasts the flattering but partly fictional newspaper account with the malicious lies of the second report, highlighting how truth is distorted for different audiences.
Morality and Hypocrisy
The sanctimonious tone of the second account, which Davy attributes to Hezekiah Perkins, exposes religious hypocrisy and false piety.
Family and Orphanhood
Davy's tender care for Bardie, including her bedtime prayers, underscores the theme of found family and the innocence of the orphaned child.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Basks in public acclaim after the shipwreck, reflects on the newspaper accounts, and enjoys his new status at the Jolly Sailors.
- Bardie
Says her prayers before bed, brings Davy good luck, and is lovingly cared for by Davy and Bunny.
- Bunny
Davy's granddaughter, who scolds Bardie for not going to bed but is gently corrected by Davy.
- Hezekiah Perkins
Implied to be the author of the malicious second newspaper account; Davy fumes at his hypocrisy.
- Crowner Bowles
Mentioned as the coroner who held the inquest on the shipwreck victims.
- Jack Ketch
Referenced metaphorically in Davy's angry description of the false account.
Key passages
“With the modesty which appears to be, under some inscrutable law of nature, inseparable from courage of the highest order, this heroic tar desires to remain in obscurity.”
The newspaper claims Davy is too modest to seek fame, though he actually enjoys the attention.
Davy reflects on the ironic praise of his modesty.
“The above yarn may simply be described as a gallow's-rope spun by Jack Ketch himself from all the lies of all the scoundrels he has ever hanged.”
Davy furiously denounces the second account as a pack of lies worthy of the hangman.
Davy's visceral reaction to the malicious article.
“Pay God bless dear papa, and mama, and ickle bother. Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, 'ook upon a ickle shild, and make me a good gal. Amen.”
Bardie says a simple child's prayer for her parents and brother.
Bardie's prayer reveals her family background and innocence.