The Maid of Sker · Chapter
The Polite Ferryman explained
Davy Llewellyn, after being left by Captain Fuzzy and neglected by Bang's grandmother, sets up a ferry service across the river to earn money for Bunny.
What happens
Davy Llewellyn, after being left by Captain Fuzzy and neglected by Bang's grandmother, sets up a ferry service across the river to earn money for Bunny. He advertises himself as 'David Llewellyn, Mariner of the Royal Navy, Ferryman to King George III.' Parson Chowne initially reacts with anger but permits the ferry as it helps Davy watch river traffic. Davy ferries a beautiful young lady and her French maid Nanette, impressing the lady with his politeness. Later, Chowne confronts Davy about a passenger, and when Davy refuses to answer, Chowne whips him; Davy strikes back with a spar, knocking Chowne unconscious.
Themes in this chapter
Class Mobility and Ambition
Davy's entrepreneurial spirit in setting up a ferry and his aspirations for a better life for Bunny.
Morality and Hypocrisy
Davy's self-justification of his honesty while engaging in dubious activities, and Parson Chowne's violent hypocrisy.
Gender and Power
Davy's observations of women's behavior in boats and his condescending yet admiring view of the young lady.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Sets up a ferry service, advertises himself, and later fights with Parson Chowne.
- Parson Chowne
Initially angry about the ferry but allows it; later confronts Davy and is struck unconscious.
- Bunny
Davy's motivation for earning money through the ferry.
- Bang
Mentioned as Bang's grandmother neglecting Davy.
- Captain Fuzzy
Mentioned as having shamefully treated Davy.
- Nanette
A pretty French maid who accompanies the young lady and calls Davy a coachman.
Key passages
“Therefore, having the punt at command, and a good pair of oars, and a good pair of arms, what did I do but set up a ferry, such as had never been heard of before, and never might have been dreamed of, except for my intelligence?”
With a boat, oars, and my own strength, I started a ferry service that was unprecedented and only possible because of my cleverness.
Davy boasts about his initiative in creating the ferry.
“Behold now what good-luck comes of my service! Only remember, no fares to be taken when the tide serves for you know what. And especially no gossiping.”
See how fortunate you are to work for me! Just don't take passengers when the tide is right for smuggling, and don't talk too much.
Parson Chowne gives Davy conditions for running the ferry.
“I am not a ladyship,” she answered, with a beautiful bright smile; “I am only a common lady; and I think you must be an Irishman.”
She corrected me with a smile, saying she wasn't a noblewoman, just a lady, and guessed I was Irish due to my politeness.
The young lady's playful response to Davy's formal address.
“Will you tell me?” he cried. “I won’t,” said I; crack came his hunting-whip round my sides—crack, and wish, and crack again; then I caught up a broken spar, and struck him senseless over the tail of his horse.”
Chowne demanded an answer, and when I refused, he whipped me repeatedly. I grabbed a piece of wood and hit him so hard he fell unconscious over his horse's rump.
The violent confrontation between Davy and Parson Chowne.
