# Dedication explained — The Master of Ballantrae

> Chapter companion for The Master of Ballantrae by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

The author dedicates the tale to Sir Percy Florence and Lady Shelley, reflecting on the story's composition across many years and distant lands, particularly at sea, and expresses hope that its maritime origins will endear it to seafarers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Memory and Narrative

The author reflects on the story's creation across time and space, weaving personal memory and distant scenes into the narrative.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Mackellar

Mentioned as part of the story's fabric, his homespun character and narrative role are contemplated by the author.

## Key lines

> The character and fortune of the fraternal enemies, the hall and shrubbery of Durrisdeer, the problem of Mackellar’s homespun and how to shape it for superior flights; these were his company on deck in many star-reflecting harbours, ran often in his mind at sea to the tune of slatting canvas, and were dismissed (something of the suddenest) on the approach of squalls.

The author carried the story's elements—the rival brothers, the estate, and the challenge of elevating Mackellar's plain style—with him during his sea voyages, thinking of them constantly until storms forced his attention elsewhere.

_Highlights the author's creative process and the maritime backdrop of the tale's composition._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_master_of_ballantrae_se/chapters/dedication
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_master_of_ballantrae_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_master_of_ballantrae_se/chapters