Endnotes explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Memory and Narrative

  Mackellar's editorial corrections highlight the fallibility of memory and the importance of accurate narrative.

• Honor and Deception

  The note about the Master making admirers suggests a deceptive charm that leads to imitation.

Characters to notice

• Mr. Mackellar

  The annotator of the endnotes, providing corrections and clarifications.

• The Master

  Referenced in connection with his ability to make admirers, such as the second Teach.

• Secundra Dass

  Identified by Mackellar as the person meant in a note about a blunder.

• Alan Black Stewart

  Mentioned as the possible correct identity for the Appin murderer, correcting the Chevalier's weak naming.

• Teach

  Clarified as not the celebrated Blackbeard, but a possible imitator.

Key passages

• “Note by Mr. Mackellar .⁠—Should not this be Alan Breck Stewart, afterwards notorious as the Appin murderer?”

  Mackellar suggests that a name mentioned in the text is likely a mistake for Alan Breck Stewart, who later became famous as the Appin murderer.

  Mackellar corrects a historical misidentification.

• “Note by Mr. Mackellar .⁠—This Teach of the Sarah must not be confused with the celebrated Blackbeard . The dates and facts by no means tally.”

  Mackellar warns that the Teach associated with the ship Sarah is a different person from the famous pirate Blackbeard, as the timelines and details do not match.

  Mackellar clarifies a potential confusion between two individuals named Teach.

• “Note by Mr. Mackellar .⁠—And is not this the whole explanation? since this Dutton, exactly like the officers, enjoyed the stimulus of some responsibility.”

  Mackellar suggests that Dutton's behavior is explained by the fact that he, like the officers, was motivated by having some responsibility.

  Mackellar offers a psychological insight into a character's actions.