The Riddle of the Sands · Chapter
His Chance explained
Carruthers and Davies deepen their friendship through conversations about Germany's rise as a naval power and Britain's lack of preparedness.
What happens
Carruthers and Davies deepen their friendship through conversations about Germany's rise as a naval power and Britain's lack of preparedness. Davies reveals his personal frustrations, including his failure to join the navy, and his patriotic desire to serve. They prepare for their journey through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal, stocking supplies and sending letters home, before departing the Baltic.
Themes in this chapter
Nationalism and Patriotism
Davies' fervent patriotism is central, as he discusses Britain's maritime supremacy and the need for preparedness against Germany, while also acknowledging German strengths without racial spleen.
Military Preparedness
The chapter focuses on Davies' critique of British naval inadequacy, his advocacy for a naval reserve and universal training, and the contrast with Germany's proactive militarism.
Adventure and Self-Discovery
Carruthers undergoes a personal transformation, moving from a detached dandy to a participant in Davies' quest, finding purpose and enlightenment through their shared adventure.
Characters to notice
- Arthur H. Davies
Davies passionately discusses German naval ambitions and British unpreparedness, reveals his failed attempt to join the navy, and expresses his patriotic desire to serve through this 'chance'.
- Carruthers
Carruthers listens to Davies' views, reflects on his own previous apathy, and writes letters home and to his chief requesting possible extended leave.
- Bartels
Bartels expresses concern about the safety of the voyage, recalling a previous storm, and eyes Carruthers with doubt.
Key passages
“It was devotion to the sea, wedded to a fire of pent-up patriotism struggling incessantly for an outlet in strenuous physical expression; a humanity, born of acute sensitiveness to his own limitations, only adding fuel to the flame.”
Davies' character is defined by his love of the sea and a burning patriotism that seeks physical release, his empathy arising from his own failures only intensifying his drive.
Summarizes Davies' core motivation and Carruthers' understanding of him.
“I learnt for the first time now that in early youth he had failed for the navy, the first of several failures in his career.”
Carruthers discovers that Davies was rejected by the navy as a young man, one of many setbacks in his life.
Reveals a key personal detail about Davies' past.
“There ought to be chances for chaps like you... without the accident of a job such as this.”
Carruthers suggests that men with Davies' skills should have formal opportunities to serve, not just rely on chance missions.
Highlights the theme of military preparedness and the lack of a proper reserve system.