The Rover · Chapter
XV explained
Peyrol prepares the tartane for departure, locking Scevola in the cabin and arranging a false story for the authorities.
What happens
Peyrol prepares the tartane for departure, locking Scevola in the cabin and arranging a false story for the authorities. Catherine discovers Scevola's disappearance and tells Peyrol about Réal's honorable conduct with Arlette. As a storm approaches, Arlette wakes from a nightmare and rushes downstairs, while Peyrol and Réal ready the vessel for sea.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Peyrol's deception and Scevola's accusations highlight the theme of loyalty and betrayal, as characters navigate trust and suspicion.
Sacrifice and Redemption
Réal's mission and Peyrol's preparations suggest themes of sacrifice, as they risk themselves for a larger cause.
Isolation and Community
Catherine's unease at being alone in the farm and the gathering storm underscore the isolation of the characters, while the community of the farm is disrupted.
Characters to notice
- Peyrol
Peyrol prepares the tartane, locks Scevola in the cabin, and plans the deception. He is tense and conflicted about Réal's mission.
- Lieutenant Réal
Réal is about to sail on his mission, having left a letter for the Secretary-General. He appears detached and resigned.
- Citizen Scevola Bron
Scevola is locked in the cabin, suspicious and denouncing Peyrol as corrupted by English gold.
- Aunt Catherine
Catherine is anxious about Scevola's disappearance and tells Peyrol about Réal's honesty. She is frightened by Arlette's scream.
- Arlette
Arlette wakes from a nightmare and rushes downstairs, distressed. Catherine tries to calm her.
- Michel
Michel helps Peyrol with the tartane, but is not present at the farm.
Key passages
“I am mad,” he muttered, perching himself on the low rail.”
Réal mutters to himself that he is going mad, sitting on the rail.
Réal's internal turmoil is evident as he contemplates his fate.
“I have left a letter for the Secretary-General at the Majorité to pay twenty-five hundred francs to Jean—you are Jean, are you not?—Peyrol, price of the tartane in which I sail.”
Réal tells Peyrol he has arranged for payment for the tartane, addressing him as Jean.
Réal's formal arrangement for the boat's purchase contrasts with Peyrol's anger.
“I believe you are one of those wretches corrupted by English gold,” he cried like one inspired.”
Scevola accuses Peyrol of being bribed by the English.
Scevola's revolutionary rhetoric highlights the paranoia of the era.
“The lieutenant is an honest man.” And after a pause she insisted further: “There is no denying it. He has acted like an honest man.””
Catherine insists to Peyrol that Réal is honest and has behaved honorably.
Catherine's testimony contrasts with Peyrol's skepticism.