# XV explained — The Rover

> Chapter companion for The Rover by Joseph Conrad.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rover_se/chapters/xv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rover_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rover_se/chapters