Toilers of the Sea · Chapter
III: A Quotation from the Bible explained
In the aftermath of the Durande's wreck, Mess Lethierry is consumed by grief and refuses food and sleep.
What happens
In the aftermath of the Durande's wreck, Mess Lethierry is consumed by grief and refuses food and sleep. He frees Tangrouille and declares he will not press charges. Two clergymen, the Reverend Jaquemin Hérode and the young Reverend Ebenezer Caudray, visit to offer condolence and advice. Hérode suggests Lethierry invest in enterprises involving the Czar or slavery, both of which Lethierry rejects. Hérode then offers him a government post as Deputy-Vicomte, but Lethierry refuses due to his distaste for executions. Hérode quotes scripture to justify capital punishment, while Caudray quietly suggests Lethierry is guided by conscience. Lethierry blames himself for allowing the Durande to sail on Fridays, revealing his superstition.
Themes in this chapter
Superstition vs. Progress
Lethierry blames the wreck on sailing on Fridays, revealing his superstition, while Hérode dismisses this as puerile, highlighting the clash between folk belief and rational or religious authority.
Social Class and Reputation
Hérode offers Lethierry a government post based on his popularity and respect, but Lethierry's refusal shows his independence from social climbing and his moral stance against executions.
Deception and Moral Ambiguity
Hérode's offers of investment in morally dubious enterprises (arms for the Czar, slavery) and his use of scripture to justify them contrast with Lethierry's blunt rejections, revealing the ambiguity of religious counsel.
Characters to notice
- Mess Lethierry
Grief-stricken after the wreck, he refuses food and sleep, frees Tangrouille, and rejects offers of investment and a government post, blaming himself for sailing on Fridays.
- Déruchette
Anxiously cares for Lethierry, removes his ship's papers and compass, and silently witnesses the visit of the clergymen.
- Reverend Jaquemin Hérode
Visits to offer counsel, suggests investments in Russian arms or Texan slavery, and offers a government post, all rejected by Lethierry; quotes scripture to justify his points.
- Rev. Mr. Caudray
Introduced as the new Rector of St. Sampson, he is young and handsome, quietly suggests Lethierry is guided by conscience, and contrasts with Hérode's rigidity.
- Tangrouille
Set at liberty by Lethierry after the wreck.
- Grace
Listens with Douce at the door to the Reverend Doctor's words.
Key passages
“During the twenty-four hours which followed, Mess Lethierry slept not, ate nothing, drank nothing.”
For a full day after the disaster, Lethierry neither slept, ate, nor drank.
Highlights Lethierry's profound grief and shock.
“He kissed Déruchette on the forehead, asked after Clubin, of whom there was as yet no news, signed a declaration certifying that he had no intention of preferring a charge against anyone, and set Tangrouille at liberty.”
He kissed Déruchette's forehead, inquired about Clubin (still missing), signed a statement that he would not press charges, and freed Tangrouille.
Shows Lethierry's immediate actions after the wreck, including his mercy toward Tangrouille.
“The Reverend Jaquemin Hérode replied: 'Mess Lethierry, princes are recognised by God. It is written, “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s.” The Czar is Caesar.'”
Hérode argued that the Czar, like Caesar, is a ruler ordained by God, citing the biblical command to render unto Caesar.
Illustrates Hérode's use of scripture to justify political authority and his offer of investment in Russian arms.
“Lethierry fixed his eye upon Doctor Hérode. 'I don’t like hanging,' he said.”
Lethierry looked directly at Hérode and stated his aversion to executions.
Reveals Lethierry's moral objection to capital punishment, rejecting the offered post of Deputy-Vicomte.
“Mess Lethierry struck the table with his fist. ' Parbleu! ' he cried; 'it was my fault.' ... 'Because I allowed the Durande to return on Fridays.'”
Lethierry slammed the table and exclaimed that the wreck was his fault because he permitted the Durande to sail on Fridays.
Demonstrates Lethierry's superstitious belief that Friday voyages brought bad luck.
