# The Appeal Is Heard explained — Toilers of the Sea

> Chapter companion for Toilers of the Sea by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

After a deep sleep on the Great Douvre, Gilliatt revives under the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze. He finds his sloop intact and the machinery saved. He repairs the vessel, retrieves Clubin's girdle with the seventy-five thousand francs, and sets sail for Guernsey, singing 'Bonnie Dundee.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroism and Perseverance

Gilliatt's recovery from near-death and his determination to repair the sloop and return with the machinery exemplify his heroic endurance.

### The Sublime and Terrible Ocean

The ocean's calm and warmth after the storm, and the seabirds' tenderness, contrast with the earlier peril, highlighting the sea's dual nature.

## Character check-ins

### Gilliatt

Found motionless on the rock, near death, but revived by the sun and sea; repairs his sloop and departs for Guernsey.

## Key lines

> The sun rose in an unclouded sky. Its first ray shone upon a motionless form upon the Great Douvre. It was Gilliatt.

At dawn, the sun's first light fell on Gilliatt's still body lying on the Great Douvre.

_Describes Gilliatt's lifeless state at sunrise._

> A sigh raised his breast. He lived.

He sighed, showing he was still alive.

_Moment of revival after the sun's warmth._

> The sloop was there, intact; the stoppage had held out; the sea had probably disturbed it but little. All was saved.

The sloop remained undamaged, the leak had been contained, and everything was preserved.

_Gilliatt's relief upon seeing his vessel and cargo safe._

> At the moment of his departure from the rocks, anyone who had been there might have heard him singing, in an undertone, the air of 'Bonnie Dundee.'

As he left the rocks, he quietly sang the tune 'Bonnie Dundee.'

_Gilliatt's joyful departure song._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vii-the-appeal-is-heard
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters