Chapter XVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Honor and Duty

  Gravina's decision to sail is driven by honor in response to Villeneuve's insult, but Doña Francisca argues prudence should have prevailed.

• Deception and Self-Delusion

  Don José María Malespina fabricates a heroic story about his son's death, which is soon exposed as false.

• Old Age and Obsolescence

  Don Alonso, after losing Marcial and the battle, sinks into melancholy, feeling obsolete and without purpose.

Characters to notice

• Unknown

  The narrator reflects on Gravina's decision, observes Rosita's marriage, and decides to leave service after feeling humiliated.

• Don Alonso Gutierrez de Cisniega

  Don Alonso sinks into deep melancholy after the battle and Marcial's absence, spending his time praying.

• Doña Francisca

  Doña Francisca criticizes Gravina's decision and taunts Don Alonso for his earlier enthusiasm for the fleet.

• Rosita

  Rosita marries Don Rafael Malespina two months after Trafalgar and moves to Medina-Sidonia.

• Don Rafael Malespina

  Don Rafael marries Rosita and sets up a house in Medina-Sidonia.

• Gravina

  Gravina is criticized for yielding to Villeneuve's insult and for his lack of foresight and determination.

Key passages

• “Gravina stood up, blind with rage, and threw the French Admiral's own conduct at Finisterre in his teeth.”

  Gravina angrily confronted Villeneuve, accusing him of his own failures at Finisterre.

  The confrontation leads to Gravina's decision to sail, despite the fleet's unreadiness.

• “I quitted Medina-Sidonia forthwith, quite determined never to be a servant in that house, nor to return to Vejer.”

  The narrator left Medina-Sidonia immediately, resolved not to serve in that household or go back to Vejer.

  The narrator's heartbreak over Rosita's marriage prompts his departure.