# XVII explained — Two Years Before the Mast

> Chapter companion for Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana Jr..

## What happens

The chapter describes the crew's weakened state after losing a man overboard, having another taken as clerk, and a third running away. They arrive at San Pedro and resume the monotonous work of loading hides. The aftermath of the flogging scene is explored, showing the different effects on the two men involved. The chapter also details the escape of F⸺, who hides in a cave until the ship sails, and the crew's activities in San Diego, including landing hides and preparing for the voyage home.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Cruelty

The flogging of Foster and the captain's harsh treatment of the crew highlight the cruelty and injustice aboard the ship.

### Hardship and Endurance

The weakened crew faces the monotony and physical demands of hide loading, enduring the challenges of life at sea.

### Class and Social Inequality

The power dynamics between the captain, officers, and crew, as well as the different reactions to punishment based on background, underscore class divisions.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Henry Dana Jr.

The narrator reflects on the weakened crew and the effects of the flogging on the men.

### Mr. F⸺

F⸺ runs away after being threatened with flogging, hiding in a cave until the Pilgrim sails.

### Captain Thompson

Captain Thompson offers a reward for F⸺ and is involved in the flogging incident.

### John (French John)

John, a foreigner, reacts to the flogging with anger and talks of revenge.

### Foster

Foster, an American, is deeply affected by the flogging, losing his spirit and becoming withdrawn.

### Bess

Bess, the old sow, is taken ashore, causing distress to the cook.

## Key lines

> Our crew was now considerably weakened. One man we had lost overboard; another had been taken aft as clerk; and a third had run away; so that, beside S⁠⸺ and myself, there were only three able seamen and one boy of twelve years of age.

The crew was much smaller now: one man fell overboard, another became the clerk, and a third deserted, leaving just S⸺, me, three experienced sailors, and a twelve-year-old boy.

_The narrator describes the reduced crew size after various losses._

> He was an American, and had had some education; and this thing coming upon him, seemed completely to break him down. He had a feeling of the degradation that had been inflicted upon him, which the other man was incapable of.

Foster, being educated and American, felt deeply humiliated by the flogging, unlike John, who was more focused on anger and revenge.

_The narrator contrasts the psychological impact of the flogging on Foster versus John._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xvii
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