Two Years Before the Mast · Chapter
XXVII explained
The crew enjoys a liberty day in Monterey, engaging in a boxing match that resolves a bullying issue, and later attends a fandango.
What happens
The crew enjoys a liberty day in Monterey, engaging in a boxing match that resolves a bullying issue, and later attends a fandango. The chapter also covers the departure from Monterey with Spanish passengers and a brief return due to a southeaster.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Cruelty
The boxing match serves as a form of rough justice, where the bully is defeated and the oppressed boy gains his freedom and respect.
Class and Social Inequality
The contrast between the crew's rough liberty day and the elite fandango highlights social hierarchies aboard ship and on shore.
Cultural Encounter and Otherness
The narrator's observations of Spanish dances, music, and customs reflect the cultural exchange between American sailors and Californian society.
Characters to notice
- Richard Henry Dana Jr.
The narrator participates in the liberty day activities, including the boxing match and the fandango, and describes the events in detail.
- Mr. Brown
The chief mate intervenes in the boys' quarrel, organizing a fair fight that resolves the bullying issue.
- Nat Ames
The Cape Cod boy who initially bullies George but is defeated in the boxing match, leading to his loss of status.
- George P. Marsh
The Boston boy who fights Nat Ames and wins, gaining respect and ending the bullying.
- Captain Faucon
Captain of the Pilgrim, who waited for the ship in Monterey and later sailed for San Diego.
Key passages
“This is sailor’s pleasure.”
This is what sailors consider fun.
The narrator reflects on the harsh reality of a sailor's liberty day, where drunkenness and fighting are followed by hard work.
“Never say die, while there’s a shot in the locker!”
Never give up as long as there is any chance left.
The crew cheers on George during the fight, using a nautical metaphor to encourage perseverance.
“He fought himself into notice.”
He gained recognition through his fighting spirit.
George's victory in the boxing match earns him respect and status among the crew.