# XXVII explained — Two Years Before the Mast

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters