The History Book Club discussion
NAPOLEONIC WARS
>
12. HF - MASTER AND COMMANDER - CHAPTER 12 (421 - 459) (07/19/10 - 07/25/10) ~ No spoilers, please
date
newest »
newest »
In this last chapter of the book, Jack and his men are prisoners on the Desaix. Everything seems to have been handled in a very honorable, gentlemanly way. Stephen continues to analyze others and think through philosophical points. A number of British ships-of-the-line show up and battle with the French and Spanish ships. The Sophies are returned to the British on parole, meaning that until the appropriate French prisoners are given to the French the Sophies are not allowed to fight. Jack is still getting congratulations from others about the Cacafuego action. Obviously the surrender and the under-dog success are becoming general knowledge at the same time.An even larger naval battle ensues, with Jack and Stephen watching and unable to participate. Finally the inevitable court-martial comes. In front of a board of post-captains, Jack must defend his actions that led to the surrender of the Sophie. His officers are all questioned in detail. On the last page of the book, Jack is honorably acquitted.
It is funny to me that so much of the book felt slow, with detailed ground-setting. And these last two chapters have all the tension and excitement I could want. Those sea battles are amazing. I need to re-read them with a labeled list of all the ships involved. Also, the ending felt too abrupt to me. I wanted another page or two about Jack's (and everyone else's) reaction to the acquittal. What a grueling process to go through! And a page or two showing Jack back in action in whatever way. What would he do next? I guess that is how series get started. :)
Mod
Bentley wrote: "Yes, books that have a sequel all too often end abruptly leaving you with wanting more (smile)"And we thought it was just blockbuster movies. The trick is a lot older than that!
Mod
I also felt the ending was abrupt, but when they described the ship exploding and Jack's reaction, I really felt that effectively showed the bravery of the sailors. I just found myself thinking there is no way to survive that situation.I am curious to continue in the series.
Those were pretty dramatic descriptions in the end. And intense.
There were two things that I really liked about this chapter. First, those sea-battles were amazing. It was nice to see one from the deck of one of the "bad guy" ships. And nice to see one from shore through Jack's eyes.Second, I liked the demonstrations of what a great friendship Jack and Stephen have developed throughout the book. Despite their differences, they really enjoy each other's company, worry about each other, and support each other. I like books that show such growth in the characters.
Ditto, Elixabeth! I appreciated the prudence, even delicacy, with which Jack & the French captain conducted themselves during the battle. If it weren't a battle, with people getting killed, I'd say they showed good sportsmanship.I remember being appalled, on my first read, that a captain could be executed if a board decided he hadn't done everything possible to avoid losing his ship. It still shocks me. But of course, Britain doled out death sentences rather freely in that era, for all manner of petty crimes. (And I was curious as to what the chaplain, whose court martial was held just before Jack's, had done to merit a death sentence. But we'll never know.)
That is a good point, Mary Ellen. What did the chaplain do? As you said, we'll never know. Does anyone who knows the history of the period know what kinds of things a chaplain might have done to get the death sentence? I'm curious.
Elizabeth S wrote: "That is a good point, Mary Ellen. What did the chaplain do? As you said, we'll never know. Does anyone who knows the history of the period know what kinds of things a chaplain might have done to..."either murder or sodomy would have resulted in death. there was no other sentence possible to the court.
Patricrk wrote: "either murder or sodomy would have resulted in death. there was no other sentence possible to the court. "Hmmm. Which would I rather think a chaplain might have done? :)
Were their other crimes with death as an option for punishment? Like, maybe, insubordination?
Elizabeth S wrote: "Patricrk wrote: "either murder or sodomy would have resulted in death. there was no other sentence possible to the court. "Hmmm. Which would I rather think a chaplain might have done? :)
Were ..."
http://www.hmsrichmond.org/rnarticles...
these are the articles of war. some have death sentences only others have options and some do not require death.
Cool! Thanks, Patricrk. And these would be the articles of war that were read aboard ship near the beginning of the book, right?
Elizabeth S wrote: "Cool! Thanks, Patricrk. And these would be the articles of war that were read aboard ship near the beginning of the book, right?"yes
Welcome to the historical fiction discussion of Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian.
This is the reading assignment for week twelve - (July 19th, 2010 to July 25th, 2010)
This is the second historical fiction group selected book.
We will open up a thread for each week's reading. Please make sure to post in the particular thread dedicated to those specific chapters and page numbers to avoid spoilers if you are catching up.
This book was kicked off on May 3rd.
This discussion is being led by assisting moderator of historical fiction - Elizabeth S.
We always enjoy the participation of all group members. Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other noted on line booksellers do have copies of the book and shipment can be expedited. The book can also be obtained easily at your local library, or on your Kindle.
This thread opens up Monday, July 19th for discussion. This is a non spoiler thread.
Welcome,
~Bentley
TO ALWAYS SEE ALL WEEKS' THREADS SELECT VIEW ALL