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9. HF - POST CAPTAIN - CHAPTER 10 (323 - 360) (12/27/10 - 01/02/11) ~ No spoilers, please
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Some of the main issues of the novel develop in Chapter 10.
The issue of conflict between Stephen and Jack over Diana comes to an unfortunate head. Jack challenges Stephen to a duel. O'Brian makes sure the reader understands this is no fuddy-duddy rhetorical duel. It is the real 19th century thing, and may result in either man's death.
At the same time, Jack is ordered to enter a treacherous harbor and attack three French warships. With the Polychrest drawing 18 inches of water an hour in a dead calm, a first lieutenat who is hysterically brutal with the crew, O'Brian makes the reader understand this missions is essentially a death sentence. Jack is so unhappy he hardly cares.
And yet, several other developments appear to begin to resolve the tensions, plot and otherwise, of the book.
Jack, seeing that Diana has taken up with Canning, finally gives up on her and loses interest. Of all things, Jack takes a prize while on his cruise in the Baltic. O'Brian lets the reader know just how highly placed and valuable Stephen is in naval intelligence (p.332) The reader is reminded what a deadly pistol shot he is, and that he is brilliant at cards. Oddly, in the midst of their conflict, Jack gives
Stephen a narwhal tusk, something Stephen has coveted.
What do you think of the juxtaposition of these positive developments with the negative? Does it appear that events are beginning to move to some sort of conclusion? It seemed that way to me.
What do you think of the developments, like the duel, Jack losing interest in Diana, and the assignment of his dangerous mission?
Feel free to comment on the above or anything you find interesting in this chapter or the book so far.
The issue of conflict between Stephen and Jack over Diana comes to an unfortunate head. Jack challenges Stephen to a duel. O'Brian makes sure the reader understands this is no fuddy-duddy rhetorical duel. It is the real 19th century thing, and may result in either man's death.
At the same time, Jack is ordered to enter a treacherous harbor and attack three French warships. With the Polychrest drawing 18 inches of water an hour in a dead calm, a first lieutenat who is hysterically brutal with the crew, O'Brian makes the reader understand this missions is essentially a death sentence. Jack is so unhappy he hardly cares.
And yet, several other developments appear to begin to resolve the tensions, plot and otherwise, of the book.
Jack, seeing that Diana has taken up with Canning, finally gives up on her and loses interest. Of all things, Jack takes a prize while on his cruise in the Baltic. O'Brian lets the reader know just how highly placed and valuable Stephen is in naval intelligence (p.332) The reader is reminded what a deadly pistol shot he is, and that he is brilliant at cards. Oddly, in the midst of their conflict, Jack gives
Stephen a narwhal tusk, something Stephen has coveted.
What do you think of the juxtaposition of these positive developments with the negative? Does it appear that events are beginning to move to some sort of conclusion? It seemed that way to me.
What do you think of the developments, like the duel, Jack losing interest in Diana, and the assignment of his dangerous mission?
Feel free to comment on the above or anything you find interesting in this chapter or the book so far.
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The History Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Master & Commander (other topics)Post Captain (other topics)
Welcome to the historical fiction discussion of POST CAPTAIN
by Patrick O'Brian.
This is the reading assignment for week nine - (December 27, 2010 to January 2, 2010)
This is the fourth 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 November 1st.
This discussion is being led by assisting moderator - Christopher. During the discussion of Master and Commander, Christopher volunteered to steer us through the second book in the series. Please support him in this effort.
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, and may be available on Kindle or audible.
This thread opens up today December 27th for discussion. This is a non spoiler thread.
Welcome,
~Bentley
TO ALWAYS SEE ALL WEEKS' THREADS SELECT VIEW ALL
Please feel free to research the complete Table of Contents and Syllabus on this thread and to see which version Christopher is using.
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/4...
Post Captain is the second book in the series and comes after Master and Commander.