*SPOILERS*
June 7, 2010 – June 13, 2010
The Aubreyad Press Gang Epic Adventure Week Eight
1. Stephen says to Jack of Dillon during the action with the Cacafuego: “You would never believe the happiness on his face. The light on his face!” Do you attribute this happiness to passion in the heat of battle, or to the knowledge that his death wish was likely to be fulfilled sooner rather than later? Why?
2. After many of the engagements in the novel, Jack succumbs to a kind of depression. In this chapter it’s described as “a sense of oppression; a feeling more of the Cacafuego’s defeat than the Sophie’s victory”. What do you believe causes this depression in someone who takes such joy in combat? Is it simply the letdown after a buildup or is it something more?
3. Jack weeps as those killed during the action with the Cacafuego are committed to the deep. Why for the men in this particular action and not the others? Do you believe showing such emotion compromises his status as captain with the crew? Does it compromise his status with you?
4. According to the author, in Jack’s “sorrow for Dillon there was a guilt whose cause and nature eluded him”. What do you suspect its cause and nature to be? Why doesn’t Jack understand it?
5. At Jack receives many marks of success thanks to the engagement with the Cacafuego: Molly Harte’s favors, praise from fellow captains. How important are these marks of success to him?
6. What are the consequences Jack suffers for Molly Harte’s favors? What impact do they have on him? Does he come to realize the mistake he’s made?
The Aubreyad Press Gang is engaged in a group read of the series. Feel free to join the discussion! You must be a registered member of the forums and the APG to post.
Questions by your captain.
Dr. Maturin suggests further reading: