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Chapter 23
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Kidnapped, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Political Conflict and National Identity
Trust and Betrayal
Justice vs. Injustice
Coming of Age
Summary
Analysis
Alan and David cross Loch Errocht under cover of night, accompanied by one of Cluny’s men who guides them east toward Loch Rannoch. Though David has mostly recovered from his illness, there is tension between himself and Alan. David burns with resentment over the lost money, while Alan, shamed by his mistake, grows defensive. Additionally, David is put off by Alan’s insistence on discussing political matters and insulting people, such as Mr. Campbell, who David respects. David imagines how much easier it would be to part ways, only to feel ashamed the moment the thought arises. At last, Alan breaks the silence and apologizes, but David, still bitter, refuses to accept it graciously.
As David and Alan cross Loch Errocht under the cover of night, their strained relationship becomes clear. David resents Alan for the lost money, which weighs heavily on him. Alan, feeling ashamed of his mistake, becomes defensive and distant. The resentment David feels is not just about the money but about Alan’s role in the betrayal, making it difficult for David to move past his anger. Alan’s defensiveness, on the other hand, stems from guilt. His inability to rectify the situation leaves him frustrated.
Themes
The next day, their guide recommends a path through Glenorchy, deep in Campbell territory. Alan objects due to his hatred of the Campbells but the guide insists this is the safest route, so they continue. For three nights they trudge through the mountains, soaked by rain, blinded by fog, and chilled by wind. David grows sick, his body weakening under the weight of exposure and hunger. Alan offers help again and again, but David turns him away with cold dismissals. Eventually, Alan gives up trying and begins mocking David, calling him “Whig” and taunting him for his slow pace. David, too exhausted to argue, fantasizes about dying just to make Alan suffer with guilt. When Alan pushes him one step too far, David finally explodes, accusing Alan of cowardice, bad manners, and repeated failures.
Alan calls David a “Whig” as a political jab, suggesting that David’s idealism makes him impractical. In the novel, “Whig” refers to someone who believes in reform within the existing system, which Alan sees as corrupt. The insult reflects Alan’s frustration not just with David’s physical weakness but with his belief in the nobility of figures like Mr. Campbell, whom Alan despises. This marks a philosophical divide between the two, where David’s respect for social order contrasts sharply with Alan’s disillusionment with it.
Themes
David draws his sword, challenging Alan to a fight. Alan draws his too—only to throw it aside and let it fall to the ground, unable to raise a hand against his friend. The sight breaks David’s fury. He pretends he is dying, not just to save face but because he is dangerously close to collapse. Alan instantly rushes to help, horrified by how blind he has been to David’s condition. The two reconcile at last. David leans on Alan’s arm, and they joke weakly as they search for shelter. David asks why Alan still cares for him, and Alan replies that he liked David when he never argued—but now that they have fought, he likes him even better.
David’s fantasy of dying to make Alan feel guilty shows the depth of his anger. When he accuses Alan of cowardice, it’s a desperate attempt to make Alan acknowledge his mistakes. Alan’s decision to throw down his sword, instead of fighting, signals his care for David over his pride. Alan’s willingness to help David, even after the fight, shows that despite their conflicts, their friendship is deeper than their quarrels, political or otherwise.
Themes
