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Chapter 29
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
David wakes on the first morning of his new fortune, proud of the land he now owns, but still burdened with unresolved duties. He feels the need to help Alan escape and to intervene in the wrongful prosecution of James Stewart. Rankeillor firmly supports aiding Alan but warns against entangling himself in the Appin murder case, which involves powerful figures and poses a serious threat to David’s life. Despite the danger, David insists that he will do what is right, even if it costs him his life. Moved by this resolve, Rankeillor provides financial support and letters of introduction to aid David’s efforts. With this, Rankeillor departs, and David and Alan set off together toward Edinburgh, knowing their time together is nearly over.
David’s sense of duty and justice continues to weigh on him. Despite gaining wealth and land, he feels compelled to help Alan escape and to address the wrongful prosecution of James Stewart. His determination to do what he believes is right, even at the cost of his own life, speaks to his internal conflict between personal gain and moral responsibility. The fact that Rankeillor supports his decision but cautions him against the danger of the Appin murder case emphasizes the harsh reality that doing the right thing often involves significant personal risk. This reinforces David's development from a passive character into someone willing to act according to his values, no matter the consequences.
Themes
Their journey is slow and quiet, filled with unspoken emotion. Finally, at a hill overlooking Edinburgh, they part ways. Alan, too proud to show his feelings, offers David his hand, and David accepts it without meeting his eyes. David walks toward the city in search of an Appin Stewart lawyer who can aid Alan in returning to France. Meanwhile, Alan hides in the hills, still unable to show his face in public. As David approaches Edinburgh, he is overcome by a deep loneliness and regret. His thoughts remain with Alan, and a lingering sorrow dulls the thrill of his return to civilization.
The moment of parting between David and Alan reveals the complexity of their bond. Although the two men are from different walks of life and are sure to live very different lives in the future, they have a profound respect for each other. The journey they went on together is one that cannot be expressed in words, and they both feel sorrow having to leave the other’s side. As such, the ending to the novel is ultimately bittersweet; David wins his fortune but loses his friend.
Themes
