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Chapter 5
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 arrives at the Hawes Inn with Ebenezer and Ransome. Hoseason greets Ebenezer warmly and brings them into a small, overheated room, where he and Ebenezer begin discussing business over drinks and documents. David leaves them and wanders down to the beach. There, he watches the sailors of the Covenant prepare for departure and speaks with some of them, including Ransome, who begs David to buy him a drink. David offers an ale, and they sit together in the front room of Hawes Inn. Curious about Ebenezer’s reputation, David strikes up a conversation with the innkeeper and learns that people in the area believe Ebenezer murdered David’s father to inherit the House of Shaws. Though David had suspected foul play, hearing this confirmed stuns him.
The overheated room, the secrecy between Hoseason and Ebenezer, and the grim rumors from the innkeeper all create an atmosphere thick with unease. By stepping outside and speaking to sailors and locals, David begins to gather the truth for himself, rather than waiting for it to be handed down. The revelation about his father’s possible murder jolts him both emotionally and morally; it shifts his purpose from self-preservation to justice. The inn thus represents a crossroads: David eats, listens, reflects, and begins to shed the last of his childhood trust.
Themes
As David finishes his meal at the inn, Ebenezer calls for him from outside, and he finds his uncle standing with Hoseason. The captain greets David warmly and invites him aboard the Covenant for a quick visit and a drink. David wants to see the ship but hesitates, explaining that he and his uncle have an appointment with a lawyer. Hoseason quickly assures him that the Covenant is moored right beside the lawyer’s house and leans in to whisper a warning—Ebenezer, he says, has bad intentions, and he can explain more if David comes aboard. The captain’s friendly, easy manner convinces David to accept the offer.
When Hoseason lures David toward the ship, the narrative pace slows and draws out the ambiguity. The captain’s charm creates a mask of safety, and David, desperate to hear the rest of the story, chooses to believe in it. Hoseason’s calm demeanor highlights a different kind of threat: not the obvious villain like Ebenezer, but the man who smiles while setting the trap. Although David may have learned how to handle his uncle, Hoseason deceives him with ease.
Themes
Together, David, Hoseason, and Ebenezer take a small boat out to the Covenant, and once they reach it, David is hoisted aboard. Hoseason stays close beside him and starts pointing out parts of the ship, speaking casually. David, at first fascinated, suddenly realizes he has not seen Ebenezer. When he asks where Ebenezer is, Hoseason replies cryptically, “That’s the point.” Alarmed, David runs to the rail and looks down. The rowboat is already halfway back to shore, and Ebenezer sits in it, staring up at him with a face full of cruelty. Shocked, David cries out for help, shouting “Murder!” across the harbor. But before anyone can respond, the sailors grab him from behind. One of them strikes him on the head, and everything goes black.
David’s fascination turns into horror as the truth sets in—he has not been offered help but was sold off like a piece of cargo. David screams, but no one answers, and the sailors’ silent violence finishes the ambush. This scene strips David of all illusion: charm, legality, and family ties offer no protection in a world where money and violence rule. Ebenezer is a despised figure throughout town and yet, because he has money, he is able to get rid of David almost immediately. Now, David’s true adventure begins as he finds himself out of his depth and in dangerous company.
Themes
