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Chapter 8
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
The Covenant’s luck worsens as it struggles against foul winds and makes little progress at sea. Ten days into the journey, a thick fog descends. That night, while David serves Hoseason and Riach their supper, the ship collides with a rowboat. All aboard the smaller vessel are lost except for one nimble man who leaps from the sinking boat and grabs hold of the Covenant’s rigging. When he enters the round-house, David notes his confidence, weapons, fine but weathered clothes, and bold manners. The man quickly reveals himself to be Alan Breck Stewart, a Highland Jacobite rebel returning from France with money for his exiled clan chief, Ardshiel.
The arrival of Alan Breck Stewart introduces a real-world political conflict that shapes much of what follows: the Jacobite uprisings. Alan belongs to the losing side of a major rebellion—supporters of the exiled Stuart monarchy who tried to restore Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) to the British throne in 1745. That uprising ended in brutal defeat at the Battle of Culloden, and many Highlanders were either executed, driven into exile, or hunted down.
Themes
Alan negotiates with Hoseason to be set ashore in return for a reward. Hoseason, eyeing the gold in Alan’s belt, agrees—but the two speak in careful, politically loaded phrases. Alan admits to being hunted by the British crown after the failed Jacobite uprising of 1745. Though Hoseason claims to be a loyal Protestant and supporter of King George, he promises to help Alan for the right price. After seeing the money, Hoseason leaves Alan in the round-house and convenes with Riach to plan an ambush. David, sent to fetch liquor, overhears their scheme. Hoseason and Riach ask David to smuggle out the ship’s guns—which are all sitting in the round-house with Alan—claiming they will protect him and share the profits.
The tension between Alan and Captain Hoseason is religious and political. Hoseason identifies as a Protestant and a loyal subject of King George II, which puts him firmly on the side that crushed the Highland clans. Alan, by contrast, represents a fading world: Catholic Highlanders, clan loyalty, and resistance to British centralization. Their conversation dances around this conflict. They speak politely but with the knowledge that either could betray the other at any moment. David witnesses this with growing clarity, even though he is not fully aware of the politics at play.
Themes
David pretends to cooperate but rushes back to warn Alan instead. He tells him the truth—that the crew means to kill him, and they have already murdered a cabin boy. Alan immediately prepares to fight and arms David. Though David fears the odds—15 men against two—he vows to stand with Alan. Alan positions himself at the open doorway with his sword, while David guards the rear with pistols.
David’s warning to Alan marks the first time he acts with full agency. Rather than reacting to danger or seeking protection, he initiates a course of action and commits to its consequences. This shift signals a key stage in his development: he begins to define his values not in relation to family or authority, but in relation to conscience.
Themes
