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The Silver Button
Alan’s French clothes symbolize defiance and the burden of political allegiance. They are elegant, impractical, and dangerously conspicuous, marking him as a Jacobite and a target in British-controlled Scotland. Yet Alan refuses to part with them, insisting they reflect his dignity and moral convictions, not just his politics. His outfit often draws suspicion and limits his ability to hide, but to Alan, abandoning the clothes would mean abandoning himself. The clothes strain his friendship with David, who grows frustrated with the risk they create, but Alan’s refusal reveals the depth of his pride and identity. Even when James Stewart urges him to change, Alan persists. His costume, both admired and resented, becomes a visible declaration of honor, vanity, and loyalty—qualities that define Alan and complicate every step of his journey.
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Alan’s French Clothes Symbol Timeline in Kidnapped
The timeline below shows where the symbol Alan’s French Clothes appears in Kidnapped. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 9
...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...
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Chapter 19
...James frantically tries to conceal anything suspicious, he instructs a servant to bury Alan’s French clothes along with the weapons. When Alan sees this, he angrily snatches the bundle and retreats...
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Once Alan returns in his French outfit and David receives fresh clothes and Highland brogues, the household prepares them for flight with swords, pistols, food, and a...
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Chapter 21
...brings one of the wanted posters, which describes Alan in great detail, especially his French clothes. David’s own description matches the clothes he wore days ago, so he feels somewhat safer....
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