# Loyalty and Betrayal in Captain Blood

> Theme guide for Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini.

Loyalty is tested repeatedly—among buccaneers bound by articles, between Blood and his crew, and in political allegiances—with betrayal often stemming from greed or fear, as seen in Ogle's mutiny and Levasseur's treachery.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Messenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/i-the-messenger): The Misses Pitt's cold disdain reflects their judgment of Blood's refusal to join the rebellion, highlighting conflicting loyalties.
- [Kirke's Dragoons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/ii-kirke-s-dragoons): Blood's quick thinking to protect Pitt shows loyalty to a friend, while Hobart's actions reflect the crown's betrayal of mercy.
- [XI: Filial Piety](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/xi-filial-piety): Don Diego's betrayal of his parole by steering toward his brother's flagship contrasts with Blood's ruthless but calculated response.
- [XII: Don Pedro Sangre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/xii-don-pedro-sangre): Blood's elaborate deception of Don Miguel involves feigned loyalty to Spain while betraying the trust of the Spanish admiral.
- [XIV: Levasseur's Heroics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/xiv-levasseur-s-heroics): Levasseur betrays the trust and agreement of Captain Blood by attacking a Dutch ship, while Cahusac remains loyal but critical of his captain's actions.
- [XVII: The Dupes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/xvii-the-dupes): Cahusac's defection with his followers represents a clear betrayal, while Blood's council remains divided in loyalty.
- [Hostilities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/xxii-hostilities): Blood's loyalty to his word and the commission is tested by Bishop's hostility, while his crew's lukewarm allegiance and the departure of Wolverstone highlight themes of betrayal.
- [Hostages](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/xxiii-hostages): Blood's loyalty to his men is shown by sending Wolverstone to warn them, while Bishop feels betrayed by Blood's actions.
- [War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/xxiv-war): Lord Julian betrays his pledge to Arabella and secretly aids Bishop against Blood.
- [The Service of King Louis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/xxv-the-service-of-king-louis): Wolverstone's loyalty in covering for Blood contrasts with Christian's desertion, and Blood's own sense of betrayal by fate and love leaves him paralyzed.
- [The Honour of M. de Rivarol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/xxviii-the-honour-of-m-de-rivarol): Rivarol betrays the buccaneers by fleeing with the treasure, breaking the alliance and prompting Blood's pursuit.
- [XXX: The Last Fight of the Arabella](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/chapters/xxx-the-last-fight-of-the-arabella): The buccaneers' loyalty to Blood and each other is tested as they fight to the death, knowing retreat is impossible.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/themes/loyalty_and_betrayal
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/captain_blood_se/themes