Kidnapped · Chapter
I Set Off Upon My Journey to the House of Shaws explained
David Balfour leaves his father's house in Essendean on a June morning in 1751.
What happens
David Balfour leaves his father's house in Essendean on a June morning in 1751. Mr. Campbell, the minister, gives him a letter from his father directing him to the House of Shaws, the estate of his uncle Ebenezer Balfour. Mr. Campbell offers advice and gifts, including a Bible, a shilling, and a recipe for lily of the valley water, before parting with David, who sets off with mixed feelings of excitement and guilt.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it is the emotional and psychological peak of Alan and David's…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Coming of Age
David's departure from Essendean marks the beginning of his journey into adulthood, leaving behind his childhood home and facing an uncertain future.
- Class and Identity
David's mixed feelings about his heritage and his father's instructions to present himself properly at the House of Shaws highlight themes of social class and personal identity.
Characters to notice
- David Balfour
The protagonist, a 17-year-old lad, leaves his home in Essendean to seek his fortune at the House of Shaws.
- Mr. Campbell
The minister of Essendean, who gives David a letter from his father, offers advice, and provides parting gifts.
Key passages
“I will begin the story of my adventures with a certain morning early in the month of June, the year of grace 1751, when I took the key for the last time out of the door of my father's house.”
David starts his tale on a June morning in 1751, locking his father's house for the final time.
Opening line establishing the setting and David's departure.
“My heart was beating hard at this great prospect now suddenly opening before a lad of seventeen years of age, the son of a poor country dominie in the Forest of Ettrick.”
David's heart raced at the unexpected opportunity before him, a poor schoolmaster's son from Ettrick.
David's excitement at the prospect of a new life.
“Be soople, Davie, in things immaterial,' said he. 'Bear ye this in mind, that, though gentle born, ye have had a country rearing. Dinnae shame us, Davie, dinnae shame us!”
Mr. Campbell advises David to be flexible in unimportant matters and to remember his humble upbringing despite his gentle birth, urging him not to bring shame.
Mr. Campbell's advice on conduct and social expectations.
