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Midwinter · Theme

Honor and Duty

How Midwinter develops Honor and Duty.

Characters grapple with personal honor and duty to their cause, as seen in Alastair's mission, Johnson's moral struggles, and the Duchess's conflicted role in protecting Lady Norreys.

Where it surfaces

  • II: In Which a Nobleman Is Perplexed

    Alastair appeals to Lord Cornbury's sense of duty and loyalty to the rightful Stuart succession, but Cornbury prioritizes prudence and the welfare of his followers.

  • III: In Which Private Matters Cut Across Affairs of State

    Johnson's desperate plea to save Miss Grevel contrasts with Lord Cornbury's legalistic refusal and Sir Christopher's pride, highlighting conflicting notions of duty.

  • Mr. Kyd of Greyhouses

    Alastair feels a strong duty to return to the northern army and prevent military blunders, reflecting his sense of honor.

  • V: Chance-Medley

    The tutor defends his honor through fisticuffs, and the recruits grapple with their duty to follow orders despite being deceived about their mission.

  • IX: Old England

    Alastair feels duty-bound to uncover the spy and ensure the success of the Prince's campaign.

  • X: Snowbound at the Sleeping Deer

    Alastair speaks of fighting for 'the old things' and Lady Norreys extols loyalty as the faith that moves mountains, highlighting the theme of personal and political duty.

  • Night at the Same: Two Visitors

    Oglethorpe's honorable opposition to Alastair; Alastair's resolve to stop Norreys.

  • Duchess Kitty on the Road

    Alastair's sense of justice and the Duchess's oath to assist, despite her Whig politics.

  • XV: Bids Farewell to a Scots Laird

    Alastair and Charles Hay act out of a sense of duty to the Prince and justice, while Edom Lowrie's duty to his family name overrides political allegiance.

  • XVI: Bids Farewell to an English Lady

    Alastair struggles between his duty to deliver news to the Prince and his sense of honor toward protecting Claudia.

  • XVII: Ordeal of Honour

    Alastair struggles between his duty to the Prince and his personal honor, ultimately convening a court of honor to judge Sir John Norreys.

  • In Which Three Gentlemen Confess Their Nakedness

    Alastair feels he has failed in duty to his Prince and betrayed the Cause, yet resolves to stand by it to the end.

  • Ramoth-Gilead

    Alastair insists on rejoining his Prince out of duty, and Oglethorpe acts with honor by not detaining him.

  • Postscript

    Johnson learns from Alastair that a man can be gay yet resolute, and a Christian capable of fortitude, highlighting duty in the face of adversity.