# Loyalty and Betrayal in Midwinter

> Theme guide for Midwinter by John Buchan.

The narrative is driven by conflicting loyalties to prince, country, and personal honor, with characters like Kyd and Sir John Norreys embodying treachery that threatens the Jacobite cause.

## Where it surfaces

- [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midwinter_se/chapters/dedication): The dedication explicitly speaks of 'twin loyalties' and attempts to 'intertwine our loyalties,' establishing loyalty as a central theme.
- [I: In Which a Highland Gentleman Misses His Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midwinter_se/chapters/i-in-which-a-highland-gentleman-misses-his-way): The theme is explored through Alastair's 'huge baggage of ambitions and loyalties' versus Midwinter's claim to have 'the loyalties of Old England,' hinting at different forms of allegiance.
- [Mr. Kyd of Greyhouses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midwinter_se/chapters/iv-mr-kyd-of-greyhouses): Alastair's loyalty to the Prince is contrasted with Mr. Kyd's ambiguous expressions, hinting at possible betrayal.
- [How a Man May Hunt with the Hounds and Yet Run with the Hare](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midwinter_se/chapters/vii-how-a-man-may-hunt-with-the-hounds-and-yet-run-with-the-hare): Alastair's anxiety about a traitor in the Jacobite cause contrasts with the fierce loyalty of Lady Norreys and her servants.
- [Broom at the Crossroads](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midwinter_se/chapters/viii-broom-at-the-crossroads): Alastair's growing distrust of Kyd and the revelation of Kyd's secret correspondence with Norreys underscore the fragility of loyalty.
- [IX: Old England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midwinter_se/chapters/ix-old-england): Alastair questions the loyalty of Kyd and Sir John Norreys, fearing betrayal could doom the Jacobite cause.
- [XII: The Hut in the Oak Shaw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midwinter_se/chapters/xii-the-hut-in-the-oak-shaw): Alastair's fury stems from being betrayed by those he trusted, while his own loyalty to the Prince is twisted into apparent treason.
- [Duchess Kitty on the Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midwinter_se/chapters/xiv-duchess-kitty-on-the-road): Claudia's unwavering loyalty contrasted with her husband's betrayal and Kyd's double-dealing.
- [XV: Bids Farewell to a Scots Laird](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midwinter_se/chapters/xv-bids-farewell-to-a-scots-laird): Kyd's betrayal of the Jacobite cause is contrasted with Edom Lowrie's steadfast loyalty to his family and master.
- [Ramoth-Gilead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/midwinter_se/chapters/xix-ramoth-gilead): Alastair remains loyal to the Jacobite cause despite the retreat, while Oglethorpe respects his loyalty even as an enemy.

## Links

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