Moonfleet · Theme
Smuggling and Lawlessness
How Moonfleet develops Smuggling and Lawlessness.
The narrative is steeped in the world of contraband, with smuggling as a central economic and social activity in Moonfleet, pitting the villagers against the Revenue and magistrates, and driving much of the plot's conflict and adventure.
Where it surfaces
- Epigraph
The epigraph song glorifies the smuggling trade, detailing the evasion of the Revenue and the risky landing of contraband, establishing lawlessness as a central theme.
- Moonfleet
The chapter establishes the smuggling operations as a central element of Moonfleet life, with Elzevir Block and others involved in illegal trade.
- III: A Discovery
John discovers the Mohune vault is a hidden cellar for smuggled liquor, revealing the secret operations of the contraband trade.
- In the Vault
The smugglers' meeting in the vault and their fear of the revenue men highlight the lawless contraband trade.
- The Landing
The chapter details the planning and execution of a smuggling landing, highlighting the constant tension with the Excise.