# Smuggling and Lawlessness in Moonfleet

> Theme guide for Moonfleet by John Meade Falkner.

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moonfleet_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moonfleet_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moonfleet_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moonfleet_se/chapters/iv-in-the-vault): The smugglers' meeting in the vault and their fear of the revenue men highlight the lawless contraband trade.
- [The Landing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moonfleet_se/chapters/viii-the-landing): The chapter details the planning and execution of a smuggling landing, highlighting the constant tension with the Excise.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moonfleet_se/themes/smuggling_and_lawlessness
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/moonfleet_se/themes