The Maid of Sker · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore.
Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.
Chapter 1
Epigraph
The epigraph presents a Greek quotation that condemns a faithless man who harbored a cold, cunning serpent in his bosom, foreshadowing themes of betrayal and hidden danger.
Chapter 2
The Maid of Sker
The chapter introduces the setting and characters around Sker, focusing on the mysterious 'Maid of Sker' and the early interactions among the local fisherfolk and gentry.
Chapter 3
Fisherman Davy a Fish Out of Water
Davy Llewellyn, an aging fisherman from the Glamorganshire coast, introduces himself and his intention to write a book about a curious adventure that has occupied his community for many years. He is encouraged by neighbors and a wealthy patron who promises to cover expenses and pay him £50 if he does well. Davy reflects on his past as a sailor in the Royal Navy, his humble education, and his doubts about his own skill as a writer, but he is persuaded by the community's faith in his storytelling ability.
Chapter 4
Hunger Drives Him A-Fishing
In the summer of 1782, David Llewellyn, a widowed fisherman and former sailor, struggles with grief after losing his wife and son. To feed his orphaned granddaughter Bunny, he forces himself to go fishing despite his sorrow, setting out for the conger-holes and lobster-ledges near Sker.
Chapter 5
The Fish Are as Hungry as He Is
Davy Llewellyn fishes at Sker, defying Evan Thomas's claim to the shore. He enjoys extraordinary luck, catching congers, lobsters, prawns, and mullet, and reflects on his life and responsibilities toward Bunny. After a nap, he wakes to find the tide rising and prepares for bass fishing.
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66 more companions → free preview- Chapter 6He Lands an Unexpected Fish
- Chapter 7V: A Little Orphan Mermaid
- Chapter 8Finds a Home of Some Sort
- Chapter 9Boat Versus Bardie
- Chapter 10VIII: Children Will Be Children
- Chapter 11IX: Sandhills Turned to Sand-Holes
- Chapter 12Under the Rock
- Chapter 13XI: A Wrecker Wrecked
- Chapter 14How to Sell Fish
- Chapter 15The Coroner and the Coronet
- Chapter 16In Accordance with the Evidence
- Chapter 17A Verdict on the Jury
- Chapter 18XVI: Truth Lies Sometimes in a Well
- Chapter 19For a Little Change of Air
- Chapter 20XVIII: Public Approbation
- Chapter 21XIX: A Craft Beyond the Law
- Chapter 22Confidential Intercourse
- Chapter 23XXI: Cross-Examination
- Chapter 24Another Disappointment
- Chapter 25Into Good Society
- Chapter 26Sound Investments
- Chapter 27A Long Goodbye
- Chapter 28XXVI: Braunton Burrows
- Chapter 29A Fine Spectacle
- Chapter 30XXVIII: Something About Him
- Chapter 31A Visit to a Parson
- Chapter 32XXX: On Duty
- Chapter 33XXXI: Two Lovers
- Chapter 34XXXII: Among the Savages
- Chapter 35XXXIII: In a State of Nature
- Chapter 36Waiting and Learning
- Chapter 37The Polite Ferryman
- Chapter 38Under Fairer Auspices
- Chapter 39Two Poor Children
- Chapter 40A Fine Old Gentleman
- Chapter 41Notice to Quit
- Chapter 42Forcible Ejectment
- Chapter 43XLI: The Right Man in the Right Place
- Chapter 44The Little Maid, and the Midshipman
- Chapter 45XLIII: A Fine Price for Bardie
- Chapter 46Provides for Education
- Chapter 47XLV: Introduces a Real Hero
- Chapter 48After Seven Years
- Chapter 49Mischief in a Household
- Chapter 50A Breathless Disinterment
- Chapter 51One Who Has Interred Himself
- Chapter 52A Brave Man Runs Away
- Chapter 53Triple Education
- Chapter 54Great March of Intellect
- Chapter 55Beating Up for the Navy
- Chapter 56Taming of the Savages
- Chapter 57LV: Upon Foreign Service
- Chapter 58Exiles of Society
- Chapter 59Many Weak Moments
- Chapter 60LVIII: More Haste, Less Speed
- Chapter 61In a Rocky Bower
- Chapter 62Nelson and the Nile
- Chapter 63LXI: A Savage Deed
- Chapter 64LXII: A Rash Young Captain
- Chapter 65Polly at Home
- Chapter 66LXIV: Susan Quite Acquits Herself
- Chapter 67LXV: So Does Poor Old Davy
- Chapter 68LXVI: The Maid at Last Is 'Dentified'
- Chapter 69Dog Eats Dog
- Chapter 70The Old Pitcher at the Well Again
- Chapter 71Endnotes