← The Maid of Sker

The Maid of Sker · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore.

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  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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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  1. Chapter 6He Lands an Unexpected Fish
  2. Chapter 7V: A Little Orphan Mermaid
  3. Chapter 8Finds a Home of Some Sort
  4. Chapter 9Boat Versus Bardie
  5. Chapter 10VIII: Children Will Be Children
  6. Chapter 11IX: Sandhills Turned to Sand-Holes
  7. Chapter 12Under the Rock
  8. Chapter 13XI: A Wrecker Wrecked
  9. Chapter 14How to Sell Fish
  10. Chapter 15The Coroner and the Coronet
  11. Chapter 16In Accordance with the Evidence
  12. Chapter 17A Verdict on the Jury
  13. Chapter 18XVI: Truth Lies Sometimes in a Well
  14. Chapter 19For a Little Change of Air
  15. Chapter 20XVIII: Public Approbation
  16. Chapter 21XIX: A Craft Beyond the Law
  17. Chapter 22Confidential Intercourse
  18. Chapter 23XXI: Cross-Examination
  19. Chapter 24Another Disappointment
  20. Chapter 25Into Good Society
  21. Chapter 26Sound Investments
  22. Chapter 27A Long Goodbye
  23. Chapter 28XXVI: Braunton Burrows
  24. Chapter 29A Fine Spectacle
  25. Chapter 30XXVIII: Something About Him
  26. Chapter 31A Visit to a Parson
  27. Chapter 32XXX: On Duty
  28. Chapter 33XXXI: Two Lovers
  29. Chapter 34XXXII: Among the Savages
  30. Chapter 35XXXIII: In a State of Nature
  31. Chapter 36Waiting and Learning
  32. Chapter 37The Polite Ferryman
  33. Chapter 38Under Fairer Auspices
  34. Chapter 39Two Poor Children
  35. Chapter 40A Fine Old Gentleman
  36. Chapter 41Notice to Quit
  37. Chapter 42Forcible Ejectment
  38. Chapter 43XLI: The Right Man in the Right Place
  39. Chapter 44The Little Maid, and the Midshipman
  40. Chapter 45XLIII: A Fine Price for Bardie
  41. Chapter 46Provides for Education
  42. Chapter 47XLV: Introduces a Real Hero
  43. Chapter 48After Seven Years
  44. Chapter 49Mischief in a Household
  45. Chapter 50A Breathless Disinterment
  46. Chapter 51One Who Has Interred Himself
  47. Chapter 52A Brave Man Runs Away
  48. Chapter 53Triple Education
  49. Chapter 54Great March of Intellect
  50. Chapter 55Beating Up for the Navy
  51. Chapter 56Taming of the Savages
  52. Chapter 57LV: Upon Foreign Service
  53. Chapter 58Exiles of Society
  54. Chapter 59Many Weak Moments
  55. Chapter 60LVIII: More Haste, Less Speed
  56. Chapter 61In a Rocky Bower
  57. Chapter 62Nelson and the Nile
  58. Chapter 63LXI: A Savage Deed
  59. Chapter 64LXII: A Rash Young Captain
  60. Chapter 65Polly at Home
  61. Chapter 66LXIV: Susan Quite Acquits Herself
  62. Chapter 67LXV: So Does Poor Old Davy
  63. Chapter 68LXVI: The Maid at Last Is 'Dentified'
  64. Chapter 69Dog Eats Dog
  65. Chapter 70The Old Pitcher at the Well Again
  66. Chapter 71Endnotes