The Maid of Sker · Question
How does The Maid of Sker develop the theme of Morality and Hypocrisy?
Answer
The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore develops Morality and Hypocrisy across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book examines moral ambiguity through characters like Parson Chowne (a violent clergyman) and Davy himself, who justifies theft and deception while claiming virtue, exposing the gap between professed ethics and actual behavior.
The epigraph's image of harboring a serpent suggests hidden treachery and moral hypocrisy.
Davy wrestles with his conscience about taking in Bardie, weighing prudence against compassion, and later regrets not trusting Providence.
Davy attends church to maintain appearances and avoid suspicion, despite his questionable acquisition of the boat and his self-serving justifications.
Evidence in the book
- Epigraph
The epigraph's image of harboring a serpent suggests hidden treachery and moral hypocrisy.
- V: A Little Orphan Mermaid
Davy wrestles with his conscience about taking in Bardie, weighing prudence against compassion, and later regrets not trusting Providence.
- Boat Versus Bardie
Davy attends church to maintain appearances and avoid suspicion, despite his questionable acquisition of the boat and his self-serving justifications.
- Under the Rock
Davy's self-proclaimed Christianity is undercut by his racist views and his concern for salvage over human life, highlighting the hypocrisy of his moral stance.
- XI: A Wrecker Wrecked
Evan Thomas's greed and drunkenness contrast with Davy's moral reluctance to participate in wrecking, highlighting hypocrisy in the community.
- How to Sell Fish
Davy's deceptive methods for selling fish, such as propping up eyes with ray spines, highlight the moral compromises made for profit, while he justifies his actions as necessary in a dishonest trade.
- A Verdict on the Jury
The jury's indulgence in drink and tobacco while deliberating a tragic death, and their quick verdict to appease Evan Thomas, highlights moral hypocrisy.
- XVI: Truth Lies Sometimes in a Well
Hezekiah's religious pretensions and his scheme for profit contrast with his claims of doing good, highlighting hypocrisy. Davy's internal conflict about partnership also touches on moral boundaries.
