Authority and Rebellion

Where it surfaces

• IV: Certain Revelations

  Jim's decision to break into the Pavilion despite being a prefect highlights the tension between school rules and personal necessity.

• Concerning the Mutual Friend

  Vaughan resents Mr. Ward's authority in appointing Plunkett over him, and the boys subtly rebel by ignoring Plunkett's complaints.

• VII: Barrett Explores

  Barrett knowingly defies school bounds and Sir Alfred Venner's strict rules, highlighting the tension between youthful rebellion and institutional authority.

• Barrett Ceases to Explore

  Barrett defies gamekeepers and school rules by trespassing and egg-collecting, while Plunkett's capture highlights the clash between school prefects and authority.

• X: Mr. Thompson Investigates

  Mr. Thompson's strained relationship with Jim Thomson, stemming from his attempt to act as a confidant, reflects the tension between authority figures and students.

• XIII: Sir Alfred Scores

  Plunkett, a school prefect, rebels against school rules by smoking, challenging the authority of the Headmaster and the school system.

• Mr. Roberts Explains

  The Head's authority is challenged by his unjust suspicion of Jim and his reluctance to deal with Sir Alfred Venner, while Jim's disappearance hints at rebellion.

• The Disappearance of J. Thomson

  The Headmaster's suspicion that Jim ran away highlights the tension between school authority and a boy's response to perceived injustice.