When Charles the First Was King · Question
How does When Charles the First Was King develop the theme of Loyalty to the Crown?
Answer
When Charles the First Was King by J. S. Fletcher develops Loyalty to the Crown across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative centers on unwavering loyalty to King Charles I, with characters like Will Dale and Philip Lisle viewing the monarchy as divinely ordained and fighting for it despite personal cost, while contrasting this with the Parliamentarian cause.
Philip Lisle and Jack Drumbleforth argue for unwavering allegiance to King Charles, while Parson Drumbleforth and Master Oldthwaite question the King's actions.
Ben Tuckett declares himself a Royalist despite the risks, and the group's escape is motivated by their allegiance to the King.
Jack and Philip express unwavering loyalty to King Charles I, viewing rebellion as a sin against God and the rightful monarch.
Evidence in the book
- Of Philip Lisle’s Call to Arms
Philip Lisle and Jack Drumbleforth argue for unwavering allegiance to King Charles, while Parson Drumbleforth and Master Oldthwaite question the King's actions.
- Of Our Flight from That Neighbourhood
Ben Tuckett declares himself a Royalist despite the risks, and the group's escape is motivated by their allegiance to the King.
- Of Jack Drumbleforth's Return Home
Jack and Philip express unwavering loyalty to King Charles I, viewing rebellion as a sin against God and the rightful monarch.
- Of the Second Siege of Pontefract Castle
The garrison's defense of Pontefract Castle for King Charles I, and Will's mother's prayers for the King's cause, underscore unwavering royalist loyalty.
- Of Our Adventure in Derbyshire
Philip Lisle's caution about being among Roundheads and his search for a Royalist-friendly inn shows continued loyalty to the King.
- Of the Surrender of Pontefract Castle
The garrison holds the castle for the King for five months, enduring starvation and repeated disappointments before surrendering, demonstrating steadfast royalist loyalty.
- Of Our Imprisonment in Pontefract Castle
The Royalist prisoners remain steadfast in their allegiance, and Colonel Morrice's betrayal of Cotterel is motivated by a desire to restore the Castle to the King's friends.
- Of the Scene Before Whitehall
Will and Master Goodfellow are Royalists; Will says 'God save your Majesty!' and dips his kerchief in the King's blood as a memento.
