The Plot, Volume 3
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| == Chapter 8 == | == Chapter 8 == | ||
| - | + | Wacousta starts to share his story to Clara which makes a clear picture of the motives and type of personality Wacousta has. He states that “during my boyhood… (I) loved to excite myself by encountering danger in its most terrific forms. (449) The reader learns that Wacousta is a thrill seeker and enjoys being envied or feared by others. He shows remorse when he speaks of his spirit of adventure growing stronger with him and wishes it had left him and “(he may) never been the wrench (he is).” (449) The chapter concludes with Wacousta speaking of his love, and desire for Clara Beverley and lets his emotional side show only momentarily. | |
| == Chapter 9 == | == Chapter 9 == | ||
| - | + | In this chapter we learn about the tumultuous relationship between Captain de Haldimar and Wacousta. Wacousta’s narrative paints the idea that he loves Clara Beverley and is not yet the “savage” he is now. He speaks of how handsome he was and that he “had not yet… turned to gall by villainy and deceit.” (462) The main plot is established in this chapter with the deep roots of unpleasantries between Wacousta and de Haldimar. | |
| == Chapter 10 == | == Chapter 10 == | ||
| - | + | Wacousta gets Clara to leave her mountain oasis to be with him. At times its seems that Wacousta might truly love Clara however it is a sense of ownership he has towards her that creates doubt as to the honesty of his love for Clara. Wacousta refers to Clara by saying, “I felt that now my prize was indeed secured to me forever…”. (479) Once returning he is summoned away and asks de Haldimar to care for Clara until he returns. Wacousta reflects on the way de Haldimar seemed to be calm at the time but looking back he seemed quite eager with the task. | |
| == Chapter 11 == | == Chapter 11 == | ||
Revision as of 22:21, 14 June 2020
Contents |
Group 9 – The Plot, Volume 3
Map out the plot of each chapter in Volume 3 by highlighting the key events that transpire, the key themes that appear, and the significant changes in circumstances. Provide an overview of the importance of this volume to the work as a whole.
Chapter 1
Entering the first chapter of the final volume, the reader finds the characters on a schooner heading down the Sinclair river following the disappearance of the young chief in a canoe. A quick plot twist occurs only two pages in as Jack Fuller becomes convinced that “what he had seen was no other, could be no other, than a ghost” (341)! Combined with dark language depicting “the deepest gloom” and “the threatening state of the atmosphere” (341), this volume takes on a gothic appeal in comparison to the generally realistic style we have so far seen. As the characters react to the idea of spirits aboard their boat, the combination of such as well as the fact that “none slept” (342) leaves everyone on edge and questioning what Fuller may have seen. This continues for 10 pages as they debate different explanations that could have been mistaken for this ghost. Finally, on page 346, Captain de Haldimar jumps into the canoe where they think they see the ghost and realize it is indeed Madeline de Haldimar. This realization brings the story back to a realistic perspective but the brief gothic section serves to display to the reader a perspective on the many terrifying and difficult hardships they went though, further allowing the reader to connect more deeply with the characters. The further in-depth description on Madeline’s “grief which calcined and preyed upon all other feelings of the mind” (348) also helps with the insight on the aftermaths of the very violent period they lived in. After the initial hook into this volume, the second half of the chapter sets up a pathway for the plot as Captain de Haldimar and Sir Everard Valletort discuss the next course of action following the death of the previous captain, Danvers. Worries that they might be “seen by [their] enemies” (350) in addition to the danger of the dangerous Canadian waters prepares the reader for a difficult journey back to fort Détroit. A promise of money for Mullins and his boat crew if this task can be completed is offered which excites them all but as he proclaims that “the lads may take the money, if they like; all I care about is the king’s commission” (351) and emphasizes that he would do it for free especially for the protection of the two women aboard. The chapter comes to a close with a return to Madeline’s doing as she is observed to be recovering well from the previous horrors and she begins to eat and talk again. Overall, this chapter begins with a huge hook to entice the reader and then nicely sets up an idea of where the volume is heading while leaving some cliff hangers as the reader wonders about what dangers they are going to face on the journey back.
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 opens with Madeline de Haldimar recounting the events that transpired at fort Michilimackinac which then lead to their current situation. Beginning with a planned attack by the 'Indians', the reader is immersed in the vigorous battle that takes place where many are killed. The thorough retelling of the fight brings the reader to learn more about Madeline as a character. Through the chaos, she is rescued by Captain Baynton who tries to save her and bring her upstairs. This event exposes Madeline as someone who refuses to be escorted to safety when others were in danger and instead wants to “return again to the scene of death, in which her beloved parent was so conspicuous an actor” (359). This paints her as a very caring individual who does not think of herself first. Her attempt to return to her father’s side results in a loss of consciousness after she falls over Middleton’s body. When she regains, she finds “herself in the firm grasp of an Indian” (360) and struggles without avail to escape. We find out the 'Indians' name is Oucanasta and upon realization that she is trying to help her, Madeline ceases to resist and follows her plan which eventually brings her to the schooner. This is an important turning point as it not only emphasizes the theme of fears of the unknown outside the walls of a fort, in line with the theme of the garrison mentality, but proves that not all of the unknowns are dangerous. The reader also gets to enjoy an increase involvement of female figures which have not been overly displayed thus far. As Madeline considers “a friend in Oucanasta” and thinks of her as “a generous creature” (364) it further amplifies the perhaps unnecessary fear of the unknown. This theme continues after the schooner crashes and a fallen tree leads to a fear of an impending ‘Indian’ attack. The initial reaction of the British, believing that the tree is a sign of an impending attack, suggests the theme of the garrison mentality because this is a fear of nature due to its connection to ‘Indians’. Again, the fear of the unknown (not knowing how the tree got there) continues to push the plot forward. In this case their fear was well placed as the scalped head of Jack Fuller is found and a further attack upon the schooner by the 'Indians' evolves into a full-on battle which results in a takeover over the schooner. This leaves the survivors to be the "bound and passive victim[s] oft he warrior of the Fleur de lis" (375). Overall, this chapter truly displays the sometimes misleading mindsets in regards to the fear of the unknown, and the final staged attack which displays the intelligence of the ‘Indians’ which until this point has been drastically undermined.
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 takes place back in fort Détroit as questions arise regarding the mission to fort Michilimackinac. Those in fort Détroit question its success as it is revealed that they had been waiting for over a week for the signal to come from Frederick de Haldimar and Valletort. This leads to “a nervous anxiety of the officers” which becomes “more and more developed” (377) and an overall unease around the fort. Again, the theme of the unknown is prevalent as they wonder what may have happened on their journey.
The plot thickens when something mysterious is seen in the ditch, described as “a dark and motionless object” (378). It is determined to be an ‘Indian’ spy and Charles is sent off to find his father and receive further orders. As he does so, he comes upon his sleeping father and subsequently letters, seemingly from his mother, as well as a miniature which holds a portrait of her. This is identical to the one that his sister Clara was wearing when he last saw her. The plot advances as the reader learns that these discoveries could be “violating some secret of his parents” (382) and the anger his father shows upon discovery furthers this claim. As Charles is sent back to the ditch, the ‘Indian’ has left but leaves behind the object that he was holding. Casting a reflection on the opening volume’s drawbridge disasters, we see the first time an officer leaves the fort alone but also returns safely with the portrait of Mrs. de Haldimar in his hands. Unsure how to interpret the meaning behind it, the men argue between it as a sign of “the destruction of [their] last remaining friends and comrades” (388), while others believe “the bearer came not in hostility but in friendship” (388). Unsure of its true meaning, the chapter ends with Charles putting the portrait in his pocket and returning to duty.
Overall, this chapter gives the reader a grounding on what is happening back in fort Détroit where those captured on the schooner had been trying to get back to. It also displays how interconnected all of the characters still are despite being in very different places and situations, pushing the plot forward as the reader continues to search for all of the strings that will tie it all together.
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Wacousta starts to share his story to Clara which makes a clear picture of the motives and type of personality Wacousta has. He states that “during my boyhood… (I) loved to excite myself by encountering danger in its most terrific forms. (449) The reader learns that Wacousta is a thrill seeker and enjoys being envied or feared by others. He shows remorse when he speaks of his spirit of adventure growing stronger with him and wishes it had left him and “(he may) never been the wrench (he is).” (449) The chapter concludes with Wacousta speaking of his love, and desire for Clara Beverley and lets his emotional side show only momentarily.
Chapter 9
In this chapter we learn about the tumultuous relationship between Captain de Haldimar and Wacousta. Wacousta’s narrative paints the idea that he loves Clara Beverley and is not yet the “savage” he is now. He speaks of how handsome he was and that he “had not yet… turned to gall by villainy and deceit.” (462) The main plot is established in this chapter with the deep roots of unpleasantries between Wacousta and de Haldimar.
Chapter 10
Wacousta gets Clara to leave her mountain oasis to be with him. At times its seems that Wacousta might truly love Clara however it is a sense of ownership he has towards her that creates doubt as to the honesty of his love for Clara. Wacousta refers to Clara by saying, “I felt that now my prize was indeed secured to me forever…”. (479) Once returning he is summoned away and asks de Haldimar to care for Clara until he returns. Wacousta reflects on the way de Haldimar seemed to be calm at the time but looking back he seemed quite eager with the task.
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 examines the end of Wacousta’s story and the fate of his prisoners. Wacousta says that when he returned to the cottage Clara was “the wedded wife of yon false and traitorous governor” (487) and when he confronted Charles about this betrayal Charles mocked him. This change, where Clara marries Charles instead of Reginald conveys a theme of lying and secrecy. Wacousta’s lie about his relationship with Clara contradicts his self-characterization as honest, in chapter 8.
Wacousta tells Clara that when he confronted her mother she apologized but claimed to love Charles more. Wacousta says that he grabbed her, declaring he would take her back to the Oasis and if Charles was brave enough, he could rescue her. This aggression shows a difference in Wacousta/Reginald’s treatment of Clara as in the previous chapter he was concerned with her safety.
Wacousta continues acting violently as he hits Charles when he comes to Clara’s aid. This violence was used as evidence in the court-martial against Wacousta/Reginald who was found guilty of neglecting his responsibilities and disobeying orders. Charles gave evidence against Wacousta/Reginald stating that he had to correct Reginald's equipment and convince him to go on the mission. Wacousta states that Charles betrayed him, “every back was turned” (493), and he was forced to leave.
Wacousta took actions against the British and when he learned that Clara died and that Charles adored their children, Wacousta “resolved to turn [Charles’] cup of joy into bitterness” (495). Wacousta illustrates his actions against the de Haldimar’s by reminding Clara that he tried to kill Frederick in Quebec. Wacousta proclaims that: Frederick shall die where ‘Frank’ did, Clara will be his wife and Valletort shall suffer knowing Wacousta married Clara. While proclaiming his victory, Wacousta hears a noise and the prisoner's escape plan begins. Clara and Ellen fight for Ellen’s knife and Oucanasta’s brother discreetly cuts Valletort loose. Valletort carries unconscious Clara to the bridge “over which lay his only chance of safety” (502), as Wacousta and Ellen follow. Valletort believes there are ‘Indians’ under the arch, but it is Blessington, Erskine and Charles in disguise, which re-establishes the theme of deception.
While the officers exit Charles stays on the bridge as Ellen begs for her husband’s life and Wacousta shoots him. The British soldiers surround and capture Wacousta, then return to the fort. Charles’ death and Wacousta’s capture signify the theme that vengeance/enacting revenge can lead to destruction of guilty and innocent people.
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 opens with the officers discussing Charles’ death and how to punish Wacousta; “all concurred in opinion, that the death of [Charles] was a judgement on their colonel for the little mercy he had extended to… Halloway” (507). The women and Mr. Morrison gather to mourn/commemorate Charles by taking a lock of hair for each officer. The narrator suggests a contrast from the mourning of Murphy when “in one, the rude soldier was mourned, - in the other, the gentle friend was lamented” (510).
Valletort claims that Charles was like his brother and expresses regret over the cold greeting he gave him as he rushed to safety. Blessington also expresses guilt for not realizing that Charles remained on the bridge. In this conversation, Valletort and the reader learn that it was the ‘Indian’ helping who changed Frederick’s plan to include capturing Wacousta.
This chapter relates to the theme of uncovering truths, as the reader learns Blessington’s perspective of how the officers believed Ellen’s screams were one of the de Haldimar cousins. The whereabouts of Frederick and Madeline remain unknown, however; Blessington posits that they may have been recaptured and that Wacousta may use them to facilitate a trade. Valletort tells Blessington Wacousta’s past and again it is stated that the blood of Charles is on his father's hands. This placement of responsibility displays the theme of vengeance, in which children often pay for their parents’ actions. Blessington states that Ellen disappeared, and when he leaves Clara and Valletort decide to fulfill Charles’ wish and agree to marry.
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 opens with Wacousta’s court-martial for treason. When the governor asks Wacousta for his defence he summarizes his life “proclaim[ing] [the governor] for a false, remorseless villain” (520). The governor says that Wacousta will be hung on the flag-staff “exhibited to the misguided people” (521). The diction of “exhibited” suggests the theme that treason must be publicly punished.
Wacousta taunts the governor because Frederick is missing and argues that if the governor postpones his death he will have him freed. In exchange, Wacousta wants to be shot as opposed to hung. Wacousta asks the governor to free his hands and mocks him when he refuses. When his hands are released Clara causes a scene and as Valletort tries to calm her, he calls her ‘wife’ which shocks the regiment. This shock creates a distraction, resulting in Wacousta climbing the flag-staff with Clara. The governor demands the flag-staff be cut down, but Wacousta threatens, “one stroke more, and she perishes” (527)! As Wacousta descends, the staff snaps over the ditch and Wacousta uses Clara to shield his escape.
Wacousta runs towards the bridge where the ‘Indians’ gather, as the officers chase. When Wacousta lifts Clara above his head in victory, Valletort shoots him and Lieutenant Johnstone checks on Clara. Wacousta beats Valletort so he is beyond saving and using Johnstone gun he fires at the rampart. The governor concludes that “private feelings must no longer be studied at the expense of the public good” (532), which is a change from the regiments previous actions to save the de Haldimar’s.
The regiment watches the bridge as Wacousta kills Clara by striking her and letting her fall into the water. The governor watches his daughter die and Oucanasta’s brother kill Wacousta, then announces “the tragedy is closed, the curse of Ellen Halloway is fulfilled” (535).
Chapter 14
Chapter 14 opens as the narrator notes that the “officers of the garrison reduced nearly one third” (538). Frederick, Madeline, François and Oucanasta approach the gate and Major Blackwater refuses to open it without the governor’s consent. When Mr. Lawson returns from the governor’s apartment the theme of secrecy continues as he whispers to Blackwater before opening the gate. Oucanasta declares that “the Saganaw is safe within his fort” (540) and Madeline and Frederick express offerings of friendship and gratitude to her and her brother. These offerings signify change as the British demonstrate signs of friendship as opposed to previous violence.
After Oucanasta leaves it is revealed that Mr. Lawson found the governor dead. This death, caused by grief shows a character change by presenting an emotional side to a strict man. The governor being overcome by grief contrasts with chapter 6, when Blessington says Charles cannot grieve in front of his father because a governor cannot show weakness.
The chapter skips the trial and funeral and resumes with Oucanasta’s brother conveying Ponteac’s desire for peace. Later, the English leave the fort which conveys a theme surrounding peace and loss, suggesting that peace between fighting nations can be achieved whence both sides have suffered loss. Ponteac’s sincere proposal for friendship conveys a change from when he used a façade of peace to try and destroy the forts.
The narrator concludes that Oucanasta and her brother might be seen with Colonel Frederick de Haldimar and Madeline’s children. The novel ends with reference to the gothic and mystery genres, noting that despite searching, Ellen “never was heard of” (543), which is a change from her presence and prophecy.
Work Cited
Richardson, John. Wacousta: or, The Prophecy; A Tale of the Canadas. Edited by Douglas Cronk, Carleton University Press, 1987.
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