Kidnapped

Summary

The novel "Kidnapped" by Robert Louis Stevenson tells the story of the adventures of a young Scotsman, David Balfour. After the death of his parents, he sets off to meet his uncle Ebenezer, who turns out to be a cruel and greedy man. His uncle deceives David and sells him into slavery to the captain of the ship "Covenant." Onboard, David meets Alan Breck Stewart, a Scottish Jacobite, and they become friends. Together, they endure many dangerous adventures, including a shipwreck and being pursued by English soldiers. Eventually, David returns home and reclaims his inheritance, exposing his uncle's villainy.

Main Ideas

• Journey and Adventure: The protagonist, David Balfour, undergoes numerous trials and adventures that help him mature and find his place in the world.
• Themes of Betrayal and Loyalty: The book explores the relationships between characters, their loyalty and betrayals, which influence the plot and character development.
• Quest for Justice: David seeks to restore his rights and justice, confronting injustice and corruption.
• Identity and Self-Determination: The protagonist searches for his place in the world, defining his identity and role in society.
• Historical Context: The book depicts the events and atmosphere of 18th-century Scotland, including the political and social aspects of the time.

Historical Context and Significance

The novel "Kidnapped" by Robert Louis Stevenson, published in 1886, is an important work in the adventure literature genre. The book narrates the adventures of young Scotsman David Balfour, who becomes a victim of kidnapping and is drawn into political intrigues and a struggle for survival. The historical significance of the novel lies in its depiction of 18th-century Scotland, including the social and political conflicts of the time, such as the Jacobite uprisings. Its cultural impact is seen in the popularization of Scottish history and culture, as well as in creating the image of a noble hero who overcomes hardships through courage and determination. The book also contributed to the development of the adventure novel genre and inspired many subsequent authors.

Main Characters and Their Development

• David Balfour — the main character of the book, a young Scotsman who, after the death of his parents, goes to his uncle Ebenezer Balfour. David undergoes many trials, including kidnapping and a sea voyage, which help him grow and become more mature and self-assured.
• Ebenezer Balfour — David's uncle, a greedy and cunning man who tries to get rid of his nephew to keep the inheritance. His actions lead to David's kidnapping, but eventually, his villainy is exposed.
• Alan Breck Stewart — a charismatic and brave Jacobite who becomes David's friend and ally. Alan helps David survive after the shipwreck, and together they face many dangers. Alan is an important mentor for David, helping him become more decisive and courageous.
• Captain Hoseason — the captain of the ship "Covenant," on which David is kidnapped. He acts on Ebenezer's orders and is an antagonist at the beginning of the story. His greed and cruelty lead to many conflicts aboard the ship.

Style and Technique

The novel "Kidnapped" by Robert Louis Stevenson is written in the adventure literature genre with elements of historical fiction. The author's style is characterized by lively and dynamic narration, rich with descriptions of nature and the environment, which helps create the atmosphere of 18th-century Scotland. The language of the work is simple and accessible, yet filled with archaisms and dialect expressions, lending authenticity and historical accuracy to the text. Literary techniques include the use of dialogues to reveal character traits and advance the plot, as well as the protagonist's internal monologues, which allow a deeper understanding of his experiences and motivations. The structure of the novel is linear, with a clear division into chapters, each representing a complete episode that contributes to the development of the main plot. Stevenson skillfully uses elements of suspense and unexpected plot twists to keep the reader's attention throughout the work.

Interesting Facts

• The book is based on real historical events, such as the murder of Colin Campbell of Glenure in 1752.
• The main character, David Balfour, is a young Scotsman who sets out to claim his inheritance.
• The book describes real places in Scotland, such as Edinburgh and the Highlands.
• One of the key characters is Alan Breck Stewart, who is based on a real historical figure.
• The novel was first published in 1886 and became one of Stevenson's most popular works.
• The book is part of a series, with its sequel titled "Catriona."

Book Review

"Kidnapped" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a captivating adventure novel that immerses the reader in the atmosphere of 18th-century Scotland. Critics praise Stevenson's skill in creating vivid and memorable characters, such as David Balfour and Alan Breck. The plot is rich with unexpected twists and dynamic events, making it an engaging and thrilling read. Special attention is given to historical accuracy and the detailed depiction of the cultural and social aspects of the time. Critics also highlight that "Kidnapped" is not only an entertaining read but also a profound work that touches on themes of honor, friendship, and the fight for justice. Overall, the novel has received high praise for its literary value and ability to captivate the reader from the first pages.