Jane Austen discussion
Side Reads Post Captain
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Discuss Chapters 5 - 6 with SPOILERS
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Jun 30, 2010 08:48AM
Part two of the discussion.
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Poor Jack having to slink around town to avoid the creditors! I am just so outraged on his behalf that his pocketbook has had such bad luck. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, he still goes out and does what he can to network and enjoy a bit of pleasure at the same time :)
Why didn't he accept Canning's offer? They would have made a great partnership and Jack could have had all of the adventure and money he could want. I'm assuming the Canning reappears and Jack eventually does join up with him, because the adventure he would have would make for some great reading!
Diana Villiers makes another appearance, and the strange courtship by Aubrey and Maturin continues. But are they courting her? Both seem intrigued by her beauty and her wit; she certainly provides much more interesting conversation than the majority of the ladies. Her life experiences must have some appeal to both; the hint of a tragic past and a bit of silent suffering probably appeals to Stephen and her experience of and willingness to embrace adventure appeals to Jack. Neither of them seem to be seriously courting her, neither really thinks that it would be possible to marry her, but Stephen is definitely the more serious of the two. I think he would marry her if she would have him, but I almost think that she would have to be the one to propose it.

Poor Jack having to slink around town to avoid the creditors! I am jus..."
Jack, while clearly tempted and intrigued by Canning's offer, can't bring himself to accept. He is, through and through, a fully committed officer in the Royal Navy; and that is all that he has ever wanted to be.
Regarding Diana Villiers. Both men are 'courting' her. Jack's courtship is more of the lustful type, whilst Stephen's is the more idealized and intellectual longing. Diana is an interesting creature, isn't she? She is full of the zest of life, has an aggressive personality, but is not particularly well educated (remember when they read her little notes and letters). Diana knows men! That is her real strength. Compare her to Sophie Williams. Big difference, on so many levels.

Would Jack have to retire from the Navy were he to except Canning's offer? Or would he not be able to retire, but have to quit?

Joy, he would be required to resign his commission. Were he to then come back into the RN, he would have forfeited all of his seniority on the Post Captain's List. Even being allowed to come back into the Navy at some later date would be no sure thing, especially for a fellow like Jack Aubrey (he has a way of making some powerful enemies).

If you don't mind indulging another hypothetical scenario, I would be much obliged. If Jack were to be one of the many Post Captains without a ship, would he be able to take a 'side-job' of sorts and go work for someone like Canning (ie outside of the Navy) but just be available if and when the Navy needed him to take a ship? Or, would he have to do some sort of desk job to fulfill his responsibilities. Apparently I expect you to be a 19th century naval expert :)

Short of staying ashore as a "half-pay" Captain, a fellow in that situation could go to the Admiralty and petition them for some form of RN-sanctioned work. For example, he could head up the 'Reserves' in a particular coastline district, or take charge of impressment (forced recruitment, i.e., the 'press gang')in a naval district. Were he to take any other non-sanctioned employment he would probably be asked to resign his commission forthwith.