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NAPOLEONIC WARS
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9. HF - HMS SURPRISE - CHAPTER 9 (274 - 330) (05/23/11 - 05/30/11) ~ No spoilers, please
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For those of you who enjoy O'Brian for his descriptions of ship to ship naval actions, Chapter 9 is the payoff for having to have waded through all the Jane Austen/George Elliot/Bronte sisters maundering about Diana and Sophie etc. I admit O'Brian usually loses me in the detailed descriptions of the positions of the ships based on compass points and wind direction. Chapter 9 has a great deal of that. Every time I read one of such passages, I think I ought to get out some model ships or something and arrange them on a table. I never do. However, this is a quibble. Chapter 9 contains lots of pure adventure writing, on a very high level. What did everyone else think?
There should be no doubt that combat is what truly what refines the crew into a well-honed fighting machine. Aubrey's strategy with the Marengo is to use Surprise's superior sailing qualities to maneuver into a position where Surprise can rake Marengo. In order to do so, the Surprise must withstand several broadsides from the much heavier armed Marengo. The crew suffers the temporary drubbing admirably, even though the Surprise is cut up and loses several crewmen in the process. Then they serve their guns with a will, paying the Marengo back with interest. No faltering, no ambivalence, no one cowering in the lower decks or malingering.
Whether he intends to expressly say so or no, O'Brian seems to take the view that combat is a truly salutary, satisfying, unifying activity. It seems like the pinnacle of his character's lives. And yet, obviously, it is in killing and destruction that they achieve this state. What do you think? Is O'Brian trying to say something about his characters with his treatment of combat? Is he trying to say something about men, or even humanity in general?
Please feel free to comment on the above or anything else you found of interest in Chapter 9 or in the book so far.
There should be no doubt that combat is what truly what refines the crew into a well-honed fighting machine. Aubrey's strategy with the Marengo is to use Surprise's superior sailing qualities to maneuver into a position where Surprise can rake Marengo. In order to do so, the Surprise must withstand several broadsides from the much heavier armed Marengo. The crew suffers the temporary drubbing admirably, even though the Surprise is cut up and loses several crewmen in the process. Then they serve their guns with a will, paying the Marengo back with interest. No faltering, no ambivalence, no one cowering in the lower decks or malingering.
Whether he intends to expressly say so or no, O'Brian seems to take the view that combat is a truly salutary, satisfying, unifying activity. It seems like the pinnacle of his character's lives. And yet, obviously, it is in killing and destruction that they achieve this state. What do you think? Is O'Brian trying to say something about his characters with his treatment of combat? Is he trying to say something about men, or even humanity in general?
Please feel free to comment on the above or anything else you found of interest in Chapter 9 or in the book so far.
Welcome to the group discussion of the book HMS Surprise by Patrick O'Brian. This discussion is being led by Assisting Moderator - Christopher Tolley.
During the week of May 23rd – May 29th we are reading:
Week Nine - May 23 - May 29 - Chapter 9 - p. 274 - 330
This thread will discuss the following:
Week Nine - May 23 - May 29 - Chapter 9 - p. 274 - 330
Remember, these weekly non spoiler threads are just that - non spoiler. There are many other threads where "spoiler information" can be placed including the glossary and any of the other supplemental threads.
We will open up a thread for each week's reading. Please make sure to post in the particular thread dedicated to those specific chapters and page numbers to avoid spoilers. We will also open up supplemental threads as we have done for other spotlighted reads.
We look forward to your participation. Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other noted on line booksellers do have copies of the book and shipment can be expedited. The book can also be obtained easily at your local library, on iTunes for the ipad, Audible etc. There are also downloadable eBook versions available. However, be careful, if you do go for an audible version that some audible formats are abridged and not unabridged.
There is still time remaining to obtain the book and get started. There is no rush and we are thrilled to have you join us. It is never too late to get started and/or to post.
Welcome,
Bentley
Attached is the link to the full TOC and Syllabus:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...
Here is a link to the Introduction Thread for this book:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...
And here is the link to the glossary which is a spoiler thread where anything can be discussed regarding the book including historical events, famous people, locations, naval history depicted in the novel and the like.
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...