"Kidnapped" UnWrapped

Having a moral code—an idea of loyalty, honor, and "what is right"—is very important to most characters in Kidnapped, but many of them have very different conceptions of these ideas. What are Alan and David's different opinions these issues, and what effects do these differences have upon their relationship as well as the plot?

Loyalty and friendship The central theme of Kidnapped is the friendship between Alan and David. It is an unlikely pairing: the young, naïve, properly Protestant Whig, David Balfour, and the older, rebellious, adventurous, Catholic Jacobite, Alan Breck Stewart. Stevenson may have wanted to show that the Whigs and the Jacobites could meet eye-to-eye sometimes, and even become friends, despite their bloody history.

Created by: Calysta Miles

Are you ready for...
Our "When Will I Die" Quiz?

  1. What momentous event in his life started David Balfour on his journey to the House of Shaws and the beginning of his adventures?
  2. On his way to the House of Shaws David comes across Jennie Clouston. What did she declare about that place?
  3. How did David's Uncle Ebenezer try to kill him on the second night at the House of Shaws?
  4. What is the name of the ship on to which David is taken and then kidnapped?
  5. Which man is responsible for the death of the cabin-boy called Ransome?
  6. Which of these details does Stevenson use to describe Alan Breck Stewart when he first appears on board the Covenant?
  7. How many men do David and Alan have to fight against when they take on the ship's crew in the "Battle of the Roundhouse"?
  8. Alan Breck is a member of the Appin Stewart clan. Which other clan does he see as the traditional enemy of his people?
  9. For what reason would Alan Breck Stewart be hanged if he was caught by the English?
  10. What token did Alan Breck Stewart give David which would show the people of the Highlands that he was a friend?
  11. When David escapes from the shipwreck on to the islet of Earraid he lives a life of hunger, cold and damp for nearly five days.What fundamental mistake did he make?
  12. What happens to the Red Fox of Glenure?
  13. What does Alan Breck Stewart do whilst David is recovering his strength at the hideout of Cluny MacPherson?
  14. How do Alan Breck Stewart and Robin Oig MacGregor (Rob Roy's son) decide to settle their quarrel?
  15. How do Alan and David finally manage to cross the River Forth and escape from the pursuit in the Highlands?
  16. Who is the narrator of the story?
  17. To what clan does Alan Breck belong?
  18. Who is David's father?
  19. What does Captain Hoseason intend to do to David?
  20. What is the name of the leader of the Stewart clan?
  21. Who is the oldest: Alexander Balfour, David Balfour, Ebenezer Balfour, or Ransome?
  22. Who does Mr. Shuan kill?
  23. Generally, one of the primarily traits of a story's protagonist is that he or she is dynamic. This means that their character develops over the course of the novel, usually becoming more experienced, more mature, and more capable and are often very different people by the end of the story. Who is the protagonist of Kidnapped, David? or Alan? Neither? or both?
  24. Which of the following is NOT one of the gifts that Minister Campbell gives David as he leaves home?
  25. How does David react when his uncle tells him that he will have to wait outside the house while Ebenezer runs an errand?
  26. What does the lightening in Chapter IV likely symbolize?
  27. How does Ebenezer finally get bribed by Alan and David ensuring their reward?
  28. What does Hoseason infer about Alan Breck from his French coat?
  29. How does Mr. Rankeillor test that David is intelligent and thus, likely the person he claims to be?
  30. Of which of the following is the Sterling Bridge NOT symbolic?

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