A Smuggler and a Gentleman, by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch

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If you are telling me the truth,’ said Hawke, ‘I will make your fortune; if you have lied to me, I will hang you at the yard-arm.’

The fleet weighed instantly, soon sighted the French, and overtook them in Quiberon Bay.* The Admiral now ordered Paulet back into his little vessel; but the smuggler begged leave to remain and have a share in the fight. This was granted, and Paulet fought like a Briton; and when the fight was over and the great victory won, Hawke sent him home with letters of commendation in his pocket and money in his purse that enabled him to buy a public-house in London and spend the rest of his days in ease.

by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch 1863-1944

From ‘The Story of the Sea’ Vol. 1 (1895) by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch (1863-1944).

* Find Quiberon Bay on Google Maps. Hawke had forced the French fleet back towards land just north of St Nazaire on France’s west coast.

Précis

Thus warned of the French fleet’s moves, Hawke was able to pin the enemy down in Quiberon Bay. A sharp sea-battle followed, in which Paulet insisted on joining. After victory was secure, Paulet retired from smuggling to become a pub landlord, thanks to a purse of gold which Hawke gave him along with a letter of commendation.

Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

Hawke warned Paulet not to lie. The punishment was hanging.

See if you can include one or more of these words in your answer.

IIf. IIThreat. IIITruth.

Précis

Questions for Critics

Jigsaws

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