Loyalty

Loyalty is a dominating theme in Patrick O'Brian's novel, TREASON'S HARBOUR. All three main characters provide examples of loyalty. Captain Aubrey is a loyal Navy Captain and frustrated by his lack of promotion to the Navy's upper ranks but he continues to try his best. He is always eager to set sail into battle again, knowing that each voyage is another chance to prove himself. Despite his frustration he remained loyal to those around him. When his first lieutenant was promoted to captain Aubrey rejoiced with him. Aubrey even personally trained two of his crew whom he deemed worthy of lieutenant rank. Aubrey wanted to see them have rewarding careers, and, assuming that he may never receive his promotion, Aubrey encouraged them to make their own professional progress. Captain Aubrey's career required him to be separated from his wife, Sophie, for long stretches of time. He sent home...