Captain Blood: His Odyssey

Chivalry is a motif that contributes to all three themes in Captain Blood. Chivalry originated in medieval Europe as a code of conduct for knights fighting wars, but it evolved into a set of values for all Christian aristocrats. Captain Blood shows readers that chivalry can be practiced by men who aren’t high in the social order. Blood’s nobility derives from his character rather than the circumstances of his birth. It is demonstrated in chivalrous behavior despite his poverty and low standing and becomes even clearer in contrast to the corruption of his social superiors. In this context, chivalry includes protecting the vulnerable, championing justice and mercy, acting honorably, and earning fame through brave deeds, sacrifice, and charity. It doesn’t require religious devotion. Captain Blood doesn’t observe any established religion, whereas the aristocrats who are more like pirates than Blood do.

Captain Blood’s chivalry is rooted in his courtly love for Arabella. Courtly love is chivalry’s ideal romantic relationship, in which a knight loves a lady from afar and performs great deeds to honor her without expecting anything in return. The goal is to elevate romantic love to a purely spiritual level that refines the knight’s character.