Loyal to a Fault

Loyal to a Fault When you hear the word loyal; moral, ethical and committed are the traits that come to mind. These are positive attributes that are encouraged in a person. But if you are true to your loyalty, to another person or your beliefs at what point does loyalty cross the line and you compromise your morals, ethics and commitments or are blind to the truth. In the novel Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson, there are many examples of loyalty through family, friendship and your obligations to your cause. It is shown where one is blinded by loyalty and could cross the line in pursuit of loyalty that it becomes a fault. To begin the novel is based on David, the main character, who has recently lost both parents and is set out on a journey to live with his Uncle, Ebenezer Shaw, who he believes as his father's brother, Ebenezer will be willing and obligated to set David out as a great man. He trusts that through his blood lines that family loyalty will be shown from Ebenezer too . This is challenged before David even meets Ebenezer. As David seeks direction to the House of Shaws the first seeds of concern about his Uncle and the House of Shaws is set. "But after two, or maybe three, had given me the same look and the same answer, I began to take it in my head there was something strange about the Shaws itself". David still continues in search of his uncle's house. Further along his journey he is warned off by a honest looking fellow riding a cart and he said "Its name of my affairs; but ye seem a decent-spoken lad; and if ye'll take a word from me, ye'll keep clear of the Shaws" (Stevenson 7). Though David is being warned he still feels obligated to continue. Finally he meets a lady who openly shows her hatred towards Ebenezer and the House of Shaws, "I spit upon the ground, and crack my thumb at it! Black be its fall! If you see the laird tell him what ye hear; tell him this makes the twelve hunner and nineteen time that Jennet Clouston has called down