The Impact of Power Relations on Captain Frederick Marryat’s Novels

Abstract

Captain Frederick Marryat is among the most noted writers of the nineteenth century. This article explains why he became a distinguished figure. Throughout his life, he was a Conservative traditionalist and warned against the dangers of revolution, especially the French Revolution. The article clarifies how he supported the monarchical system of Britain and refers to several of his works. He served in the Royal Navy for many years, during which he experienced wondrous adventures. After he was invalided from the service because of fracturing a blood vessel, he turned to writing. In his writing career, he was critical of some of the deficiencies of the Royal Navy. Using a historical approach, this article discusses how he expressed his criticism and what effects it had on society. Among his writings was a work which angered King William IV, leading to his decision to exclude Marryat from his knighthood list. After this, Marryat wrote two books censuring the King for the corruption in his government and for removing him from the knighthood list. After the death of the King, Queen Victoria ascended the throne. This was the start of a new phase of life for Marryat. This article discusses how Marryat endeavoured to change his status in relation to the Royal Family and how he called upon Queen Victoria to act as a judge regarding his conflict with the preceding monarch.

Keywords:

• Captain Frederick Marryat
• Conservatism
• monarchy
• historical criticism
• Queen Victoria
• Royal Navy