The Lieutenant (novel): Difference between revisions

Daniel Rooke (loosely based on Dawes) is a self-possessed boy whose parents seek to better his prospects in life by having him brought to the attention of important people, and thus given opportunities others of his station in life may not have had. Among them is the [[Astronomer Royal]]. He is a mathematical [[Genius|prodigy]] but must keep this to himself or else be victimized by adults and fellow students.

As the astronomer, Rooke is given considerable freedom and establishesconstructs an observatory on a headland outside the colony's camp,. Conflicted by internal struggles and remainsdriven thereby inhis adesire to be undisturbed, he asks permission to establish his own hut in the vicinity of the observatory, remaining in it except when required to be at the camp or on routine, and for weekly meals to remainkeep in contact with other officers.

Rooke establishescreates contacta connection with the local Aboriginal people, and a young girl in particular, Tagaran, who teaches him words while also learning English. Rooke keeps several books written with his interpretations of the grammar and meanings of words he is taught. When Silk finds the books, andhe wants them to become part of his reports on the colony to a publisher in London and tries to bribe Rooke to agree with him.

A member of the colony is speared by aboriginals after what may have been an attempt to kill aborigines. The [[Governor of New South Wales]] orders Silk to lead a party to takekidnap six aboriginals. Rooke is ordered to accompany the party however he disagrees with the decision, and shares the intentorders ofgiven to the party towith theTagaran girlso toshe can warn theher aboriginescommunity.

On the first night of the expedition, after Rooke found out their true intent was to behead six aboriginals, he left the party in horror. Upon arriving back, he makes it clear to the governor how wrong his orders were and, as a consequence for refusing to follow them, heRooke is sent back to England for a trial.