Outlander Book Club: A Plague of Zombies Section 21 breakdown

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As a fan with a penchant for thrilling tales and a soft spot for characters that embody courage and quick thinking, I found Section 21 of “A Plague of Zombies” to be a gripping and pivotal chapter. Lord John Grey’s journey into the unknown, guided by Ishmael and other maroons, was a testament to his mettle and resourcefulness.

In the novel “A Plague of Zombies,” Section 21 finds Lord John Grey venturing into a cave accompanied by Ishmael and others. His objective is to demonstrate his integrity.

This chapter revolved around Captain Accompong testing John’s integrity, and indeed, that was the focus. Agreeing to adhere to the maroons’ methods, yet with limits, was John’s decision. However, he had no intention of risking his own life for it.

We get to see how fast John can think on his feet again. We also see how brave he is.

Breaking down A Plague of Zombies Section 21

The story begins as John joins Ishmael and some maroons en route to a cave. Just before they step inside, Ishmael hands John a flask filled with rum and an unknown substance. Upon entering the cave, John starts feeling slightly dizzy. Strangely enough, this concoction didn’t seem to affect Ishmael.

Ishmael puts a snake on John’s back. Initially, John remains composed since he believes there are no venomous snakes in Jamaica. Yet, Ishmael informs him that this specific serpent hails from Africa. Recognizing the potential danger, John decides not to take chances with his life. He swiftly picks up the snake and discards it.

This situation resulted in chaos, with someone yelling and eventually detecting a scent of blood. It’s safe to infer that the snake likely lashed out in fury and bit someone. I’m grateful John exhibited courage by swiftly responding rather than being overwhelmed by fear at the sight of a potentially dangerous snake near him.

John directly addresses Ishmael, emphasizing that he speaks truthfully and intends to retrieve his men. He unequivocally states that he will not depart without them and is relinquishing the maroon lifestyle. So far, he’s shown respect, but now his own life is at stake.

Could this chapter be used in a TV adaptation?

To fully appreciate “A Plague of Zombies” if it were ever brought to life, it’s crucial to observe how this chapter unfolds, as it delves into the ongoing existence of the maroons and provides insights into their actions and choices. This glimpse offers a peek into their rudimentary lifestyle, though it’s debatable whether modern English society has the right to criticize given our own primitive tendencies at this historical juncture.

In addition, we’ll witness John taking swift action to ensure his survival. This demonstration is crucial in revealing his true character, and it’s a significant instance for doing so. Even in perilous situations, he maintains a composure that speaks volumes about his nature.

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2024-11-11 19:38