1. Kidnapped N5 Duality

2. ... is a literary concept which is all about how a character, or place, or situation, or event can have two very different, even directly contrasting aspects. In “Kidnapped” we see duality within the character of the novel’s protagonist, David Balfour; between the characters of David and Alan Breck; in the portrayal of Scotland’s political, geographical and social settings.

3. Duality - David David, on leaving Essendean, has mixed feelings toward his adventure: on the one hand, he is exuberant and excited (revealing a potentially adventurous side to his character); on the other hand, he nervous and uncertain (revealing a more cautious side to his character).

4. Duality – David and Alan David, despite this element of adventurousness within him, comes over as a fairly timid character in comparison with Alan Breck. Alan and David predominantly display the recognised characteristics of Highlander and Lowlander, respectively.

5. Duality – David and Alan Alan displays all of the following ‘Highland’ qualities: pride loyalty generosity quickness to take offence impetuosity vengefulness high-handedness, sometimes becoming autocratic a Romantic character – one focussing on an emotional rather than a rational view of the world.

6. Duality – David and Alan By contrast, David displays many ‘Lowland’ qualities by being: cautious sensible careful with money concerned with law and justice political democratic dour realistic

7. Duality - Scotland

8. Duality can be seen in the novel’s portrayal of Scotland’s political, geographical and social settings. There are obvious contrasts between: Highland and Lowland language (Gaelic and English) and culture… … particularly in how clan autocracy (the chief deciding all things) contrasts with Lowland democracy… …and especially in how the Highlands seem relatively lawless, whereas the law is a very important aspect of Lowland life (think of the role it plays in David’s story) ; Jacobite and Hanoverian politics; Catholic and Protestant religions; Highland poverty and Lowland wealth.