Both the Roots and Ridgeway groups had wide ranging discussions on John Meade Faulkner's Moonfleet, looking at a variety of themes...
Without giving away too much of the plot, the discussions are briefly outlined below.
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Redemption
- John Trenchard was thought to 'set things right' by using the money he inherited to fund the almshouses
- Elzevir was thought to be a character that best portrayed redemption, at the very start he takes in John and treats him like a son, despite being a hardened smuggler not unused to violence
- It takes the daughter of Maskew to atone for his behaviour
- John Trenchard's aunt makes up for some of her unkindness by handing John a bible that becomes of great importance in the novel
Community and belonging
- All community involved in smuggling
- Revenue men seen as outsiders and portrayed mainly as 'bad'
- How accurate was it as a depiction of a village at that time?
Smuggling
- Seen as romantic and adventurous
- The danger and violence is glossed over
- An outline of the Hawkhurst Gang and their raid on Poole Custom House in 1747 was used as an example of the violent actions of smugglers. See Smuggling in Hampshire and Dorset by Geoffrey Morley or www.smuggling.co.uk
- Is smuggling wrong?
- Huge number of goods taxed highly to raise funds for wars. Understandable that whole communities involved in smuggling (kept superstitious stories going to protect people involved in smuggling.
- Whole village involved in smuggling. Village very poor – community would be suffering from high taxes.
- Ordinance Survey Map OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset covers the route of John and Elzevir's journey from Moonfleet to Purbeck
- Moonfleet village is East Fleet, the church can be seen, likewise the manor house
- Discussion as to which sea cave/old mine working that John stayed in - probably a mix of Winspit (to the right of St Aldhelm's Head on the map) and Tilly Whim Caves (to the left of Durlston Head)
- The description of the shipwreck outside the cave in the past is reminiscent of the wreck of the Halsewell in 1786, see www.dorsetlife.co.uk, amongst many sites with information. The mirror from the wreck can be seen in Worth Matravers Church and other finds are in the collection of Dorset County Museum.
- Purbeck Gates is above Tyneham between Whiteway Hill and Povington Hill
- There is a 200ft well at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight
- Culliford Tree Barrow mentioned in the text is at grid reference SY 6691 8548
- Smugglers Path on the undercliff at Ringstead (take care – it is narrow)
- Hoar Head is White Nothe
- Monksbury is Abbotsbury
- Snout is Portland Bill
- Where is Joseph’s Pit?
- Lovely descriptions of the landscape, Manor gardens etc
Wealth
- Is John only concerned with getting rich and does his opinion change as the novel progresses?
- John young and adventurous (wanted to be rich and improve his station in life so would be worthy of Grace)
- Reminded of the curse of the ring (Lord of the Rings) – similar to bad luck brought by the diamond
- Is the diamond really necessary to the story?
Conclusion
- Very good and enjoyable adventure story that stands rereading
- Complexity of plot and characters intriguing
- Good at suspense and action (e.g bidding for the pub)
Other Works by J. Meade Faulkner
- The Nebuly Coat
- The Lost Stradavarius
Roots Group Meeting 7/10/14
Do add your own thoughts and comments below
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