The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle Choices Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

But when I continued to stand there – unmoving, making no response – he suddenly shouted, "Did you not hear me? Get to your cabin!"

"I won't," I blurted out. "I'm no longer a passenger. I'm with them." So saying, I stepped back until I sensed the men around me. (14.8-14.9)

Charlotte chooses to become one of the crew and, in doing so, defies the direct orders of Captain Jaggery. Why doesn't he stop her? How are her decisions coming to bear on how others perceive her?

Quote #8

He turned to the crew. "Does anyone wish to make a statement on this girl's behalf?"

No one spoke.

"Miss Doyle," he said, "do you wish to say anything?"

"My father-"

"Miss Doyle," the captain cried out, "when we began I offered you the opportunity of claiming the protection of your father. You refused it then!"

Miserable, I could only bow my head.

He turned to the crew. "Does anyone wish to make a statement on this girl's behalf?"

No one spoke.

"Miss Doyle," he said. "Do you wish to say anything?"

Miserable, I could only shake my head. (18.206-18.215)

Though Charlotte is innocent, she finds it impossible to speak during Captain Jaggery's prosecution. The courtroom paralyzes Charlotte, as it does the crew. Why does no one raise his voice? What is it about the courtroom that robs Charlotte and the men of their ability to act?

Quote #9

"Miss Doyle," he said, "if you want to save your life you will tell me. I am trying to help you, but I cannot manage it without your thoughts. You have some choices, Miss Doyle. Shall I make them clear? Do you prefer to dangle from a yardarm by your neck? Or do you wish to walk free? What do you want, Miss Doyle?"

"To live."

He sighed. "Then speak." (19.41-19.43)

Charlotte's choices have now become a matter of life and death. In this situation, to speak is to live. To be silent is to be dead. Does speaking become a kind of agency for Charlotte? (To have "agency" means to have the capacity to act. It's a cool, smart word. Use it.)