Essay Questions

Why did Baron Xavier Oberg incarcerate Elma Heath in the Castle of Kajana instead of killing her?

Xavier Oberg is the main antagonist of the novel. In spite of his depiction as a remorseless murderer, he chooses to incarcerate Elma in the castle of Kajana instead of killing her. The latter, having witnessed one of his murders, has become a threat upon his own life and career should she decide to betray the secret. Consequently, the most probable course of action for a man with Oberg’s evil constitution would be to murder her in order to eliminate any kind of threat. But Elma comes from a rich Russian family, and is the sole heiress of a large fortune. By keeping her alive, Oberg had in view the goal of appropriating her legacy by betrothing her to his son before getting rid of her. For this reason, Elma was kept in Kajana, under dreadful circumstances, until such time as was enough to make her consent to such a hateful prospect.

Why did Jack Durnford keep the Secret of the Lola?

Captain Jack Durnford is the secret suitor of Muriel Leithcourt. When he was appealed to for clarification about the Lola by his friend Gordon Gregg, he denied any knowledge about the boat and later refused to shed light upon the matter. In taking this course of action, in spite of his awareness of the deceitful schemes for which the steamer was used, Jack was trying to shield his lover and spare the reputation of her father. It was only when he learned that she was promised, against her will, in marriage to Martin Woodroffe that he consented to help Gordon and lend him his assistance to arrest this villain and be reunited with his love.

How does the novel develop the theme of Nationalism?

The protagonist of the work, namely Gordon Gregg, is depicted as a promising young man who is very proud of his English roots. Gordon is portrayed as brave, smart, and chivalrous. Whenever he is in peril of his own life, Gordon does not flinch or get disheartened. On the contrary, he stands dauntlessly in the face of danger trusting to the justice and power of his own country for protection. In this manner, the novel develops the theme of nationalism and dwells upon the grandeur of the British Empire and the British people.