I just had a Dodger of a thought!

[RathDarkblade]

Yesterday in the local bookstore, I saw a book about Captain Thomas Blood, and I had a thought... (uh-oh)...

Is

Spoiler

Pip Stick, aka Jack Dodger

based on Captain Blood? Consider the following...

- Both of them

Spoiler

committed outrageous crimes

- Both of them

Spoiler

stole jewellery

- Both of them

Spoiler

dealt with royalty

- Both of them

Spoiler

were brave and cheeky, and faced terrible dangers

- Both of them

Spoiler

were ultimately rewarded for their bravery and cheekiness

So... maybe Dodger is Pterry's response to Captain Blood! What do you think, eh?

 

[RathDarkblade]

No responses, eh?

 

[Tonyblack]

I have no idea about Captain Blood so I am unable to comment. I thought that Dodger was more based on an alternative version of Dicken's Artful Dodger who hadn't been influenced by Fagin. He chose life in the sewers rather than in crime. Terry has stated that he enjoyed the books of Henry Mayhew, who actually appears in this book. Terry was particularly impressed with a book by Mayhew called "London Labour & The London Poor". Mayhew also wrote such books as: "The London Underworld in the Victorian Period", "London characters" and: "The criminal prisons of London". I think that Mayhew and his writings are more likely to be the basis for Dodger.

 

[Tonyblack]

You might find the Dodger **Spoilers** topic, useful.

 

[RathDarkblade]

All right, I've moved the topic across to the other thread, Tony. Please feel free to close this one.